This vibrant One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is bursting with smoky, spicy, and zesty flavors. Cooked entirely in one skillet, it features tender chicken, aromatic rice, black beans, juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, and bold spices. It’s a comforting, wholesome meal ideal for busy weeknights or prepping ahead for nutritious grab-and-go lunches.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
🐔 Protein & Veggies:
- Chicken breast or thighs – 500g, diced
- Red bell pepper – 150g, diced
- Red onion – 100g, chopped
- Garlic – 10g (about 2 cloves), minced
- Sweet corn (frozen or canned) – 120g
- Black beans (drained and rinsed) – 170g
- Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel) – 280g
🍚 Rice & Broth:
- Uncooked white long-grain rice – 180g (approx. 1 cup)
- Chicken broth (or water) – 480ml (approx. 2 cups)
🧂 Seasoning:
- Olive oil or avocado oil – 15ml (1 tbsp)
- Chili powder – 3g (1 tsp)
- Ground cumin – 3g (1 tsp)
- Smoked paprika – 2g (½ tsp)
- Salt – 1.5g (¼ teaspoon or to taste)
- Black pepper – to taste
- Cayenne pepper (optional) – pinch
🌿 Garnish & Finish:
- Fresh lime juice – 15ml (1 tbsp)
- Fresh cilantro – a handful (5g), chopped
Optional Toppings (not included in nutrition facts):
- Avocado or guacamole
- Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
- Jalapeños, salsa, or pico de gallo
- Crushed tortilla chips
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear the Chicken
In a large non-stick or cast iron skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden and just cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté red onion, garlic, and bell pepper for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened and fragrant.
3. Build the Base
Stir in the uncooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with juices), and broth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
4. Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and simmer for 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Final Touches
Turn off the heat and let sit (covered) for 5 minutes. Squeeze in fresh lime juice and garnish with chopped cilantro. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
🍱 Meal Prep Instructions
- Portion: Divide into 4–5 meal prep containers.
- Cool: Let the food cool to room temp before sealing.
- Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Suitable for freezing up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave with a splash of water to restore moisture.
🧬 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Without Toppings)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~420 kcal |
Protein | ~32g |
Carbohydrates | ~38g |
Fiber | ~6g |
Fat | ~14g |
Sugar | ~5g |
🌟 Chef’s Tips & Variations
- Use brown rice: Increase liquid to 600ml and cook for 35–40 minutes.
- Add leafy greens: Stir in spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrients.
- Creamy twist: Mix in 2 tablespoon of cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a richer finish.
- Smoky flavor boost: Add chipotle powder or a spoonful of adobo sauce.
- Cheesy crust: After cooking, sprinkle shredded cheese and broil for 2–3 minutes for a crispy melted top.
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