The Best Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe for Taco Tuesday

Fire up your taste buds with these mouthwatering grilled chicken burrito bowls that blend zesty Mexican-inspired flavors into a quick and satisfying meal.

Bold spices and fresh ingredients create a colorful and vibrant dish you’ll crave again and again.

Tender grilled chicken nestles perfectly atop a bed of fluffy rice, surrounded by a rainbow of crisp vegetables and creamy toppings.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and fresh elements that transform a simple meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

The combination of charred chicken, black beans, and homemade salsa brings authentic street food vibes right to your dinner table.

Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, these burrito bowls offer a delicious twist on classic Mexican cuisine that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls – Why They’re a Go-To

• Quick and easy marinade that infuses chicken with bold, zesty flavors without complicated prep work.
• Simple grilling technique ensures perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every single time, making outdoor cooking a breeze.
• Flexible recipe allows endless personalization with different toppings and ingredients to match individual taste preferences.
• Packed with protein, grains, and fresh vegetables, this one-bowl wonder delivers a nutritious dinner that satisfies hunger without complex cooking skills.

What Goes in Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful meat that serves as the main protein for the burrito bowls.

• Salt, Pepper, Spices: Seasonings that enhance the chicken's flavor and create a robust taste profile.
• Olive Oil, Lime Juice: Liquid components that help distribute spices and tenderize the chicken.

• Rice: Hearty base that provides a filling foundation for the burrito bowl.
• Black Beans: Protein-rich legume that adds texture and nutritional value.
• Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa that brings brightness and acidity to the dish.
• Cheese: Creamy topping that adds richness and extra flavor.
• Guacamole: Smooth avocado-based condiment that provides creaminess and healthy fats.

• Cilantro: Optional herb that adds a fresh, aromatic finish to the burrito bowl.

Burrito Bowl Prep Essentials

• Grill: Essential for achieving perfect char and smoky flavor on chicken.
• Measuring cup: Needed for accurately mixing marinade ingredients.
• Small bowl: Used for combining spices and seasonings.
• Cutting board: Necessary for chopping chicken after grilling.
• Sharp knife: Required for precisely cutting grilled chicken.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping chicken on the grill safely.
• Sealable plastic bag: Used for marinating chicken evenly.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.

Steps for Building Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls

Step 1: Create Flavor Explosion

Whip up a tantalizing marinade by blending spices, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl.

Grab your measuring cup and mix oil with lime juice, then whirl in the spice combination until everything harmonizes perfectly.

Step 2: Infuse Chicken with Deliciousness

Nestle chicken thighs into a sealable plastic bag.

Pour in the marinade, seal tightly while squeezing out extra air.

Stash in the refrigerator for 45 minutes, giving it a gentle flip halfway through.

Pull out the chicken 15 minutes before grilling to reach room temperature.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Fire up the grill to a sizzling 375°F.

Place chicken on the grates and cook for 5 minutes on the first side.

Flip and sear for another 3 minutes.

Continue cooking until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then chop into delectable pieces.

Step 4: Build Mouthwatering Bowls

Distribute rice into four serving bowls.

• Chopped grilled chicken
• Black beans
• Pico de gallo
• Shredded cheese
• Creamy guacamole

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for an extra burst of flavor if you’re feeling fancy.

Tips for Bright and Bold Burrito Bowls

• Let chicken soak in marinade for maximum flavor absorption, ensuring each bite bursts with zesty lime and spice goodness.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature, preventing undercooked meat and guaranteeing juicy, perfectly cooked protein.
• Cook rice in chicken broth instead of water for an extra layer of savory depth that complements the grilled chicken.
• Swap white rice for cauliflower rice to make the dish low-carb, or use plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
• Add fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or hot sauce right before serving to elevate the bowl's brightness and personalize each serving.

Change Up Your Chicken Burrito Bowls

• Vegetarian Protein Bowl: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, marinated in the same spice blend for a plant-based protein option.
• Cauliflower Rice Alternative: Swap traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly version of the burrito bowl.
• Seafood Variation: Use grilled shrimp or salmon instead of chicken, keeping the original marinade for a seafood-inspired bowl.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Substitute black beans with chickpeas, add cucumber, and use a tzatziki sauce to create a Mediterranean-style burrito bowl.

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls Serving Inspiration

• Fiesta Bowl Flavor Boost: Sprinkle fresh lime zest over the top for a bright, citrusy punch that amplifies the marinade's tangy notes.
• Mexican Street Style: Crumble tortilla chips around the edges of the bowl for a crunchy texture that adds authentic street food flair.
• Spice Level Adventure: Drizzle hot sauce or add sliced jalapeños for those craving extra heat and a bold flavor kick.
• Freshness Factor: Top with crisp chopped lettuce or a handful of fresh arugula to introduce a cool, peppery contrast to the warm grilled chicken.

Storing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls

• Store leftover chicken burrito bowl components separately in airtight containers. Keep rice, chicken, and toppings in different sealed containers to maintain freshness for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Package individual portions in freezer-safe containers or meal prep containers. Chicken and rice can be frozen for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing fresh toppings like pico de gallo or guacamole.
• Warm chicken and rice in microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add fresh cold toppings after reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

• What makes the marinade so flavorful?

The marinade combines spices, salt, pepper, oil, and lime juice, which infuse the chicken with a tangy and zesty flavor profile that enhances the overall taste of the grilled chicken.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts. Just ensure they are of similar thickness and adjust grilling time to prevent overcooking, maintaining a juicy texture.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F, which ensures the meat is safely cooked through without becoming dry or tough.

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 13 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mexican-inspired grilled chicken burrito bowls deliver a flavor-packed meal that combines zesty proteins with fresh ingredients. Hearty rice, charred veggies, and tangy toppings create a satisfying dinner you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper

Seasoning and Oil:

• 2.5 teaspoons oil
• 1 teaspoon lime juice (from 1 lime)

Bowl Components:

• 4 cups cooked rice (any variety)
• 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup pico de gallo (or salsa/chopped tomatoes)
• 0.5 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cotija, or queso fresco)
• 0.25 to 0.5 cup guacamole (or plain avocado)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by blending aromatic spices, salt, and pepper in a compact vessel. Incorporate oil and zesty lime juice, whisking until the mixture achieves a harmonious consistency.
2. Transfer chicken thighs into a sealable plastic container, lavishly coating with the prepared marinade. Seal tightly, expelling excess air, and allow flavors to meld in the refrigerator for 45 minutes. Rotate chicken midway through marination. Extract from cold storage 15 minutes prior to grilling for optimal temperature equilibrium.
3. Heat grill to a precise 375°F, creating an ideal searing environment. Position marinated chicken on the grates, cooking for 5 minutes on the initial side. Expertly flip and continue grilling for an additional 3 minutes. Monitor internal temperature, ensuring it reaches the safe 165°F threshold. Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute before chopping.
4. Construct personalized bowls by distributing rice as a foundational layer. Artfully arrange chopped chicken, complementing with black beans, vibrant pico de gallo, melted cheese, and creamy guacamole. Optional garnish of fresh cilantro adds a final aromatic touch.

Notes

• Enhance Marinade Depth by adding minced garlic or smoked paprika for extra flavor complexity that elevates the chicken’s taste profile.
• Customize Heat Levels easily by adjusting spice blend intensity, making the dish adaptable for mild to spicy preference ranges.
• Meal Prep Friendly recipe allows preparing components ahead, storing separately in refrigerator for quick assembly during busy weekdays.
• Dietary Flexibility supports multiple eating styles by swapping rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb options or using plant-based protein alternatives for vegetarian versions.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg