This Easy Chicken Burrito Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice brings all the flavors of your favorite restaurant bowl—fresh, zesty, and perfectly balanced—right to your kitchen. Packed with juicy marinated chicken, fluffy cilantro lime rice, and colorful toppings like black beans, avocado, and corn, this recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or healthy meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Burrito Bowl
- Quick and Customizable: Ready in under 30 minutes (plus marinating time) and easy to adapt with your favorite toppings.
- Healthy & Filling: Loaded with protein, fiber, and fresh veggies—this is a balanced meal that satisfies.
- Budget-Friendly: Skip takeout and make 4 big, restaurant-style bowls for less than half the cost.
- Meal-Prep Hero: Stores beautifully for 3–4 days, making it a perfect grab-and-go lunch.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone can build their own bowl just the way they like it!
Ingredients for Easy Chicken Burrito Bowl
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce + 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Cilantro Lime Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 lime (zested and juiced)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Bowl Toppings
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced or diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- ¼ cup red onion, chopped
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- No Chipotle? Use smoked paprika and a pinch of chili powder instead.
- Cilantro Substitute: Try parsley if you’re not a cilantro fan.
- Grain Options: Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice all work great.
- Pork-Free Swap: This recipe is already pork-free and family-friendly.
- Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free: Naturally fits both diets!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together avocado oil, lime juice, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic powder, and salt. Add the chicken breasts and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for stronger flavor).
Pro Tip: The longer the chicken marinates, the smokier and juicier it becomes!
Step 2 – Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from heat and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 3 – Prepare the Cilantro Lime Rice
While the chicken cooks, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the rice and salt. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Once tender, fluff with a fork and stir in lime zest, juice, and chopped cilantro.
Step 4 – Assemble the Bowls
In each bowl, layer:
- A scoop of cilantro lime rice
- Chopped romaine lettuce
- Sliced chicken
- Toppings: black beans, corn, avocado, tomato, and red onion
Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a bright finish.
Pro Tips for Success
- Marinate Ahead: Prep the chicken the night before for an even faster dinner.
- Batch Cook Rice: Double the rice and use it for burritos or tacos later in the week.
- Char the Corn: For extra flavor, lightly sear the corn in a dry pan before serving.
- Keep Toppings Separate for Meal Prep: Assemble right before eating to keep lettuce fresh.
- Use Leftover Chicken: Grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken works perfectly here.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce.
- Creamy Style: Top with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Tropical Twist: Add pineapple or mango salsa.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas.
- Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
Serving Suggestions
- Family Dinner: Set out all ingredients buffet-style and let everyone build their own.
- Lunchbox Meal: Pack in divided containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
- Party Bowl Bar: Offer multiple toppings and sauces for a fun “build-your-own” night.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Cooked chicken and rice can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: Warm chicken and rice in the microwave or skillet; add fresh toppings after reheating.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sodium | 580 mg |
(Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)
FAQ About Chicken Burrito Bowls
How can I make this chicken burrito bowl ahead of time?
Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and cook it when ready. Keep all toppings prepped in containers so you can assemble in minutes.
Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds extra fiber and a nutty flavor, while quinoa gives a lighter texture and boosts protein.
What sauce goes best with chicken burrito bowls?
Try a drizzle of chipotle mayo, cilantro lime crema, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness.
Are chicken burrito bowls healthy?
Yes! They’re packed with lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats. It’s a balanced, nutrient-rich meal.
Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or black beans. Use avocado oil instead of butter or dairy-based marinades.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Burrito Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice is everything you love about a restaurant burrito bowl—but fresher, lighter, and way more affordable. Whether you’re cooking for the week, a family dinner, or a quick healthy meal, it’s a guaranteed win. Each bite bursts with zesty lime, smoky chipotle, and the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Print
Easy Chicken Burrito Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls 1x
Description
A fresh, flavorful, and easy chicken burrito bowl layered with cilantro lime rice, juicy marinated chicken, and colorful toppings.
Ingredients
2 tbsp avocado oil
Juice of 1 lime
2 chipotle peppers in adobo + 1 tbsp adobo sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
1 lb boneless chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups water
½ tsp salt
1 lime (zest + juice)
¼ cup cilantro
2 cups romaine lettuce
1 avocado
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cup black beans
1 cup corn
¼ cup red onion
Instructions
1. Whisk together marinade ingredients and add chicken. Chill 2+ hours.
2. Cook chicken in skillet until browned and done.
3. Prepare rice; stir in lime and cilantro.
4. Assemble bowls with rice, lettuce, chicken, and toppings.
5. Serve with lime and extra cilantro.
Notes
Store ingredients separately for freshness.
Freeze chicken and rice up to 1 month.
Swap chicken for tofu or beans for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Meal Prep
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
