The One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is the kind of meal that swoops in and saves busy weeknights with its cozy, colorful, totally irresistible Tex-Mex flair. Imagine tender, seasoned chicken mingling with fluffy rice, hearty black beans, juicy tomatoes, and sweet corn, all topped with melty cheese and a pop of fresh cilantro. Even better, everything cooks together in a single pan, so the bold flavors come together beautifully and cleanup is an absolute breeze. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is bound to be a crowd-pleaser, bursting with everything you love about your favorite burrito but easier, healthier, and packed into a comforting bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for everyday ingredients that each play a crucial part in building bold flavors, luscious textures, and eye-catching color. You likely have many of them in your pantry already, and each one brings a little something special to make this One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl shine.
- Chicken breasts: Diced for quick, even cooking and lean, juicy protein in every bite.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and infuses richness throughout the dish.
- Chili powder: Adds deep, smoky warmth that gives the bowl its signature Mexican-inspired flair.
- Ground cumin: Earthy and aromatic, this is the secret to authentic Tex-Mex undertones.
- Paprika: Provides a gentle, peppery sweetness and a vibrant color boost.
- Garlic powder: Delivers consistent garlicky depth without worrying about burning fresh garlic.
- Onion powder: Balances flavors with a subtle oniony note, keeping prep work minimal.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps draw moisture from the chicken for better browning.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild hint of heat that rounds out the seasoning.
- Long grain white rice: Becomes perfectly tender in one pan and soaks up all the delicious juices.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the rice and chicken with savory depth and ensures fluffy grains.
- Black beans: Brings fiber, substance, and a creamy bite to the bowl—drain and rinse them first.
- Corn: Sweet, juicy kernels offer a pop of color and texture; use frozen or canned for convenience.
- Diced tomatoes with green chiles: Adds a tangy brightness and gentle heat, plus extra juiciness for the rice.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Melts into gooey perfection on top, tying everything together.
- Lime juice: A squeeze of fresh lime awakens and brightens the flavors at the end.
- Fresh cilantro: The essential finishing touch—herbaceous, fresh, and oh-so-pretty as a garnish!
How to Make One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl
Step 1: Sear and Season the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add your diced chicken and sprinkle it generously with the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the chicken sizzle and brown for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally so that every piece is coated with that gorgeous array of spices. The goal is to let the outside get golden and flavorful; don’t worry if it’s not cooked through yet, as it will finish in the next steps.
Step 2: Build the Burrito Bowl Base
With your chicken beautifully seasoned and a bit caramelized, stir in the long grain white rice. Immediately pour in the chicken broth so the rice has just enough liquid to become tender and fluffy. Next, add the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Give the mixture a gentle stir to combine and distribute all those colorful ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Simmer and Set
Bring everything to a lively boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes. This is where the magic happens—the rice cooks by absorbing all the spiced broth, the chicken becomes super tender, and the beans and corn blend their flavors into each bite. Check that the rice is plump and that almost all the liquid has been absorbed before moving on.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the rice is perfectly tender, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the fresh lime juice. The citrus will immediately brighten and lift all those rich, savory flavors. Sprinkle the shredded cheese right across the top of the hot mixture, then cover the pan again for a couple of minutes. The cheese will melt into a luscious blanket, ready to scoop up with every serving.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, shower the One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl with plenty of chopped fresh cilantro. Serve it up while it’s hot, and get ready for a dish that looks just as good as it tastes!
How to Serve One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl
Garnishes
Your One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is a blank canvas for all your favorite Mexican-inspired toppings! Try adding creamy avocado slices, a dollop of cold sour cream, or a few crunchy tortilla chips on the side. Even a sprinkle of extra cheese, a splash of hot sauce, or some pickled jalapeños will kick things up a notch, making each bowl feel truly personalized.
Side Dishes
While this dish is a superstar all on its own, pairing it with fresh sides can take dinner to the next level. Consider a crisp green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette, a platter of sliced fresh fruit, or warm flour or corn tortillas for those who love a bit of extra carb comfort. If you’re feeling festive, a side of guacamole or pico de gallo never hurts!
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get playful with presentation! Serve the One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl in colorful individual bowls for a lively dinner party, or pile the filling into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake until bubbly for a show-stopping twist. It’s also fantastic rolled up in a large tortilla as a true burrito, or scooped onto a bed of greens for a lighter, salad-style meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl keeps beautifully! Simply let everything cool to room temperature, then pack into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days. The rice and chicken actually get a chance to soak up even more flavor overnight.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your burrito bowl, let it cool fully and transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It’s best to leave off the cheese and cilantro until reheating, as dairy and fresh herbs don’t always freeze well. You can keep the One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl in the freezer for up to three months, making it a winning option for meal prep!
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen things up. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them with a damp paper towel to keep the rice from drying out. Top with fresh cheese and cilantro just before serving to restore that just-cooked freshness.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! If you’d like to use brown rice, just be sure to increase both the amount of liquid and the simmering time. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, but the extra nuttiness is delicious in a One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl.
Is this dish spicy?
As written, the heat level is mild, thanks to the gentle spice blend and the addition of diced tomatoes with green chiles. You can easily adjust the spice to suit your taste by adding more chili powder, a bit of cayenne, or fresh chopped jalapeños if you like things hotter!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can convert the One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl into a vegetarian delight by substituting diced tofu or extra black beans for the chicken, and swapping in vegetable broth. It’ll still deliver all the vibrant flavors and satisfying texture.
What’s the best way to meal prep this dish?
This recipe is a meal prep superstar! Divide the finished One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl into individual containers, add toppings and garnishes just before serving, and keep in the refrigerator for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners all week long.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely—feel free to toss in extra bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for an added veggie boost. Just chop them small and add at the same time as the corn and beans, so they cook through with the rice.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a hearty, no-fuss meal that’s packed with flavor and color, you truly can’t go wrong with the One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl. It’s comfort food at its most convenient and will quickly become one of those recipes you turn to again and again. I hope you’ll gather your favorite toppings and let this simple, delicious dish brighten up your next mealtime!
Print
One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that combines seasoned chicken, rice, beans, corn, tomatoes, and cheese, all cooked together in one skillet. It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- juice of 1 lime
- fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add diced chicken, and season with spices. Cook until browned.
- Cook the Bowl: Stir in rice, broth, beans, corn, and tomatoes. Simmer until rice is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in lime juice, top with cheese, and let melt. Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Notes
- Serve with avocado slices, sour cream, or tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
- You can substitute brown rice but adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
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