One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl

by Sophia

Sometimes, you just need a meal that checks all the boxes: delicious, quick, and simple enough for even the busiest of weeknights. That’s where this One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl comes in. Packed with tender, seasoned chicken, vibrant veggies, hearty black beans, and perfectly cooked rice, it’s everything you’d want in a burrito, but without the mess or fuss. Best of all? It all comes together in just one pan. Yes, you read that right—less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’m a sucker for a meal that feels like comfort food while sneaking in a rainbow of nutrients. This burrito bowl is exactly that. It’s hearty without being heavy, customizable to fit any palate, and versatile enough to double as a lunch prep superstar. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket.

Let me walk you through how to whip up this beauty. You’ll be amazed at how easily it all comes together, and before you know it, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Getting Started: Prepping Your Ingredients

To keep things simple, start by gathering all your ingredients—this makes the cooking process a breeze. You’ll need some basic pantry staples like rice and spices, along with fresh veggies and chicken. Here’s what you’ll need for the chicken:

1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

2 tablespoons of olive oil
A blend of ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper

Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss it in a mix of those spices for bold, zesty flavor. Trust me, this spice blend is magic—it hits all the right notes without overwhelming the dish.

While the chicken marinates (just a few minutes will do), prep the veggies. Dice one medium onion and one bell pepper, then rinse and drain a can of black beans. Set everything aside—you’re ready to roll!

Cooking the Chicken

Now comes the fun part: cooking it all up! Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your seasoned chicken pieces. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

The smell of those spices hitting the hot pan? Pure heaven. This step alone will have your family wandering into the kitchen, asking, “What’s for dinner?”

When the chicken is done, don’t forget to set it aside on a plate for now. We’ll add it back in later once the rice and veggies are ready.

Bringing the Bowl Together: Vegetables and Rice

Using the same skillet (because one pan means fewer dishes!), toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, just until they’re softened and start to caramelize. Then, stir in the star players: one cup of rice, the drained black beans, and a cup of corn.

Here’s a little pro tip: if you’re using frozen corn, there’s no need to thaw it first. Just toss it in straight from the freezer—it’ll cook perfectly with the rice.

Now, add 1.5 cups of water or chicken broth to the pan. I prefer broth because it adds extra depth of flavor, but water works just fine in a pinch. Stir everything together, making sure the rice is evenly distributed.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb all those incredible flavors, creating the base for your burrito bowl dreams.

Stay Tuned for the Next Steps

And that’s Part 1! You’re well on your way to a one-pan wonder that’s sure to impress. In Part 2, we’ll finish this recipe with a bright, zesty flourish (hello, lime juice and cilantro!), and I’ll share tips for customizing your bowl to fit your personal preferences. Spoiler alert: the toppings are where the magic really happens.

Welcome back to the ultimate weeknight recipe! At this point, your kitchen is probably smelling amazing, and your burrito bowl masterpiece is almost ready to shine. Let’s dive right back into the action and finish this dish with vibrant flavors and a little pizzazz.

The Final Stretch: Simmer and Fluff

By now, your rice has absorbed all the delicious broth or water, leaving behind a pan full of tender grains, perfectly seasoned chicken, and veggies that are soft but still vibrant. Here’s what you’ll do next:

Fluff the Rice: Grab a fork and gently fluff the rice in the skillet. This helps separate the grains and keeps everything light and fluffy.

Reintroduce the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, folding it into the rice mixture. Let it warm through for a couple of minutes.

And just like that, your main dish is ready! But we’re not done yet—it’s time to take things up a notch.

Brighten It Up: Lime and Cilantro

Every great dish needs a finishing touch, and this one is no exception. Squeeze the juice of one fresh lime over the entire skillet, letting its tangy brightness wake up all those rich, savory flavors. Then, sprinkle on a handful of chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbal kick.

If you’re not a fan of cilantro, don’t worry! You can skip it or swap it with fresh parsley or green onions. The lime juice, however, is non-negotiable—it’s the secret to making this dish feel complete.

Customize Your Bowl: The Power of Toppings

One of the best things about this One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is how easy it is to make it your own. This is where toppings come in to steal the show. Here are some of my favorites:

Avocado: A few slices of creamy avocado (or a dollop of guacamole) make everything better.
Cheese: Sprinkle on some shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even crumbled queso fresco for extra indulgence.
Sour Cream: A small scoop of sour cream adds a nice tang and creamy texture.

Jalapeños: If you like a bit of heat, sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños are the way to go.
Hot Sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.

Pro tip: Set up a topping station if you’re serving a crowd. Everyone can build their burrito bowl just the way they like it!

Tips for Success

Before you dig in, here are a few tips to make sure your dish turns out perfectly every time:

Keep an Eye on the Rice: Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the type of rice you use. Check it around the 15-minute mark and add a splash of water if it seems dry before the rice is fully cooked.

Double the Recipe: Feeding a larger family or planning meals for the week? This recipe doubles beautifully—just make sure you use a large enough pan.
Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use extra black beans or add a can of pinto beans. You could also throw in diced zucchini or mushrooms for added texture.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Not only is this dish a dinner superstar, but it also makes for fantastic leftovers. Divide the mixture into individual containers and store it in the fridge for up to four days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat and add your favorite fresh toppings.

Pro tip: If you’re meal prepping, keep toppings like avocado and sour cream separate until serving to maintain their freshness.

Congratulations, chef! You’ve successfully created a delicious, vibrant One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl. But before you dig in, let’s tackle some common questions about this recipe. Whether you’re troubleshooting, customizing, or planning ahead, this FAQ section has you covered.

FAQs: Your Questions, Answered

1. Can I use a different type of rice?
Absolutely! Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe, but you can swap it for brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa. Keep in mind that brown rice and quinoa may require slightly more liquid and a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly.

2. What if my rice isn’t fully cooked after 20 minutes?
If the rice still has a bite to it, add an extra ¼ cup of water or broth, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Check again and repeat if necessary.

3. Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning for an extra kick. You can also stir in a few tablespoons of your favorite salsa or hot sauce for more heat.

4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! To make it dairy-free, skip cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. For a vegan version, leave out the chicken and use extra beans, vegetables, or even tofu as your protein.

5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave a portion for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also reheat it in a skillet with a splash of water to keep the rice moist.

6. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

7. What other toppings work well with this recipe?
The possibilities are endless! Try diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, crushed tortilla chips, or a drizzle of ranch dressing for added texture and flavor.

Wrap-Up: Why This Recipe Will Be a Staple in Your Kitchen

This One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl isn’t just a recipe—it’s your ticket to weeknight dinner success. It’s easy to make, requires minimal cleanup, and is packed with bold, satisfying flavors. Whether you’re serving it fresh from the skillet or reheating leftovers for lunch, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot every time.

Plus, it’s endlessly customizable. From swapping proteins to piling on creative toppings, this dish adapts to your cravings and what you have on hand. That’s what makes it so special—it’s a crowd-pleaser, a meal-prep favorite, and a family dinner go-to, all rolled into one.