If you’re craving a flavorful and fuss-free meal that comes together in one pot, you’re going to love this One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe. It’s an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights or anytime you want a hearty dish that feels like a fiesta in every bite. With tender chicken, vibrant corn, black beans, and a perfectly spiced rice base all cooked together, this recipe is simplicity meeting sensational flavor. Plus, cleanup is a breeze when everything comes together in just one pot!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to making this dish shine. Each element plays a crucial role—from the protein-packed chicken to the bright burst of salsa and the comforting grains of rice—combining to create a well-rounded meal that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Lean and quick-cooking, chicken is the hearty protein that anchors this dish.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a silky base for sautéing and helps develop amazing flavor and texture.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: This fluffy grain absorbs all the spices and juices for a perfectly seasoned bite.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed: Brings protein, fiber, and a creamy texture contrast that’s essential in burrito bowls.
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen): Adds a pop of sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the bowl.
- 1 cup salsa: A salsa base infuses the whole dish with a spicy, tangy punch and moisture for cooking the rice.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Provides rich depth of flavor and keeps the rice perfectly tender.
- 1 tsp chili powder: Delivers the signature smoky warmth that awakens all the other ingredients.
- 1/2 tsp cumin: Offers a subtle earthy undertone that’s classic in Mexican-inspired dishes.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Enhances savory depth without overwhelming the delicate chicken flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances and brightens the flavors throughout the dish.
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro, lime wedges: These add layers of creaminess, freshness, and acidity for a perfect finish.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or deep pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in your diced chicken seasoned with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s beautifully golden brown and completely cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds a flavorful foundation that will carry through the entire dish.
Step 2: Add the Base Ingredients
Next, pour in the rice, black beans, corn kernels, salsa, and chicken broth into the pot. Give everything a good stir so all those spices and ingredients meld together beautifully. This is where the dish starts to come alive as those vibrant colors and fresh textures join forces.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Bring your mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot tightly and let the magic happen for about 18 to 20 minutes. The rice will soak up all the seasoned liquid while the beans and corn heat through. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is irresistible and will have you counting down the minutes!
Step 4: Let It Rest and Fluff
Turn off the heat and keep the pot covered for an additional five minutes. This resting time lets the rice fully absorb moisture and results in tender, fluffy grains. When ready, fluff everything lightly with a fork to lift and separate the rice, mixing all the ingredients evenly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Your One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe is now ready to be garnished and served. The flavors are perfectly balanced, the textures inviting, and the ease of preparation will make this dish a soon-to-be favorite in your recipe box.
How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Enhancing your bowl with the right garnishes takes this dish to the next level. Try a sprinkle of shredded cheese melting into the warm rice, a dollop of creamy sour cream, chunks of ripe avocado for richness, fresh chopped cilantro for brightness, and a squeeze of lime juice to add zesty freshness. These toppings introduce exciting layers of taste and texture, making each bite unique.
Side Dishes
While the bowl is hearty enough on its own, you can serve it alongside simple sides for a fuller spread. Crisp tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole make a fantastic crunchy pairing. A light Mexican-style slaw or a refreshing cucumber salad provides a cooling balance to the spice of the bowl. Feel free to customize based on what you love!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeding a crowd or want to jazz up dinner presentation, serve the bowl ingredients separately buffet-style for a “build your own burrito bowl” experience. Lay out bowls of shredded lettuce, extra beans, cheese, avocado slices, and lime wedges so everyone can personalize their meal. This interactive presentation makes mealtime fun and engaging.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The beauty of this One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe is that it stores beautifully. Pop your leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal even tastier.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze portions for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. When thawed, the rice texture may soften slightly, but the convenience and flavor remain wonderful.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the moisture and stir occasionally to heat evenly. Finish with fresh toppings to restore that just-made freshness.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Using brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and chewier texture but keep in mind it will need a longer cooking time and more liquid. You can pre-cook the brown rice or adjust the simmer time accordingly.
Is this recipe spicy?
This One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the chili powder and salsa. You can easily increase the spice by adding jalapeños, hot sauce, or a spicier salsa depending on your taste preferences.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the chicken and add extra beans or sautéed veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth keeps the flavors balanced.
What if I don’t have salsa on hand?
If you’re out of salsa, a quick mix of diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a bit of chili powder can substitute nicely. The key is to have that flavorful, slightly tangy base liquid for the rice.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for meal prep?
Definitely. This recipe is perfect for meal prepping since it stores well and reheats beautifully. Just prepare as usual, portion out into containers, and garnish fresh before eating to keep flavors bright.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute go-tos for a weeknight meal that delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss. The ease of cooking everything together combined with the vibrant, wholesome ingredients means you get a nourishing dish that really satisfies. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
A flavorful and easy One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe that combines tender chicken, rice, black beans, corn, and salsa, all cooked together with spices to create a delicious and wholesome meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup chicken broth
Spices
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken, which ensures a good sear and flavor development.
- Cook the chicken: Add diced chicken to the pot and season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the long-grain white rice, black beans, corn kernels, salsa, and chicken broth, mixing well to combine all ingredients evenly in the pot.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Rest: Remove the pot from heat and keep it covered. Let the burrito bowl sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and rice to finish cooking.
- Serve: Fluff the rice mixture with a fork and serve topped with your choice of shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen corn kernels interchangeably depending on availability.
- Adjust seasoning amounts to suit your taste preferences.
- Optional toppings can be customized to include any of your favorite burrito bowl additions.
- Ensure the pot you use has a tight-fitting lid to promote proper simmering and absorption.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
