If you have been searching for a delicious, satisfying meal that brings the vibrant flavors of a burrito bowl without the fuss of multiple pans and dirty dishes, then you are going to love this One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe. It combines tender, perfectly spiced chicken with a medley of beans, corn, rice, and melted cheese to deliver a comforting yet fresh meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering, this recipe is bursting with color, flavor, and simplicity that will make it an instant favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each element in this One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is straightforward but plays a crucial role in delivering those bold, harmonious flavors and textures you’re craving. From the smoky spices that coat the chicken, to the creamy black beans and sweet corn, every ingredient adds layers of taste and a splash of color that make the dish as beautiful as it is tasty.
- Olive oil: The perfect base for cooking the chicken and building flavor without overpowering the spices.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Diced for quick, even cooking and tender bites throughout the bowl.
- Cumin: Adds earthiness and warmth, key to that authentic burrito bowl flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky depth that makes the chicken irresistibly fragrant.
- Chili powder: Delivers a gentle kick of heat that wakes up your taste buds.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a background layer of savory goodness.
- Onion powder: Adds complexity and rounds out the spice blend.
- Black beans (canned, drained, and rinsed): Creamy and hearty, they contribute protein and fiber, balancing the meal.
- Frozen corn: Sweet bursts of texture that complement the spices and soften the palette.
- Long-grain white rice: Acts as the perfect fluffy base to soak up all those fantastic flavors.
- Chicken broth: Cooks the rice with rich flavor, keeping everything moist and tasty.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to tie everything together perfectly.
- Diced tomatoes (fresh or canned): Adds brightness and a touch of acidity that balances the richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over the top for gooey, cheesy magic that makes every bite indulgent.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: Provides a fresh, herbaceous finish that lifts the dish.
- Juice of 1 lime: Adds a zesty punch right before serving, awakening all the flavors.
How to Make One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat—this is where your journey to bursting flavors begins. Toss in the diced chicken, then sprinkle on chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let those spices coat the chicken beautifully as it cooks for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. This spiced chicken forms the savory star of your burrito bowl, so don’t rush it! Once ready, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice
Using that same skillet (no extra pans means less cleanup—yay!), add the rinsed long-grain white rice and pour in the chicken broth. Give it a quick stir to combine everything, then bring the liquid to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low, letting the rice cook gently for about 12 to 15 minutes. By the end, the rice will be tender, fluffy, and have absorbed all the savory broth, creating a flavorful base for your burrito bowl.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now the fun part—bring it all together! Stir in the drained black beans, sweet frozen corn, diced tomatoes, and the cooked chicken right into the rice. Continue cooking over medium heat for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, just until everything is heated through and the flavors mingle beautifully. This step transforms the dish from just individual ingredients to a harmonious one-pan meal.
Step 4: Add Cheese
To make this dish truly irresistible, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of your warm burrito bowl mixture. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for a couple of minutes so the cheese can melt into gooey perfection. This cheesy layer adds richness and that comforting texture we all crave.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and finish by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro and a generous squeeze of lime juice. These fresh, zesty touches brighten the whole dish and give you that perfect balance of smoky, savory, and tangy flavors. Serve immediately and get ready to enjoy the magic of one skillet creating a feast.
How to Serve One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe from great to unforgettable. Try topping it with slices of ripe avocado or dollops of creamy sour cream to add luscious texture contrast. A handful of diced red onion or a sprinkle of extra cilantro can add that fresh crunch and vibrancy that balance the smoky richness. Don’t forget an extra wedge of lime on the side for those who love a zesty tang on every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to make it even more special, consider serving with a simple side salad of crisp greens dressed lightly with citrus vinaigrette. Crunchy tortilla chips make an excellent accompaniment for scooping, and a side of pickled jalapeños can add a tangy, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the dish’s humble but flavorful roots.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress friends or family? Serve the burrito bowl in individual small cast-iron skillets or colorful bowls for a rustic, cozy vibe. For a fun twist, spoon the mixture into warm flour tortillas for instant burritos, or layer it over a bed of greens for a burrito bowl salad. You can even turn it into a burrito bowl stuffed pepper by halving and hollowing bell peppers then filling them with the warm mixture—flavor and presentation all in one!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making this an ideal make-ahead meal for busy days when you want something delicious but quick.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! Portion the cooled burrito bowl mixture into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the flavors vibrant and textures enjoyable.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can add a splash of chicken broth or water if it feels dry. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through. Sprinkle on a little fresh cilantro and lime juice after reheating for a refreshed finish.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and chewier texture, but it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust cooking time and broth accordingly for best results when making the One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe safe for those avoiding gluten. Just double-check your canned ingredients and spices to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Diced boneless, skinless chicken thighs will bring a bit more juiciness and richness to the dish. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How spicy is this dish? Can I make it milder?
The spice level is moderate from the chili powder and paprika, but you can easily tone it down by reducing these spices or skipping the chili powder altogether for a milder but still flavorful One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even some fresh spinach in the final stages of cooking. They add color, nutrition, and freshness while keeping the spirit of the dish intact.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe has been one of those lifesaver dishes for me—so easy, quick, and utterly packed with flavor. I encourage you to give it a try and make it your own. Whether you’re feeding family or just treating yourself, it delivers all the comfort and zest of your favorite burrito bowl with a fraction of the fuss. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
A flavorful and easy one-pan chicken burrito bowl featuring seasoned chicken, rice, black beans, corn, and a zesty blend of spices, topped with melted cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, and lime juice. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice and Add-ins
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Rice: In the same skillet, add the rinsed rice and chicken broth. Stir well to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook over low heat for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the black beans, frozen corn, diced tomatoes, and the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the burrito bowl with fresh chopped cilantro and squeeze the juice of one lime over the dish. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- To save time, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños when seasoning the chicken.
- Substitute brown rice for white rice for a whole grain option, but increase cooking time accordingly.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and increase the beans and corn quantities.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
