This Chicken Burrito Protein Bowl is a vibrant, nutrient-packed meal that combines bold flavors with wholesome ingredients.
Inspired by Chipotle-style bowls, it layers juicy marinated chicken, zesty cilantro-lime rice, crisp romaine, and colorful toppings like beans, corn, avocado, and tomatoes.
It’s a well-balanced dish rich in lean protein from chicken and black beans, heart-healthy fats from avocado, and dietary fiber from vegetables and legumes.
Despite being satisfying and hearty, it remains low in saturated fat and high in essential nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, and iron.
Perfect for meal prep, it’s easily customizable with your favorite toppings or grains, making it versatile for family dinners, quick lunches, or post-workout refueling.
Ready in under an hour (plus marinating time), this protein bowl is the ideal everyday recipe—nutritious, flavorful, and endlessly adaptabl
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set
Ideal for searing marinated chicken evenly without sticking. Nonstick surfaces make cleanup easy and are versatile for cooking everything from stir-fries to eggs.
Lemon (or Citrus) Squeezer
Ensures you get maximum juice from fresh limes for the marinade and rice without seeds or mess. A must-have for any kitchen that uses fresh citrus regularly.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Essential for precise proportions of marinade, spices, and rice. Accurate measuring helps maintain consistent flavor in this dish and all your cooking.
Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife
Needed for slicing chicken, dicing vegetables, and prepping garnishes. A sharp, durable knife with a sturdy board speeds up prep and improves safety.
Mixing Bowls
Perfect for marinating the chicken, tossing vegetables, or mixing rice. A versatile set is invaluable for baking, meal prep, and everyday cooking tasks.
Healthy Chicken Burrito Bowl
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Large Pan/Skillet (nonstick preferred)
- 1 Medium Saucepan (for rice)
- 1 Medium Saucepan (for rice)
- 1 Cutting Board + Chef’s Knife
- 1 Lemon/Lime Squeezer
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 3 chipotle chilies in adobo sauce finely chopped
- 1 ½ tbsp adobo sauce from the can
- 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast cut into strips
For the Cilantro Lime Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed
- 1 ½ cups water
- ¼ tsp salt plus more to taste
- 1 lime zested + 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- For Assembly:
- 1 head romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup tomatoes diced
- 1 avocado chopped
- 1 cup frozen corn thawed
- 1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ small red onion chopped
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together avocado oil, lime juice, chopped chipotle chilies, adobo sauce, garlic powder, and salt until smooth. Add chicken strips, turning to coat them thoroughly.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Remove chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid, and place it into the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- Prepare the Rice Base: While the chicken cooks, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Stir in the rice, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15–18 minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Flavor the Rice: Once the rice is done, remove it from the heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the grains gently with a fork, then stir in lime zest, lime juice, and freshly chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning with extra salt to taste for a bright, refreshing finish.
- Prep the Fresh Toppings: Chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, dice the tomatoes and avocado, thaw the corn, drain and rinse black beans, and finely chop the red onion. Keep each ingredient in separate bowls for easy assembly and a colorful presentation.
- Assemble the Bowls: Start with a base of cilantro-lime rice and chopped romaine lettuce in each serving bowl. Top with warm chicken, then layer on beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and red onion. Arrange the toppings neatly for a vibrant, restaurant-style look.
- Serve and Customize: Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired. These bowls are customizable—add shredded cheese, salsa, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, or portion into containers for meal prep.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to maximize flavor—overnight gives the best results.
- Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch and creates fluffier grains.
- Fresh lime juice makes a big difference—avoid bottled juice if possible.
- Prep all toppings in advance for quick, stress-free assembly.
- This recipe is highly customizable—swap beans, grains, or veggies based on preference.
- Meal-prep friendly: store ingredients separately for fresh-tasting bowls all week.
- For extra creaminess, add Greek yogurt, sour cream, or guacamole as a topping.
Chef’s Secrets for Bold Flavor
The heart of this dish lies in the marinade.
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce provide smoky heat, while lime juice adds brightness and avocado oil keeps the chicken moist and tender.
Marinating for a few hours—or better, overnight—lets the flavors penetrate deeply.
For the rice, always rinse before cooking to achieve light, fluffy grains, then enhance with lime zest and cilantro for a refreshing balance.
A hot skillet is key to searing the chicken quickly while locking in juiciness.
Finally, arranging toppings neatly in the bowl doesn’t just look beautiful—it ensures every bite has a perfect mix of textures and flavors.
Serving Suggestions and Flavor Pairings
This protein bowl is a full meal on its own, but you can easily elevate it with side dishes or extras.
Pair it with a simple tortilla soup or roasted vegetables for added variety.
For gatherings, set up a “burrito bowl bar” where guests can choose their own toppings such as shredded cheese, salsa, or jalapeños.
If you’re seeking lighter fare, reduce the rice portion and add more leafy greens.
To stretch the meal further, serve with warm tortillas or tortilla chips on the side for scooping.
Its balance of protein, fiber, and vegetables makes it satisfying yet adaptable for different appetites.
Storage Tips for Meal Prep Success
These bowls are excellent for meal prep, provided you store each component properly.
Cooked chicken and rice should be cooled completely, then stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
For longer storage, portion them into freezer-safe bags, flatten for easy stacking, and freeze for up to one month.
Fresh toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado should be prepared just before serving to maintain crispness and prevent browning.
If packing for work or school, keep the chicken and rice in one container to reheat, and store vegetables separately to combine fresh at mealtime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Brown rice works well and adds extra fiber and a nutty flavor. Just adjust cooking time, as it usually takes 35–40 minutes to cook fully.
2. How spicy is this recipe?
The heat comes from the chipotle peppers in adobo. It’s moderately spicy, but you can reduce the number of peppers for a milder flavor or add more for extra kick.
3. Can I swap chicken breast for thighs?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful even with quick cooking, making them a great substitute. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure doneness.
4. What’s the best way to keep avocado from browning?
Toss chopped avocado with a little lime juice to slow oxidation. Alternatively, add avocado just before serving for the freshest color and flavor.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written it’s naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your chipotle peppers in adobo and seasonings are certified gluten-free if needed
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by feelgoodfoodie. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
