If you’re looking for a meal that’s both effortless and packed full of flavor, you’re going to love this One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want a wholesome, comforting dinner that doesn’t leave me scrubbing a pile of dishes afterward. You get juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, hearty rice, and all the classic burrito bowl goodness—done in one pan, no fuss, and seriously delicious. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your weeknight go-to too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe plays a part in creating those vibrant, comforting flavors we love. You’ll want fresh and good quality staples so everything shines through beautifully.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken: I usually use chicken breasts for lean protein, but thighs work great too if you prefer juicier bites.
• Long-Grain White or Brown Rice: Both work well here—brown rice gives a nuttier flavor but takes a bit longer to cook.
• Black Beans: Rinsed and drained to keep the dish fresh and prevent excess saltiness.
• Corn: Frozen or canned both add a sweet pop of flavor—whatever’s on hand works perfectly.
• Onion: Adds a savory base; I usually go for yellow or white onion for mild sweetness.
• Bell Pepper: Red or green give that lovely color contrast and sweetness.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding a touch of richness.
• Ground Cumin & Chili Powder: These spices bring classic southwestern warmth and a little smoky warmth.
• Garlic Powder: Because garlic is basically essential for savory depth!
• Salt and Pepper: To bring everything into harmony.
• Lime Juice: A fresh squeeze brightens up the whole dish at the end.
• Fresh Cilantro: The final garnish that adds herbal freshness and color.
• Optional Toppings: Think avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, or even some pickled jalapeños to kick it up a notch.

Variations

I love how adaptable this One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is—you can easily make it your own. Over time, I’ve started swapping ingredients depending on what I have in the fridge or the season, so don’t hesitate to get creative!

• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or extra beans for a satisfying meatless version that still feels hearty.
• Spice it Up: Add a diced jalapeño or smoked paprika for some extra smoky heat; my family loves the kick!
• Use Brown Rice: For added fiber and a nuttier flavor—just keep in mind the cooking time might increase a bit.
• Seasonal Veggies: Swap bell peppers for diced zucchini or cherry tomatoes in summer for a fresh twist.

How to Make One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Season and Prep Your Chicken

Start by dicing your chicken into bite-sized pieces—that way, they cook evenly and quickly. Toss them with salt, ground cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. I usually mix the spices in a small bowl first, then sprinkle it over the chicken to make sure every piece gets coated well. This step is where the flavor foundation gets laid, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Until Golden and Juicy

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s nice and hot, add the seasoned chicken. Stir it frequently for about 5 to 7 minutes until the pieces are cooked through and have a beautiful golden crust. Watching this part is key because undercooked chicken can be a dealbreaker, but once it browns nicely, you’re golden—literally and figuratively.

Step 3: Add Veggies and Rice

Once the chicken’s cooked, toss in your diced onion and bell pepper. Give everything a good stir and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the peppers soften just right. Then, add the rice, rinsed black beans, and corn kernels. Stir well so all these colorful ingredients marry together beautifully before moving on.

Step 4: Simmer for Perfection

Pour in about 1.5 cups of water or chicken broth—broth adds extra flavor if you have it handy. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover your skillet tightly and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This is where the magic happens: the rice cooks through and soaks up all those vibrant, savory juices. Just peek once near the end to make sure it’s not drying out—add a splash more liquid if needed.

Step 5: Finish with Freshness and Serve

Once your rice is tender and the liquid absorbed, fluff it all up with a fork. I’ve found that squeezing in the juice of a fresh lime right at the end wakes up the whole dish with a punch of brightness. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top and add whatever toppings you love—avocado and cheese are my family’s favorites, but sour cream or jalapeños are amazing too. Then, dig in and enjoy!

How to Serve One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my burrito bowls with fresh chopped cilantro and a generous squeeze of lime juice. Avocado slices or creamy guacamole add that lovely richness, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese gives a melty, indulgent touch. If you like a little heat, diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce works wonders.

Side Dishes

Sometimes I keep it simple and just serve this bowl as a meal on its own. But if you want to add sides, a crisp green salad or some crunchy tortilla chips pair beautifully. A dollop of salsa or a side of refried beans also complements the dish nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, I’ve served this recipe in individual mason jars layered with avocado, sour cream, and cilantro—everyone loved how portable and colorful it was! You can also pile everything high in a big shallow bowl, letting guests customize with various toppings on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually separate the toppings like avocado or sour cream so they stay fresh and creamy when reheated.

Freezing

I sometimes freeze the cooked chicken, rice, and veggies (without fresh garnishes) in a freezer-safe container. It reheats well for a quick meal, just thaw overnight and warm gently on the stove or microwave.

Reheating

To keep everything tasting fresh, I reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. A quick re-squeeze of lime and fresh cilantro on top revives the bright flavors perfectly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight routine because it delivers big flavor with zero hassle. It’s so rewarding to make something that tastes this good without the need for multiple pans or a long ingredient list. Give it a try—you’ll be surprised how such simple ingredients can come together into a cozy, satisfying meal that the whole family will ask for again and again.

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