Print

Easy Flavor-Packed Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep Recipe for Quick Healthy Lunches

chicken burrito bowl meal prep - featured image

A quick and easy chicken burrito bowl meal prep recipe bursting with smoky chipotle flavor, fresh toppings, and fluffy rice, perfect for healthy lunches that hold up well in the fridge.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (about 1 lb / 450 g)
  • 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup long grain white rice or brown rice (185 g)
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth (475 ml)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed (about 170 g)
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed (about 150 g)
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh salsa or pico de gallo
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine chipotle chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour in the fridge.
  2. Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice, water or broth, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes (white rice) or 40-45 minutes (brown rice). Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil if needed. Once hot, place chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid flipping too often to get a nice sear. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
  4. While chicken cooks, rinse and drain black beans, thaw corn if frozen, dice avocado, chop cilantro, and prepare salsa.
  5. Divide rice evenly into meal prep containers or bowls. Top with sliced chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, salsa, cilantro, and cheese if using. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top if desired.
  6. Allow bowls to cool before sealing and refrigerating. Store in fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating for better sear. Let chicken rest after cooking to keep juices locked in. Rinse rice before cooking to keep it fluffy. Avoid overcrowding pan when cooking chicken. Use broth instead of water for more flavor in rice. For dairy-free, skip cheese and sour cream or use plant-based alternatives. Store avocado and fresh salsa separately when freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken burrito bowl, meal prep, healthy lunch, chipotle chicken, easy recipe, quick dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free option