Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the smell of grilled chicken wafting through the air, signaling a delicious meal to come. The Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that takes about 45 minutes to prepare and cook. This recipe works particularly well because it combines marinated chicken with fresh toppings over a base of hearty grains, making each bite appetizing and filling.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family. You can prepare the chicken marinade ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to eight hours, making it easy to whip this meal together at a moment’s notice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The marinade infuses the chicken with bold flavors, making every bite juicy and delicious.
• Fresh ingredients add a crisp texture, balancing the warmth of the grilled chicken.
• It’s a customizable dish, allowing you to swap ingredients based on your taste preferences.
• This meal can be served in under 45 minutes, perfect for any busy schedule.

What You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients based on their function for a seamless cooking experience.

For the Marinade

• ¼ cup olive oil
• ⅓ cup lime juice
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1-2 tablespoons chili powder
• ¼ cup water

For the Chicken

• 1 ¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

For the Bowl

• 3 cups cooked white or brown rice or quinoa
• 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup salsa or pico de gallo
• 1 avocado, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup light sour cream
• ½ cup shredded romaine lettuce
• ⅓ cup chopped cilantro leaves
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

You can substitute quinoa for rice for a healthier option.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use lime zest for extra flavor.
• Swap black beans for pinto beans.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt.
• Choose your favorite grains for the base.

How to Make It

Follow these steps for a delicious grilled chicken burrito bowl.

Prepare the Marinade

Combine the lime juice, olive oil, and water in a large resealable bag. Add the garlic, sugar, kosher salt, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, and chili powder, then seal and shake to combine.

Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken to the marinade, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours to marinate.

Grill the Chicken

Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Chop the Chicken

Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it cool before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.

Prepare the Rice Base

In a large bowl, place the cooked rice or quinoa; add chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt and pepper to taste; toss to ensure the rice is evenly coated.

Assemble the Bowls

Divide the rice between 4 bowls. Top each bowl with chicken, black beans, salsa, avocado, sour cream, and shredded lettuce. Serve immediately!

How to Store It

Fridge: store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: no, the texture may change upon thawing.
Reheat: microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before chopping for juicier pieces.
• Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
• For added heat, include jalapeños in your toppings.
• Customize the toppings based on your preferences for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with tortilla chips and guacamole for a complete meal.
• Pair with a refreshing margarita or iced tea for a perfect warm day.
• Great for meal prep or picnic outings to enjoy flavorful lunches on the go.