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Easy High-Protein Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe for Perfect Meal Prep

easy high-protein chicken burrito bowl - featured image

A quick and easy high-protein chicken burrito bowl perfect for meal prep, combining seasoned chicken, a brown rice and quinoa blend, fresh veggies, and creamy toppings for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice (or 50/50 mix of brown rice and quinoa)
  • 1/2 cup cooked quinoa (optional but recommended)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (optional)
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream, for dolloping
  • Hot sauce or salsa, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook 1 cup brown rice and 1/2 cup quinoa according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Toss well and let marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Avoid overcrowding and moving chicken too much.
  4. In the same pan, add a splash of olive oil if needed. Sauté diced red bell pepper and red onion over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened but still crisp. Add corn and black beans and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
  5. Divide the rice and quinoa mixture evenly into meal prep containers or serving bowls. Layer cooked chicken and sautéed veggies on top. Add fresh cilantro and sliced avocado.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheese over each bowl if using, and add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. Serve with hot sauce or salsa on the side.
  7. Let everything cool completely before sealing containers if prepping for later. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 10 minutes for best flavor. Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure a good sear. Let chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy. Add a splash of water or broth to deglaze pan if chicken sticks. Store avocado and dairy toppings separately to prevent browning. Reheat with a splash of water to keep grains moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken burrito bowl, high protein, meal prep, healthy dinner, quick recipe, brown rice, quinoa, Mexican bowl