Chicken Burrito Protein Bowl

Looking for a healthy, protein-packed meal? This Chicken Burrito Protein Bowl is the perfect choice! With juicy chipotle-marinated chicken, cilantro lime rice, and fresh toppings like avocado, black beans, and corn, this flavorful bowl is a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re craving a fresh, easy-to-make burrito bowl for lunch or dinner, this recipe is customizable to suit your preferences.

Packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber, this burrito bowl recipe is perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. The cilantro lime rice and chipotle chicken bring bold flavors, while the fresh veggies add crunch and freshness.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• ¼ cup avocado oil
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 3 chipotle chilis in adobo sauce, finely chopped, plus 1 ½ tablespoons adobo sauce
• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ pounds chicken breast, cut into strips

For the Cilantro Lime Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 ½ cups water
• ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• 1 lime, zested, plus 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro

To Assemble:

• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• 1 avocado, chopped
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• ½ small red onion, chopped

Instructions

To Make the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the avocado oil, lime juice, chopped chipotle chilis, adobo sauce, garlic powder, and salt. Add the chicken strips and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to marinate.
2. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and add it to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 5 minutes. Set aside.

To Make the Cilantro Lime Rice:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the rice and salt. Once the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, 15-18 minutes.
2. Uncover the rice and fluff with a fork. Stir in the lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and additional salt to taste.

To Assemble the Bowl:

1. In a serving bowl, layer the cilantro lime rice and chopped romaine lettuce as the base.
2. Top with the cooked chicken, diced tomatoes, chopped avocado, thawed corn, black beans, and chopped red onions.
3. Serve and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavors That Pop: The chipotle-marinated chicken brings bold flavors, while the fresh cilantro lime rice and toppings add a refreshing balance.
• Protein-Packed: This bowl is loaded with lean chicken and nutrient-rich ingredients like beans, avocado, and corn, making it a filling and healthy meal.
• Customizable: Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner, you can easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences.
• One-Pot Wonder: With rice and chicken cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze!

Tips

• Marinate the Chicken: Letting the chicken marinate for at least two hours helps it absorb all the delicious flavors, but marinating overnight gives the best results.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of chipotle chilis or use a less spicy variety of pepper.
• Fluff the Rice Well: Fluffing the rice with a fork ensures it stays light and airy, perfect for layering in your bowl.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for sautéed tofu or roasted vegetables for a plant-based protein bowl.
• Grain Swap: Replace white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a different base.
• Add Extra Veggies: Try adding grilled bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Add a bit of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken marinade for an extra kick.

FAQs

Can I prep this meal in advance? Yes! The chicken and rice can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.

Can I make this dish gluten-free? This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free rice and double-check that the canned black beans don’t contain any gluten-containing additives.

Can I freeze the chicken for later? Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before assembling the bowl.

Serving and Suggestions

• Serve this chicken burrito protein bowl as a hearty lunch or dinner, perfect for meal prepping or a quick weeknight meal.
• Pair it with a side of salsa or guacamole for extra flavor.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of your favorite dressing for a creamy finish.

Enjoy this healthy, flavorful, and satisfying chicken burrito protein bowl as your go-to nutritious meal!