Easy One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe: Tasty Weeknight Magic

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that satisfy hungry stomachs and busy schedules.

These one-pot chicken burrito bowls deliver maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Packed with tender chicken, zesty spices, and colorful ingredients, this recipe turns an ordinary meal into a fiesta of taste.

Layers of rice, protein, and fresh toppings create a balanced and hearty dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

No complicated techniques or endless dishes to wash – just pure, straightforward cooking that packs a punch.

Each bite combines smoky, savory notes with bright, fresh elements that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Get ready to transform your dinner routine with this crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make meal.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but increase the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice typically needs about 45 minutes to cook and requires 1/2 cup more broth.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free broth. Always check ingredient labels to confirm, especially with seasonings and broth.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe has mild seasonings. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or use a spicier salsa when cooking.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace chicken with extra firm tofu or add more black beans. You’ll also want to swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it fully vegetarian.

One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Taste Factor

• Enjoy a complete, hearty meal prepared in just one pan, reducing cleanup and saving precious kitchen time.
• Swap ingredients or add personal favorite toppings to make this chicken burrito bowl uniquely yours, perfect for picky eaters or different taste preferences.
• Packed with protein from chicken, fiber-rich beans, and wholesome rice, this dish delivers a balanced meal that keeps everyone full and happy.
• Kids and adults will love the bold flavors and colorful presentation, making it an ideal dinner option that pleases everyone at the table.

Ingredient Lineup for Chicken Burrito Bowls in One Pot

• Chicken: Lean protein that serves as the primary source of meat in the burrito bowl.
• Black Beans: Protein-rich legume that adds texture and additional protein to the dish.

• Rice: Fluffy base grain that absorbs flavors and provides a hearty foundation for the burrito bowl.

• Onions, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Foundational ingredients that build depth of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Tomatoes, Broth: Liquid components that create moisture and help cook the rice while adding rich flavor.
• Lime Juice: Bright citrus element that adds freshness and balances the rich flavors.

• Cheese, Sour Cream, Guacamole, Green Onions, Fresh Tomatoes: Optional finishing touches that add creaminess, color, and additional layers of flavor to the burrito bowl.

Tools to Get One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Just Right

• Large Pan: Essential for sautéing onions, cooking chicken, and preparing the entire one-pot meal.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise for measuring salt, pepper, and seasonings.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and moving ingredients around the pan.
• Measuring Cups: Needed for accurate rice, broth, and bean measurements.
• Knife: Used for chopping onions, slicing green onions, and preparing garnishes.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Cheese Grater (optional): Helpful for freshly grated cheese if using block cheese.

Making One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls, Step by Step

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Chicken

Warm olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Add onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent.

Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the pan.

Cook the chicken until it starts to develop a golden-brown color, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Toast Rice

Move the chicken to one side of the pan.

Drizzle a bit more olive oil in the empty space and add uncooked rice.

Toast the rice for a couple of minutes, gently stirring until some grains turn a light golden shade, releasing a nutty aroma.

Step 3: Build the Burrito Base

• Black beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Seasonings (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder)

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Cover the pan and reduce heat to low.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook

Let the dish cook for about 20 minutes.

The rice will absorb the liquid and become tender.

Check occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serving

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top.

Sprinkle cheese across the surface and cover for 2-3 minutes to help it melt.

• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced green onions
• Dollop of sour cream
• Guacamole

Serve hot directly from the pan for a rustic, hearty meal.

One-Pot Burrito Bowl Tips and Tricks

• Toast rice in olive oil before adding liquid to enhance nutty, rich undertones and create a more complex taste profile.
• Keep chicken pieces relatively uniform in size for even cooking and avoid overcooking by monitoring browning process closely.
• Adjust seasonings by adding extra chili powder, cumin, or hot sauce to match personal heat preferences without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a meat-free version.
• Use a large, deep skillet with high sides to minimize cleanup and streamline the entire cooking process from sautéing to serving.

Fun Twists for Chicken Burrito Bowls

• Vegetarian Bowl: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like black beans, tofu, or quinoa for a hearty meat-free version.
• Cauliflower Rice Alternative: Swap traditional rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, gluten-free option that's packed with nutrients.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Bowl: Increase heat by adding jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce for those who love bold, fiery flavors.
• Mediterranean Remix: Transform the dish by using Mediterranean spices like oregano, swap black beans for chickpeas, and top with feta cheese instead of traditional Mexican cheese.

Presenting One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls at the Table

• Flavor-Packed Fiesta Plating: Serve in colorful ceramic bowls to highlight the vibrant colors of chicken, beans, and fresh toppings.
• Mexican-Style Family Feast: Create a build-your-own burrito bowl station where everyone can customize their plate with extra toppings like salsa, cilantro, and hot sauce.
• Fresh Texture Boost: Top with crispy tortilla strips or crushed corn chips for added crunch that complements the soft rice and tender chicken.
• Weekend Meal Upgrade: Pair with an ice-cold margarita or refreshing Mexican beer to elevate this simple one-pot meal into a delightful dining experience.

Storage Guidance for Burrito Bowls

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled burrito bowl to freezer-safe containers, keeping it flat. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid adding fresh toppings like sour cream or guacamole before freezing.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking, heating until thoroughly warmed and steaming.

One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Quick and easy one-pot chicken burrito bowls bring Mexican-inspired flavors to dinner tables with minimal cleanup. Home cooks can enjoy zesty rice, tender chicken, and colorful toppings in less than 30 minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

Starch and Vegetables:

• 1 cup extra-long grain rice, uncooked
• 1/4 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• Fresh diced tomatoes for garnish
• Diced green onions for garnish

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 fresh lime

Dairy and Garnishes:

• 1 cup colby jack, monterey jack or cheddar cheese
• Sour cream for serving
• Guacamole for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing onions until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper, then introduce to the skillet. Cook at medium-high temperature, stirring occasionally, until the meat develops a golden-brown exterior.
3. Relocate chicken to one side of the pan, creating space to toast rice. Drizzle additional olive oil and stir rice, allowing grains to transform into a light golden hue.
4. Consolidate black beans, diced tomatoes, broth, and aromatic seasonings into the skillet. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for approximately 20 minutes, ensuring rice reaches perfect tenderness.
5. Adjust seasoning to personal preference, squeeze fresh lime juice across the dish, and distribute cheese evenly. Cover briefly to allow cheese to melt and become creamy.
6. Enhance the presentation by garnishing with vibrant diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, dollops of sour cream, and creamy guacamole. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Customize Spice Levels Adjust the chili powder and cumin to match your heat preference, adding more for a bolder kick or reducing for milder tastes.
• Protein Swap Easily substitute chicken with ground beef, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or black bean crumbles for dietary variety.
• Rice Alternatives Try quinoa or cauliflower rice for lower-carb options that maintain the dish’s delicious Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
• Meal Prep Friendly This one-pot wonder stores excellently in refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner leftovers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg