If you’re craving a delicious, wholesome dinner with minimal cleanup, this One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is about to become your new favorite. Tender chicken, colorful veggies, hearty beans, and perfectly seasoned rice all come together in one skillet for a satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this easy burrito bowl is packed with protein, fiber, and bold Mexican-inspired flavors. Just one pan, one process, and one tasty dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Burrito Bowl
- ✅ Quick and easy – Ready in 30 minutes
- ✅ One pan – Minimal cleanup required
- ✅ Customizable – Swap proteins, adjust toppings, or make it vegetarian
- ✅ Family-friendly – A crowd-pleaser for all ages
- ✅ Perfect for meal prep – Delicious reheated for lunch the next day
Ingredients You’ll Need
You likely have most of these pantry staples on hand:
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Rice – Long-grain white rice or brown rice
- Black beans – Canned, rinsed, and drained
- Corn – Frozen or canned
- Bell pepper – Red, green, or your favorite color
- Onion – Diced
- Olive oil – For sautéing
- Spices – Ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt & pepper
- Lime juice – Freshly squeezed
- Cilantro – For garnish
- Optional toppings – Avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños
Ingredient Swaps & Add-ins
- Use quinoa instead of rice
- Try pinto beans or kidney beans
- Swap chicken for shrimp, beef, tofu, or tempeh
- Make it vegan by skipping cheese and using plant-based protein
How to Make One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl
1. Prep the Ingredients
- Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces
- Season with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
- Chop onion and bell pepper
- Rinse and drain black beans
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and sauté for 5–7 minutes, until cooked through and golden.
3. Add Veggies & Rice
Stir in diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add rice, corn, and black beans. Mix everything well.
4. Simmer
Pour in 1.5 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and liquid is absorbed.
5. Garnish & Serve
Fluff the rice with a fork. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Add your favorite toppings and dig in!
Customization Ideas
The beauty of this dish is how easily it adapts to what you have on hand:
- Vegetarian: Use chickpeas, jackfruit, or tofu
- Spicy: Add jalapeños, chipotle, or hot sauce
- Cheesy: Stir in shredded cheese before serving
- Crunchy: Top with crushed tortilla chips for texture
Nutritional Benefits
This one-pan wonder isn’t just convenient—it’s packed with nutrition:
- 💪 Protein from chicken and beans
- 🌽 Fiber from black beans, corn, and veggies
- 🌈 Antioxidants from bell peppers and spices
- 🍋 Fresh flavor from lime and cilantro
Serving Suggestions
This chicken burrito bowl stands strong on its own, but if you want to make it a full spread, try serving it with:
- Tortilla chips and salsa or guac
- A crisp green salad
- Limeade, agua fresca, or iced tea
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through
- Great for meal prep or packed lunches!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice?
Yes! Brown rice works well but requires more liquid and a slightly longer cook time. Check your rice package for exact timing.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, but for best texture, freeze without the toppings. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
How can I make this spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is more than just a recipe—it’s your ticket to stress-free, flavorful dinners. Whether you’re feeding your family or prepping for the week, this dish delivers on taste, nutrition, and ease.
Go ahead and bookmark this one—you’ll come back to it again and again!
One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1.5 cups water or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños
Instructions
- Season Chicken
In a bowl, toss diced chicken with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. - Sauté Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. - Add Veggies & Beans
Stir in diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add corn and black beans; stir to combine. - Add Rice & Liquid
Mix in the rice, then pour in 1.5 cups of water or broth. Stir well and bring to a boil. - Simmer
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. - Finish & Serve
Fluff rice with a fork, squeeze lime juice over the top, and garnish with fresh cilantro and any desired toppings.