Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice and Beans

The secret to a truly flavorful Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl lies in the marinade. It’s a simple, yet magical combination of lime juice, garlic, cumin, and a touch of chili powder that infuses the chicken with bold flavors. When you let it soak in, the acid from the lime tenderizes the meat while the spices bring a little heat and a whole lot of depth. And once it hits the grill, the crispy char on the outside locks in all those juicy, savory notes. The first bite is always the best—the chicken is perfectly smoky and zesty, complementing the creamy rice and beans.

Speaking of rice and beans, they’re the heart and soul of this dish. The rice is fluffy and slightly tangy from a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt, creating a perfect base. The beans, whether black or pinto, add a rich, earthy flavor that balances the lightness of the chicken. If you’re feeling extra, top it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese. It’s one of those meals that’s not only satisfying but also versatile—whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for the week ahead, it’s a dish that never gets old.

One of the best parts about making these burrito bowls at home is the freedom to customize them to your liking. Want to add some heat? A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce will do the trick. Prefer it mild? Keep things fresh with a scoop of guacamole or a handful of cilantro. It’s all about creating a bowl that’s perfectly suited to your taste. And let’s not forget about the leftovers—this meal gets even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Key Ingredients in Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice and Beans

The ingredients in this recipe work together to bring out incredible flavor and texture in every bite. From the grilled chicken to the rice and beans, each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of smokiness, tanginess, and heartiness. Let’s dive into the key players that make this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  The lean protein of choice for this recipe, the chicken takes on all the smoky, zesty flavors of the marinade, making it tender and juicy after grilling.
• Olive oil
  A must for the marinade, olive oil helps to bind the spices to the chicken and gives it a lovely, golden sear on the grill.
• Chili powder
  This adds a mild heat and smokiness that gives the chicken a deep, flavorful kick.
• Cumin
  Known for its earthy, warm flavor, cumin adds depth to the marinade and enhances the savory notes of the chicken.
• Garlic powder
  A pantry staple, garlic powder brings that irresistible garlicky richness to the chicken without overpowering the other flavors.
• Paprika
  Paprika adds a sweet, smoky flavor with a hint of color to the chicken’s exterior once it’s grilled to perfection.
• Salt
  A key ingredient for seasoning, salt helps to elevate all the flavors and brings balance to the dish.
• Black pepper
  Freshly ground black pepper gives a little bit of heat and an extra layer of flavor to the chicken.
• White rice
  Fluffy and slightly tangy with a splash of lime, rice serves as the perfect base for your burrito bowl and soaks up all the delicious juices.
• Water
  Used to cook the rice to fluffy perfection, water helps to hydrate and cook the grains evenly.
• Lime juice
  A burst of citrusy goodness, lime juice brightens up the dish and adds that perfect zing, especially to the rice.
• Cooked black beans
  Black beans add a creamy texture and earthy flavor, offering a satisfying contrast to the grilled chicken and bright rice.
• Corn kernels
  Sweet and juicy, corn brings a pop of color and a touch of sweetness that balances the savory elements of the dish.
• Diced tomatoes
  Tomatoes offer freshness and a juicy bite, cutting through the richness of the sour cream and cheese.
• Chopped cilantro
  Cilantro adds a burst of freshness and a herbaceous note that brightens up the whole bowl.
• Shredded cheddar cheese
  Creamy and sharp, cheddar cheese adds richness and flavor, melting perfectly over the warm ingredients.
• Sour cream
  A cool, creamy addition, sour cream brings a smooth, tangy contrast to the smoky chicken and hearty beans.
• Salsa
  A spoonful of salsa adds a zesty kick and extra flavor, especially with its tangy, tomato-based goodness.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  For those who like a bit of heat, crushed red pepper flakes add spice without overpowering the dish.

These ingredients come together to create a balanced, satisfying, and customizable burrito bowl you’ll want to make over and over again!

How to Make Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice and Beans

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice and Beans

• Pair with a refreshing margarita
  If you’re looking to elevate the meal, why not pair it with a chilled margarita? The citrusy zing of lime and the tang of tequila balance the smoky, savory flavors of the chicken perfectly. You could go classic with a salted rim, or try a mango margarita for a fruity twist.
• Add a side of crispy tortilla chips
  There’s something so satisfying about the crunch of tortilla chips alongside a hearty bowl. Serve them on the side for dipping into the sour cream or salsa, or just to munch on while you savor your meal. It’s that extra bit of texture that really hits the spot.
• Turn it into a family-style feast
  Make your burrito bowls even more fun by turning them into a DIY taco bar! Lay out bowls of toppings like shredded lettuce, diced avocado, pico de gallo, and more, and let everyone build their perfect burrito bowl. It’s a great way to get everyone involved, and it adds a playful touch to your meal!

How to Store Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice and Beans

If you find yourself with leftovers, you’re in luck—these Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls store beautifully! To keep everything fresh and delicious, start by separating the components before storing. You’ll want to place the rice, beans, corn, and grilled chicken in separate airtight containers. This helps maintain their individual textures and flavors, so nothing gets soggy. The chicken, in particular, stays tender and juicy when stored properly.

For the rice, if you’re planning to store it for more than a day, sprinkle a little water over it before reheating to help bring back its fluffiness. You can microwave it or reheat it in a pan, covered, over low heat to keep it from drying out. As for the beans and corn, both reheat wonderfully in a saucepan, just stir occasionally to prevent any sticking.

The toppings, like sour cream, shredded cheese, salsa, and fresh cilantro, should be kept separate and added just before serving to keep them fresh and flavorful. If you’re planning to enjoy the bowls over the next few days, just make sure to store the toppings in small containers in the fridge. When you’re ready for your next meal, just assemble everything and enjoy the same delicious flavors all over again!

Conclusion

And there you have it—a delicious, customizable, and perfectly balanced Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl with Rice and Beans that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds! From the smoky, zesty chicken to the fluffy rice and creamy beans, every bite is a little burst of flavor that’s as satisfying as it is fun to make. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just prepping your meals for the week, this dish is sure to hit the spot.

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine! Feel free to get creative with your toppings and make it your own—after all, that’s what makes this meal so special. Have you tried it yet, or are you planning to soon? I’d love to hear about your experience, any twists you added, or if you need any help along the way. Let me know in the comments, and happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice and Beans

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 50 mins

Calories: 550

Description

A sizzling combination of tender grilled chicken, fluffy rice, and savory beans, all layered together for the ultimate burst of flavor. Topped with fresh toppings and a hint of spice, this burrito bowl is a fiesta in every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup white rice

• 2 cups water

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 cup cooked black beans

• 1 cup corn kernels

• ¹⁄₂ cup diced tomatoes

• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped cilantro

• ¹⁄₂ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ¹⁄₂ cup sour cream

• 1 tablespoon salsa

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
3. Rub both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil.
4. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts.
5. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through.
6. While the chicken is cooking, rinse the white rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
7. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil over high heat.
8. Add the rinsed rice to the boiling water and reduce the heat to low.
9. Cover the saucepan and let the rice simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
10. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam.
11. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork to separate the grains.
12. While the rice is cooking, heat the black beans in a small pot over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
13. In a separate small pan, heat the corn kernels over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed.
14. Once the chicken has finished grilling, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
15. Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips against the grain.
16. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, black beans, and corn kernels.
17. Drizzle lime juice over the rice, beans, and corn mixture and stir to combine.
18. To assemble the burrito bowls, divide the rice, beans, and corn mixture evenly between bowls.
19. Top each bowl with sliced grilled chicken.
20. Spoon diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro on top of the chicken.
21. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tomatoes and cilantro.
22. Add a dollop of sour cream to each bowl.
23. Spoon a small amount of salsa on top of the sour cream.
24. If desired, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the top for extra heat.
25. Serve the burrito bowls immediately while warm.

Note

• Make sure to let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
• For added flavor, try marinating the chicken in lime juice, garlic, and spices for 30 minutes before grilling.
• You can substitute brown rice for white rice for a healthier option, but it will require a longer cooking time.
• For a spicier kick, use spicy salsa or add jalapenos to the topping.
• Feel free to add other toppings like guacamole, diced avocado, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

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