One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl
This One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights. Packed with flavor and nutrition, this dish combines tender chicken, hearty rice, black beans, and vibrant veggies all in one pot. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite toppings. Ready in just 30 minutes, this bowl is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a total cook time of only 30 minutes, this dish fits perfectly into your busy schedule.
- Flavorful: The combination of spices like cumin and chili powder elevates the taste to a whole new level.
- Nutritious: Loaded with protein, fiber, and colorful vegetables, this meal is both filling and healthy.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like avocado or cheese to tailor the bowl to your liking.
- One Pan Convenience: Easy clean-up means more time enjoying your meal and less time doing dishes.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking the One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl, gather the essential tools that will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: This provides ample space for cooking chicken, rice, and veggies together efficiently.
- Cutting board: A sturdy surface helps ensure safe and easy chopping of ingredients.
- Sharp knife: Ensures quick cutting of vegetables and chicken without much effort.
Ingredients
This One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal made with seasoned chicken, rice, beans, corn, and colorful veggies. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect one-pot dish for busy weeknights. Customize with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or sour cream for a hearty, Mexican-inspired dinner.
For the Chicken Base
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Toppings:
- Avocado
- Cheese
- Sour cream
- Jalapeños
How to Make One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder.
- Chop the onion and bell pepper into small pieces.
- Rinse and drain the black beans; set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Sauté until cooked through and golden brown for about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Rice
- Once the chicken is cooked through, add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the rice along with black beans and corn. Mix everything well.
Step 4: Simmer
- Pour in 1.5 cups of water (or chicken broth) to the skillet; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low; cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice is fully cooked and liquid has absorbed.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Fluff the rice with a fork once cooked.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
- Add optional toppings like avocado, cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
How to Serve One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl
Serving your One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is all about adding delightful toppings and sides that enhance the flavors of this delicious dish. You can get creative with different ingredients to make it a truly customized meal.
Classic Toppings
- Avocado: Creamy avocado slices add richness and balance the spices.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese melts beautifully on top.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a cool contrast to the warm bowl.
- Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled jalapeños give it an extra kick for spice lovers.
Fresh Garnishes
- Chopped Cilantro: Brightens up the dish with fresh flavor and color.
- Lime Wedges: Squeezing fresh lime juice enhances the overall taste.
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions add a mild onion flavor and crunch.
Additional Options
- Salsa: A spoonful of salsa can add zest and moisture to your bowl.
- Hot Sauce: For those who love heat, drizzle your favorite hot sauce on top.
How to Perfect One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl
For the best results with your One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl, follow these simple tips. They will help you achieve a flavorful and well-cooked meal every time.
- Bold Seasoning: Don’t be shy with your spices. The right amount of cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder makes all the difference.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate additional vegetables like zucchini or diced tomatoes for more nutrients and flavor.
- Use Broth Instead of Water: Cooking with chicken broth adds depth to the dish compared to using plain water.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, letting the bowl sit for a few minutes allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Adjust Rice Cooking Time: If using brown rice, remember it requires more liquid and longer cooking time than white rice.
Best Side Dishes for One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl
Pairing side dishes with your One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: Sweet corn mixed with lime, cheese, and spices creates a refreshing side.
- Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip is perfect for scooping up with tortilla chips or adding directly to your bowl.
- Black Bean Salad: A chilled black bean salad with onions, peppers, and cilantro complements the warm burrito bowl nicely.
- Spanish Rice: Flavored rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices makes a hearty addition next to your main dish.
- Crispy Tortilla Chips: Serve crunchy chips on the side for added texture and fun dipping options.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies provide extra nutrients and a delicious contrast in flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl even better.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always use salt, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder for a tasty dish.
- Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook until it is golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Ignoring rice cooking time: Using the wrong type of rice or not adjusting the liquid can result in undercooked or mushy rice. Follow instructions based on whether you use white or brown rice.
- Not covering while simmering: Failing to cover the skillet while simmering may lead to excess evaporation. Always cover it to retain moisture for perfectly cooked rice.
- Forgetting optional toppings: Skipping toppings like avocado or cheese means missing out on extra flavor and texture. Customize your bowl with your favorite toppings!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the dish is completely cooled before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezing One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months; label with the date for reference.
Reheating One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl.
Can I make a vegetarian version of the One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl?
Yes! Substitute chicken with additional beans, tofu, or vegetables. The flavors will still be delicious.
What can I use instead of black beans?
You can replace black beans with pinto beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas for variety.
How can I make my One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or jalapeños during cooking for extra heat. You can also top it with hot sauce.
What are some good toppings for this burrito bowl?
Popular toppings include avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, and fresh cilantro.
Final Thoughts
The One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and toppings to suit your taste preferences. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights while still being nutritious and satisfying. Give it a try!
One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is your go-to solution for busy weeknights, ready in just 30 minutes. This vibrant dish combines tender chicken, hearty rice, black beans, and colorful veggies, all cooked in one pot for easy clean-up. Packed with flavor from spices like cumin and chili powder, it’s nutritious and customizable to suit your taste. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this bowl is designed to satisfy all appetites. Top it off with avocado, cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy a wholesome meal that’s as delicious as it is convenient!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans
- 1 cup corn
- 1 medium onion
- 1 bell pepper
- Olive oil
- Salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Dice the chicken and season with salt, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook the seasoned chicken until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
- Add diced onion and bell pepper; sauté for another 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Stir in rice, black beans, and corn.
- Pour in water or broth; bring to a boil. Cover and simmer on low for 15-20 minutes until rice is cooked.
- Fluff the rice, squeeze lime juice over the top, garnish with cilantro, and serve with optional toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
