Are you craving a tasty, healthy chicken burrito bowl that’s simple to make? This perfect mix of flavor and ease is great for a quick meal. It’s ideal for a protein-packed lunch or a yummy dinner. Everyone in the family will love it.
This meal takes only 40 minutes to make. It has tender chicken, colorful veggies, and tasty cauliflower rice. It’s perfect for busy nights. This recipe serves four and is a healthy way to enjoy North American Mexican-inspired food. It’s also gluten-free and can be changed to fit different diets.
Key Takeaways
- Makes 4 servings
- High in protein with 48g per serving
- Total prep and cooking time is 30 minutes
- 484 calories per serving
- Gluten-free and easily customizable
Introduction
Starting with meal prep for beginners? Try our Easy Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe. It’s great for newcomers and seasoned cooks wanting healthy eating options. Quick to make, it’s perfect for convenient weeknight meals.
This Chicken Burrito Bowl is loved by many, scoring 4.88 out of 8 votes. You get a balanced meal: 525 calories and packed with nutrients. It’s made with chicken, salsa, brown rice, corn, onions, cilantro, beans, and cheese. Such a mix offers a burst of tastes and textures.
The recipe is family-friendly, appealing to everyone. It lets you swap ingredients, like using different meats. This means kids will enjoy it too. Toppings like avocado or hot sauce make it even more customizable.
What’s more, you can prepare this meal ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. This feature is a boon for those with tight schedules. It helps ensure meals are both easy and nutritious.
Ingredients Needed for Chicken Burrito Bowls
To make the best chicken burrito bowls, pick fresh ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need for a tasty meal.
Chicken and Marinade
We start with juicy chicken breast. Here’s the lineup:
- 16 oz of boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning for a savory marinade recipe
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil to make the marinade better
- A meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked to 165F (74C)
This seasoned chicken is the highlight, making every bite flavorful.
Vegetables and Toppings
Adding veggies makes your burrito bowls colorful and healthy. You need these:
- 2 cups of romaine lettuce or kale for a fresh base
- 1 cup of grape tomatoes, halved
- 15 oz of canned black beans, rinsed
- 15 oz of canned corn, drained
- Optional: 3/4 cup of shredded cheese and lime wedges for extra flavor
Veggies and beans make your burrito bowls tasty and full of nutrients.
- 2/3 cup of white rice
- 1 cup of water
- 1/3 cup of salsa for flavor
These ingredients make the rice both tasty and satisfying.
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges add amazing flavors. They turn the bowls into something you’ll want again and again.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 415 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 29g |
| Protein | 29g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 82mg |
| Sodium | 170mg |
| Potassium | 913mg |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Vitamin A | 4120 IU |
| Vitamin C | 91.7mg |
| Calcium | 83mg |
| Iron | 1.7mg |
This list shows everything you need for amazing chicken burrito bowls. They make meal prep easy and tasty.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making a tasty and healthy chicken burrito bowl is simple. Follow these steps for a great meal prep option. With good meal prep techniques, you save time and always have a healthy meal ready.
Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables
Start with marinating the chicken breast to add flavor. Mix 1 ½ pounds of chicken breast with chipotle peppers, avocado oil, and spices. Let it marinate for 30 minutes to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
While the chicken marinates, get your nourishing vegetable sides ready. Cut up tomatoes, avocados, and other veggies like corn and black beans. These add flavor and nutrition to your meal.
Baking and Resting
After marinating, it’s time to bake the chicken. Heat your oven to 350°F and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Add sliced veggies around the chicken for a simple one-pan meal. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken cooks through.
Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This makes the chicken tender and juicy. These baking chicken breast recipes mix flavors well and keep the chicken moist.
Slice the chicken and veggies, then create your burrito bowls. Add your veggies and any other toppings you like. These easy steps improve your meal prep, perfect for efficient meal prep techniques.
The Best Rice and Beans for Burrito Bowls
When making homemade burrito bowls, the base is key. Nutritious grains are essential for a good meal prep. They provide important nutrients and improve your meal’s taste and texture. This is why brown rice and black beans are top picks for burrito bowls.
Brown rice is known for its high fiber content and great texture. It’s full of nutrients and keeps you full longer. It also takes about 45 minutes to cook. This makes it a healthy choice worth your time. You can also try white rice, quinoa, or farro for some variety.
Black beans are perfect for homemade burrito bowls. They offer plenty of protein and are easy to prepare. They go really well with rice. Using either canned beans or cooking them from scratch works. Together, they make a healthy mix of carbs and protein.
Let’s look at the nutrients these ingredients offer per serving:
| Macronutrient | Value per serving |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 61g |
| Protein | 55g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Fiber | 10g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Choosing brown rice cuts down cholesterol and sodium. Serve your bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice and black beans for a balanced meal. It’s perfect for any day.
These grains make your burrito bowls healthier and more filling. So, enjoy the benefits of brown rice and the protein from black beans. They’re the best base for your dishes!
How to Customize Your Burrito Bowl
Making your burrito bowl your own is simple and enjoyable. You might love vegetarian dishes or seek new cooking ideas. There’s so much to try out.
Protein Alternatives
If you want to mix up your protein sources, there are great options other than chicken. These can make your bowl exciting:
- Steak: Thinly slice and marinate steak for a hearty option.
- Shrimp: Grill or sauté shrimp with a bit of lime and garlic for a fresh taste.
- Tofu: Perfect for vegetarian meal prep, tofu can be seasoned and grilled or baked.
- Beans: An excellent option for those seeking a plant-based protein, black beans or pinto beans are great alternatives.
Vegetable Variations
Adding different veggies not only brings color and texture but also more nutrients. Here are some fun veggie ideas:
- Squash: Roasted butternut or zucchini squash can add a sweet, tender element.
- Jalapeno: For a spicy kick, thinly sliced jalapenos can be a game-changer.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach leaves are a quick and nutritious addition.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add a savory depth to your meal.
Below is a table to show you these customization options more clearly:
| Protein Options | Vegetable Additions |
|---|---|
| Steak | Squash |
| Shrimp | Jalapeno |
| Tofu | Spinach |
| Beans | Mushrooms |
Storage and Meal Prepping Tips
Storing and prepping meals in the kitchen can be easy with a few tips. For tasty Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls, here are the best practices. This keeps your food safe and your kitchen efficient.
Start by getting good quality, freezer-safe containers. I recommend Pyrex 3-cup glass containers for this. You can make six bowls at once with this recipe. Store them in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for a month. This keeps them fresh and ready.
- Recommendation: Protein and plant protein in the fridge last safely up to four days.
- Freezing: Ensure that you freeze the meals as soon as they cool to room temperature to maintain freshness.
Reheating your meal is easy when you’re hungry. Just microwave a burrito bowl. The reheating time depends on how frozen it is and the toppings. Keep the fresh toppings aside until you’re ready to eat. This keeps the meal delicious.
- Reheat the burrito bowl in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
- Check if the meal is thoroughly warmed; if not, continue in 30-second intervals.
- Add fresh toppings such as avocado, cilantro, or a lime wedge right before serving.
These easy tips help keep your kitchen running well. Your prepped meals will be as good as when you first made them. With just 30 minutes of cooking time for the Meal Prep Burrito Bowls, you’ll save time and enjoy tasty meals.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the recipe and its nutritional content for easy reference:
| Ingredients | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cooked rice (4 cups) | $0.99 |
| Ground turkey or beef (1 lb) | $3.99 |
| Taco seasoning | $0.67 |
| Frozen corn kernels (1 cup) | $0.38 |
| Black beans (15oz. can) | $0.59 |
| Cheese (4 oz.) | $1.00 |
| Salsa (1 1/3 cup) | $1.30 |
| Green onions (2) | $0.13 |
Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
A meal prep chicken burrito bowl recipe is easy and tasty. It’s all about planning your meals for the week. Just marinade your chicken in lime, olive oil, and spices. Then, cook it how you like, either baking or grilling.
Once the chicken is cooked, get your veggies ready. Slice bell peppers and onions, then roast them till tender. Cook some rice and warm up black beans. These are the base for your burrito bowl. Put them in containers for easy meals later.
Add extras like avocado, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and pickled onions for flavor. For step-by-step instructions, check this meal prep chicken burrito bowls recipe. It’s great for meal prep.
This dish is wholesome with 304 calories, 26 grams of protein, and just 11 grams of fat per serving. It’s a popular recipe with good ratings. You’ll get about 4 servings from this recipe, saving time during your week.
Heat your oven to 425 degrees and cook the chicken and veggies. In about 40 minutes, your burrito bowl base is ready. For an easy recipe, visit sheet pan chicken burrito bowls.
Try using a slow cooker for a different method. Mix chicken, tomatoes, broth, beans, rice, corn, and spices. Cook on low for 8 hours for a tasty filling. This makes 7 cups, or 6 to 8 servings. Check out this slow cooker chicken burrito bowls recipe for ideas.
Burrito bowls can be turned into burritos, tacos, or lettuce wraps. You can keep the mix in the fridge for a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. This makes a quick and healthy meal anytime.
Optional Toppings for Extra Flavor
Adding the right toppings to your chicken burrito bowls can make a huge difference. The base ingredients are good on their own. But, toppings like salsas and guacamole can make your meal even better.
Popular Toppings
What makes a burrito bowl unforgettable? It’s all about the toppings. Here are some fan favorites:
- Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous kick.
- Salsa: You can choose how spicy you want it.
- Guacamole: Creamy and full of healthy fats.
- Crushed Tortilla Chips: They add a fun crunch.
These toppings don’t just add flavor. They let you customize your bowl just how you like it.
Cheese Options
The right cheese can change your burrito bowl’s taste and texture. Here are some top picks:
- Cheddar Cheese: It melts well and is full of flavor.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: Gives a spicy kick.
- Mexican Blend Cheese: Melts perfectly for a creamy addition.
Pick a cheese that matches the taste you want. You can try spicy mixes or stick with classic cheddar. You can mix it up every time.
Trying different toppings and cheeses can be fun. Don’t be afraid to mix things up and find your new favorite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When you’re making chicken burrito bowls, it’s key to avoid certain mistakes to get a tasty and healthy meal. Here are the main points you should focus on:
- Improper Seasoning: The right mix of spices can either make or break your meal. Too little seasoning makes it bland, but too much can hide the other flavors.
- Overcooking Chicken: If you cook chicken too long, it gets dry and tough. To avoid this, cook it until it hits 165°F. Check it with a meat thermometer and stop cooking once it’s perfectly done.
- Skipping Meat Resting Time: It’s important to let your chicken rest after cooking. This rest period lets the juices spread, which makes the chicken moist and soft. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before you slice it.
Using these tips can help you steer clear of common kitchen errors and boost your cooking game. Remember, the right seasoning, correct cooking time, and resting the chicken are key to making the perfect chicken burrito bowl.
By knowing these mistakes and following these tricks, you’re on the right path to becoming great at making tasty and well-balanced chicken burrito bowls.
Conclusion
The Easy Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is more than just food. It’s a simple way to stay healthy, even on your busiest days. By using an Instant Pot, the recipe becomes easier, giving you time for other things. Each bowl is full of good stuff like protein and fiber, making it a tasty, healthy choice.
You can tweak these burrito bowls to make them your own. Want more chicken? Go ahead. Like it creamy? Add some avocado. This recipe lets you play with your food in healthy ways. Black beans add iron and fiber, helping your digestion and health.
Choosing this meal prep means you care about eating right and living a balanced life. These bowls are easy to make, store, and are great for meal prep. So, get your Instant Pot ready, and enjoy making these yummy Chicken Burrito Bowls.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, chicken thighs are fine to use. Remember, they might need more time to cook than breasts.
What are some healthy chicken burrito bowl toppings?
Healthy toppings include fresh cilantro, homemade salsa, guacamole, and lime juice. A few tortilla chips add crunch without hurting health.
How long can I store the meal-prepped chicken burrito bowls in the refrigerator?
Keep the chicken burrito bowls in the fridge for up to four days. Keep the toppings separate to stay fresh.
Can I substitute brown rice with other grains like quinoa or farro?
Sure! Swap brown rice for quinoa, farro, or white rice. Each offers a unique taste and texture.
Are these burrito bowls high in protein?
Yes, they are packed with protein thanks to chicken and black beans. It’s great for a high-protein diet.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely, it’s kid-friendly. Adjust toppings and spices as you like, making it great for family meals.
How can I avoid overcooking the chicken?
Use a meat thermometer to make sure it’s 165°F inside. Let it rest post-baking for juicy chicken.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Turn it vegetarian by using tofu or adding vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or squash.
What is the best cheese for burrito bowls?
For burrito bowls, Mexican cheese blend is excellent. It melts well and tastes great. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija are also good.
Can I freeze the meal-prepped chicken burrito bowls?
Yes, freeze them in separate airtight containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.