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If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, flavorful meal that comes together effortlessly with minimal cleanup, the One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish combines juicy, spice-kissed chicken, tender rice, zesty black beans, and sweet corn—all cooked together in just one pan for a perfect balance of textures and colors. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser that comforts and excites, this recipe delivers delicious layers of warmth and excitement in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in building its hearty flavor and inviting texture. From fragrant spices to fresh lime juice, every component works together to create a balanced, satisfying bowl that’s colorful and full of life.
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing, it adds a silky richness and helps to seal in the chicken’s juices.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Chopped into bite-sized pieces, it provides lean protein and soaks up all the bold spices beautifully.
- Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy depth that’s essential in classic burrito flavors.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness that elevates the chicken’s flavor.
- Chili powder: The perfect hint of spice that ties the seasoning together without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: Adds a mellow, savory punch that’s subtle yet indispensable.
- Black beans: For a creamy texture and a boost of fiber and protein.
- Frozen corn: Sweet pops of color and natural sweetness to brighten the dish.
- Onion powder: Offers that characteristic onion flavor in a gentle, easily blended form.
- Long-grain white rice: The tender foundation that absorbs all the delicious cooking liquids.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory richness and keeps it moist.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and highlight flavors.
- Diced tomatoes: Fresh or canned, they add acidity and juiciness that brighten the whole bowl.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey, comforting layer that brings everything together.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds a burst of herby freshness that pops at the end.
- Juice of 1 lime: The final zingy touch that wakes up your taste buds.
How to Make One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced chicken breast and generously season it with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cooking the chicken until it’s golden and perfectly cooked through sets the stage for deep, rich flavor. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside—this keeps the seasoning intact and prepares the pan for the next steps.
Step 2: Cook the Rice in Flavorful Broth
Using the same skillet allows all those wonderful leftover spices and bits from the chicken to flavor your rice. Add the rinsed long-grain white rice and chicken broth to the pan. Stir everything together, bring it to a gentle simmer, cover, and let it cook on low heat for about 12 to 15 minutes. During this time, the rice absorbs all the savory broth and seasoning, becoming tender and fragrant—this is the hearty heart of your burrito bowl.
Step 3: Combine Beans, Corn, Tomatoes, and Chicken
Once the rice is tender, stir in the black beans, frozen corn, diced tomatoes, and the cooked chicken pieces. The mixture needs to warm through for about 3 to 4 minutes so all the ingredients meld together without losing their distinct textures. This blend brings a lively combination of creaminess, sweetness, and zest to every spoonful.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture, then cover the pan and let it sit off the direct heat for 2 to 3 minutes. The cheese melts into a velvety blanket that ties all the flavors and textures beautifully, creating that indulgent comfort we all crave in a burrito bowl.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, remove the pan from the heat. Scatter fresh chopped cilantro over the dish and squeeze the juice of one lime across the top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the wonderful balance of smoky, savory, and tangy flavors in warm, comforting harmony.
How to Serve One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes really bring your One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe to life. Cilantro adds a fresh herbal note while a squeeze of lime juice cuts through the richness and wakes up the flavors. You could also toss on some diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or a handful of sliced jalapeños for extra creaminess or heat, depending on your mood.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it alongside crunchy tortilla chips, a simple green salad, or even a light slaw with a tangy vinaigrette. These sides offer textural contrast and fresh brightness that complement the warmth and depth of the burrito bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the dish in individual bowls lined with warm tortillas for DIY burritos, or layer it over a bed of fresh salad greens for a burrito bowl salad. You can also add a colorful array of toppings displayed in small bowls for a build-your-own bar style presentation that’s perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from your One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it an excellent next-day lunch or quick dinner solution.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well too. Spread cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through. To revive any lost moisture, sprinkle a little water or broth over the rice before reheating. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the cheese melty.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nutty flavor and extra fiber, but remember it takes longer to cook — about 40 to 45 minutes. You might want to pre-cook the brown rice separately before combining.
What can I substitute for chicken if I want a vegetarian version?
Great question! You can swap the chicken for extra beans, sautéed mushrooms, or even cubed tofu seasoned similarly. These substitutes keep the protein content while maintaining hearty texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is moderate and adjustable. If you prefer more kick, add some cayenne or chopped jalapeños with the seasoning. If you want to tone it down, reduce the chili powder or omit any hot peppers.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, but just double-check your chicken broth and seasoning labels to ensure no hidden gluten is included.
Can leftovers still taste good the next day?
Definitely! In fact, the flavors meld and deepen overnight, making leftovers super tasty. Just reheat gently to preserve the texture and enjoy a fresh-feeling meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that’s both comforting and convenient, and this One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. It’s a go-to for busy nights, a crowd-pleaser for casual dinners, and a colorful, nourishing meal you’ll find yourself craving again and again. So grab your skillet, gather those simple ingredients, and get ready to savor every flavorful, cozy bite.
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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
Description
This One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is a flavorful and convenient meal featuring seasoned chicken, rice, black beans, corn, and tomatoes cooked all together in a single skillet. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice, this recipe offers a delicious Mexican-inspired dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Protein 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
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
Garnish and 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 it with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the Rice: In the same skillet, add the rinsed rice and chicken broth. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Beans, Corn, Tomatoes, and Chicken: Stir in the black beans, frozen corn, diced tomatoes, and the cooked chicken. Continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until everything is heated through evenly.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the dish with fresh chopped cilantro and squeeze the juice of one lime over the top. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and help it cook more evenly.
- You can substitute chicken breast with thigh meat if preferred for more juiciness.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño when cooking the chicken.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for meal prepping larger batches.
- Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
