One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl

A Quick and Flavorful Meal in Just 30 Minutes

The One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is a perfect meal for busy weeknights, combining bold Mexican flavors with minimal cleanup. This dish includes tender chicken, seasoned rice, beans, corn, and vibrant toppings—all cooked in a single pan for a stress-free dinner. It’s a complete meal that’s both satisfying and customizable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.
• Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pan.
• Versatile: Customize with different proteins, vegetables, or toppings.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleasing dish that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional toppings: diced avocado, sour cream, jalapeños, salsa

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and half of the chili powder and cumin. Cook for 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 3: Cook the Rice and Vegetables

Add the uncooked rice, remaining chili powder, cumin, paprika, and chicken broth to the pan. Stir well, then add the diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Mix everything together.

Step 4: Simmer Until Done

Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Cover and let simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Serve

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover for 1-2 minutes until melted. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish and garnish with chopped cilantro.

Step 6: Customize and Enjoy

Serve with your favorite toppings like diced avocado, sour cream, or jalapeños.

Recipe Variations

• Use Different Protein: Swap chicken for ground beef, turkey, shrimp, or tofu.
• Make It Spicier: Add extra jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.
• Change the Rice: Substitute brown rice (increase cooking time) or quinoa.
• Add More Veggies: Include bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
• Make It Low-Carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice (adjust liquid accordingly).

Servings and Time

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this burrito bowl vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for black beans, pinto beans, or crumbled tofu. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook (about 35-40 minutes). Increase the liquid to 2 cups of broth.

What can I serve with this dish?

This is a complete meal, but you can pair it with tortilla chips, guacamole, or a side salad for extra freshness.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes! Cook the dish ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat when ready to serve, adding fresh toppings just before eating.

What’s the best pan to use?

A large skillet with a lid, preferably non-stick or cast iron, works best for even cooking.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, but adjust the cooking process. Combine all ingredients except cheese and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Add cheese at the end.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking?

Stir occasionally and use a well-seasoned or non-stick pan. If needed, add a splash more broth to loosen the mixture.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The dish is still flavorful without it.

What’s a good substitute for diced tomatoes with green chilies?

Use regular diced tomatoes and add a small can of green chilies or a spoonful of salsa.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Yes, add shredded rotisserie chicken in Step 4 instead of cooking raw chicken. Reduce the simmering time slightly.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is a lifesaver for busy nights, delivering bold flavors with minimal effort. It’s easy to customize, nutritious, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you keep it simple or load it up with toppings, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

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