Are you looking for a delicious, satisfying, and healthy high-protein meal? These Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice and Beans are a perfect choice! Packed with savory rice, juicy grilled chicken, fiber-rich beans, and vibrant toppings, this dish is not only tasty but also incredibly nutritious.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or making a quick dinner, these burrito bowls are versatile, customizable, and perfect for using leftover grilled chicken. Plus, they’re a great addition to your collection of healthy bowl recipes and rice bowl recipes.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the ultimate chicken burrito bowl, including the best seasoning, toppings, and variations to keep things exciting. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Burrito Bowls
High in Protein & Fiber – A balanced meal that fuels your body.
Customizable – Use different toppings, grains, or beans to mix it up.
Meal-Prep Friendly – Make a big batch and enjoy it all week!
Great Use for Leftovers – Perfect for repurposing leftover grilled chicken.
Ingredients for the Ultimate Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls
For the Grilled Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or leftover grilled chicken)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
The Savory Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Beans:
- 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings (Choose Your Favorites!):
- 1 cup corn (grilled or canned)
- 1 avocado (sliced or mashed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup red onion (diced)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija)
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 lime (cut into wedges)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate & Grill the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken breasts in the marinade and let sit for at least 20 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
Shortcut: If using leftover grilled chicken, simply reheat it in a skillet with a splash of lime juice for extra flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Savory Rice
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the rice and toast it for 2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Pour in chicken broth, garlic powder, cumin, and salt. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to low heat. Simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Beans
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir and cook for 5 minutes until warm.
Phase 4: Assemble the Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Divide the savory rice evenly into bowls.
- Top with grilled chicken, seasoned black beans, and your favorite toppings.
- Finish with a drizzle of lime juice and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Garnish with cilantro and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Chicken Burrito Bowls
Use Leftover Grilled Chicken – Saves time and adds extra flavor!
Make it Spicy – Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning.
Try Different Grains – Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Add Crunch – Tortilla strips or crushed chips add a great texture.
Meal Prep Friendly – Store ingredients separately in airtight containers for easy assembly throughout the week.
Variations to Try
Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl – Mix chipotle in adobo sauce into the marinade for a smoky heat.
Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowl – Use lemon, oregano, and tzatziki instead of burrito toppings.
Vegan Burrito Bowl – Swap chicken for grilled tofu or roasted sweet potatoes.
BBQ Chicken Bowl – Toss the chicken with BBQ sauce and top with coleslaw.
What to Serve with Burrito Bowls?
Tortilla Chips & Salsa – A crunchy, tangy side.
Side Salad – A fresh Mexican-style salad with greens and avocado.
Grilled Corn – Sweet and smoky flavors pair well with the burrito bowl.
Guacamole & Pico de Gallo – Classic Mexican-style dips to elevate your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Brown rice is a great healthy high-protein meal option. Just increase the cooking time to 40 minutes.
2. How long does a burrito bowl last in the fridge?
Store all ingredients separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Grill the chicken, cook the rice, and prepare the toppings in advance for easy meal prep.
4. Are burrito bowls healthy?
Yes! They are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them an excellent choice for healthy bowl recipes.
5. Can I freeze burrito bowls?
You can freeze the chicken and rice but avoid freezing fresh toppings like avocado or tomatoes.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
These Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice and Beans are the perfect mix of bold flavors, nutritious ingredients, and satisfying textures. Whether you use leftover grilled chicken or cook fresh, these chicken burrito bowls are an easy, delicious, and healthy high-protein meal that will keep you full and energized.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to customize it with your favorite toppings. Happy cooking!
