Best Ever Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl
Description
This grilled chicken burrito bowl combines smoky, tender chicken, fluffy cilantro-lime rice, creamy avocado, black beans, roasted corn, fresh salsa, and tangy dressing — all layered in one hearty, satisfying bowl. It’s a perfect mix of protein, fiber, and fresh flavor — and it’s easy to meal-prep or customize to your liking
Time Overview
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Marination Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including marination)
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Grilled Chicken
2 large chicken breasts (or 4 small)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Juice of 1 lime
For the Cilantro-Lime Rice
1 cup white or brown rice, cooked
Juice and zest of 1 lime
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
1 tbsp butter or olive oil
Salt to taste
For the Bowl Toppings
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or roasted)
1 avocado, sliced or diced
1 cup fresh tomato salsa (or pico de gallo)
1 cup shredded lettuce (or romaine)
½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Optional: sliced jalapeños, lime wedges, hot sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken and coat evenly.
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).
Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips
Prepare the Rice
Cook rice according to package instructions
Stir in lime juice, zest, cilantro, butter, and alt. Keep warm
4. Assemble the Burrito Bowl
Start with a base of cilantro-lime rice.
Add sections of grilled chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, avocado, and lettuce.
Sprinkle cheese on top and drizzle with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.
Serve & Enjoy
Mix all the ingredients together before eating to get a perfect bite of everything!
Pro Tips
Char the corn on a skillet or grill for a smoky flavor
Add guacamole instead of plain avocado for extra creaminess
Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
Spice it up with hot sauce or chipotle mayo drizzle
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 530 kcal
Protein: 42 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 7 g
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A) Can I make this burrito bowl ahead of time?
Yes!
Store the components separately — grilled chicken, rice, beans, and toppings — in airtight containers. Assemble when ready to eat. Lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.
What’s the best way to reheat it?
Reheat chicken, rice, and beans together in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, then add fresh toppings like avocado and salsa afterward.
Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely
Swap the chicken for grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted veggies (like bell peppers and zucchini). Use vegan cheese and cashew crema instead of dairy.
How can I make it spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños, extra chili powder, or drizzle with sriracha or chipotle sauce.
What’s a good dressing for this bowl?
A few great options
Cilantro-lime crema: Greek yogurt + lime juice + cilantro + garlic + pinch of salt
Chipotle ranch: Ranch + adobo sauce from chipotles in adobo
Honey-lime vinaigrette: Lime juice + olive oil + honey + cumin Can I use store-bought grilled chicken?
Yes, but homemade marinated chicken tastes fresher. If using store-bought, warm it up and season with lime juice and a bit of chili powder to boost