Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice, Beans, and Fresh Toppings Recipe

Sizzling Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe: A Fiesta in a Bowl

Crafting delicious grilled chicken burrito bowls promises a flavor explosion that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

Mexican-inspired cuisine delivers incredible satisfaction for hungry souls seeking vibrant meals.

Layers of perfectly seasoned ingredients create a colorful canvas waiting to be devoured.

Fresh components combine to build a meal that feels both comforting and adventurous.

Simple techniques help you assemble an impressive dish without complicated preparation steps.

Protein-packed and nutritious, these burrito bowls offer a balanced approach to weeknight dinner solutions.

Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of textures and zesty flavors that will leave you craving more.

Reasons To Try Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls With Rice Beans And Fresh Toppings

  • Customize with Ease: Build your own burrito bowl by mixing and matching toppings, making it perfect for picky eaters or those with different taste preferences.
  • Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Grilled chicken thighs provide a juicy, flavorful protein base that keeps you satisfied and energized throughout the day.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: This recipe comes together in minimal steps, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Healthy Meal Prep Champion: Prepare components ahead of time and assemble quickly, making it an ideal option for busy individuals seeking nutritious, delicious meals.

What Goes Into Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls With Rice Beans And Fresh Toppings

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful meat that serves as the primary protein for the burrito bowl.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Lime Juice: Creates a zesty and moistening base for coating the chicken with spices.
  • Spices: Provides depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the chicken.
Grain Base:
  • Rice: Serves as the foundational layer of the burrito bowl, adding substance and texture.
Legume Component:
  • Beans: Adds protein and a creamy texture to complement the grilled chicken.
Fresh Toppings:
  • Pico de Gallo: Provides a fresh and tangy element to the dish.
  • Guacamole: Offers a creamy and rich accompaniment with healthy fats.
  • Cheese: Adds a rich and melty component to the burrito bowl.
Optional Garnishes:
  • Cilantro, Taco Sauce, Jalapeños: Allows for personalized flavor enhancement and additional heat.

How To Cook Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls With Rice Beans And Fresh Toppings

Step 1: Prepare Zesty Chicken Marinade

Mix a blend of spices in a small bowl. Whisk together oil and fresh lime juice, then incorporate the spice mixture.

Transfer chicken thighs to a sealable bag and pour in the marinade. Seal and gently massage to ensure even coating.

Refrigerate for 45 minutes, turning halfway through. Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before grilling to bring to room temperature.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

Heat grill to 375°F. Carefully place marinated chicken thighs on the grill grates.

Close lid and cook for 5 minutes. Flip chicken and continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes.

Check doneness using a meat thermometer – internal temperature should reach 165°F. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Create Mouth-Watering Burrito Bowls

Assemble bowls with a base of fluffy rice. Top with:
  • Grilled chicken pieces
  • Black or pinto beans
  • Fresh pico de gallo
  • Shredded cheese
  • Creamy guacamole
Finish with optional garnishes like:
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Drizzle of taco sauce
  • Sliced jalapeños

Serve immediately and savor the delicious flavors!

Quick Tips For Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls With Rice Beans And Fresh Toppings

  • Marinate chicken at least 45 minutes for maximum flavor infusion and tender meat texture.
  • Ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F internal temperature to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked protein.
  • Rest grilled chicken for 5 minutes after cooking to help juices redistribute, creating more succulent bite-sized pieces.
  • Customize bowls with extra toppings like fresh jalapeños, extra cilantro, or spicy salsa for personalized taste preferences.
  • Prep ingredients ahead of time for quick weeknight meal assembly, keeping marinated chicken and chopped vegetables ready in refrigerator.

Ways To Change Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls With Rice Beans And Fresh Toppings

  • Steak Burrito Bowl: Replace chicken with grilled flank steak marinated in chipotle and cumin for a robust, beefy flavor profile that adds richness to the classic recipe.
  • Shrimp Fiesta Bowl: Swap chicken for quick-grilled shrimp seasoned with chili powder and garlic, creating a lighter seafood version that's perfect for summer meals.
  • Vegetarian Mexican Bowl: Use roasted sweet potatoes and black beans as protein alternatives, topped with grilled corn and extra salsa verde for a hearty plant-based option.
  • Spicy Southwestern Bowl: Kick up the heat by adding blackened chicken, pepper jack cheese, roasted poblano peppers, and a drizzle of sriracha sauce for bold, zesty flavors.

What Tastes Good With Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls With Rice Beans And Fresh Toppings

  • Pair Zesty Margaritas with Vibrant Flavors
  • Craft a classic margarita with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a salted rim to complement the grilled chicken's spicy marinade. The citrusy cocktail cuts through the rich, bold flavors of the burrito bowl.
  • Match Crisp Mexican Lager for Refreshing Balance
  • Select a light Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona to provide a cool, crisp counterpoint to the warm, spiced chicken. The beer's clean finish refreshes the palate between bites of the hearty bowl.
  • Serve Sparkling Agua Fresca for Family-Friendly Option
  • Blend watermelon or pineapple with water and a touch of sugar to create a bright, fruity drink that mirrors the bowl's fresh ingredients.

Storing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls With Rice Beans And Fresh Toppings

  • Refrigerate Leftovers: Store chicken, rice, and toppings separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freezing Option: Pack components in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze chicken and rice for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing fresh toppings like pico de gallo or guacamole.
  • Reheating Rice and Chicken: Warm rice and chicken in microwave with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly heated to 165°F.

Common FAQs On Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls With Rice Beans And Fresh Toppings

  • What spices are used in the chicken marinade?

The marinade includes a blend of spices that likely involves chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, which create a flavorful and zesty coating for the chicken.

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly fine. Just ensure they are similar in thickness for even cooking and watch the internal temperature carefully to prevent drying out.

  • Do I need a grill to make this recipe?

No, you can use a grill pan, cast-iron skillet, or even bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F if you don’t have a grill available. The key is reaching the correct internal temperature.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice, Beans, and Fresh Toppings Recipe

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice, Beans, and Fresh Toppings Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sizzling chicken nestles in hearty Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls, packed with zesty rice, black beans, and garden-fresh garnishes. Layers of bold Mexican-inspired flavors promise a satisfying meal that welcomes you to savor each colorful, delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs

Spice Blend:

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2.5 teaspoons oil
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice

Bowl Components:

  • 4 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup pico de gallo (or diced tomatoes/salsa)
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cotija, or queso fresco)
  • 0.25 to 0.5 cup guacamole or diced avocado

Optional Toppings:

  • Chopped cilantro
  • Diced onion
  • Chopped lettuce
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Taco sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare a zesty marinade by blending aromatic spices with oil and fresh lime juice in a mixing container.
  2. Submerge chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 45 minutes, turning midway. Allow chicken to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling.
  3. Heat grill to 375°F, creating optimal cooking conditions for the marinated chicken.
  4. Grill chicken thighs with lid closed, cooking 5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices, then slice into bite-sized chunks.
  6. Create layered bowls by spreading fluffy rice as the foundational base.
  7. Artfully arrange chopped chicken, black beans, vibrant pico de gallo, and creamy cheese atop the rice.
  8. Enhance the bowl with dollops of rich guacamole and optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, tangy taco sauce, or spicy jalapeños.
  9. Serve immediately to preserve temperature and maximize flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Customize marinades by swapping lime juice with orange juice or adding smoky chipotle powder for deeper flavor complexity.
  • Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts if preferring leaner protein, adjusting grill time to prevent drying out.
  • Use quinoa or cauliflower rice as low-carb alternatives for gluten-free or keto-friendly variations of the bowl.
  • Prepare extra marinade and chicken for quick meal prep, storing in airtight containers for easy weekday lunches.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star