Flavor-Packed Chicken Burrito Protein Bowl Recipe
A delicious, nutrient-rich Chicken Burrito Protein Bowl featuring smoky chipotle-marinated chicken, fresh cilantro-lime rice, and an assortment of vibrant vegetables, perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
Equipment
- 1 Nonstick Skillet
- 1 Medium pot or rice cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Lemon/Lime squeezer
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 chipotle chilis in adobo sauce finely chopped
- 1 ½ tablespoons adobo sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast cut into strips
For the Cilantro Lime Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice rinsed
- 1 ½ cups water
- ¼ teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
For Assembly
- 1 head romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup tomatoes diced
- 1 avocado chopped
- 1 cup frozen corn thawed
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ small red onion chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Flavorful Chicken Marinade: Begin by creating the marinade for the chicken to infuse it with vibrant, smoky, and tangy flavors. In a large mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of creamy avocado oil, which will help keep the chicken juicy and tender during cooking. Next, add 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice for bright acidity. Stir in 3 finely chopped chipotle chilies in adobo sauce along with 1 ½ tablespoons of the rich, smoky adobo sauce to provide that signature smoky heat. Season the mixture with 1 ½ teaspoons of garlic powder for a savory depth and ¾ teaspoon of salt to balance the flavors. Whisk everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly blended into a smooth marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken Strips: Take 1 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast and cut it into uniform strips to ensure even cooking. Add the chicken pieces into the bowl with the marinade, tossing them gently but thoroughly so each strip is fully coated in the flavorful mixture. Once combined, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for a minimum of 2 hours, but for the best results and more intense flavor, leave it to soak overnight. This resting period allows the chicken to absorb all the smoky, citrusy, and spicy notes, resulting in a tender, flavorful protein base for the bowl.
- Cook the Marinated Chicken to Perfection: When ready to cook, preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot enough to sear the chicken quickly without sticking. Remove the chicken strips from the marinade, letting any excess drip off to prevent excess liquid in the pan, which could steam the chicken instead of searing it. Add the chicken strips to the skillet in a single layer, giving them space to cook evenly.Sauté the chicken, stirring occasionally, until each strip is fully cooked through and slightly caramelized on the edges—this usually takes about 5 minutes. The chicken should be opaque in the center and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare the Cilantro Lime Rice Base: While the chicken cooks, start preparing the rice, which acts as a zesty and fragrant foundation for the bowl. Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 ½ cups of water to a boil. Add ¼ teaspoon of salt to the boiling water for seasoning. Carefully stir in the rinsed rice, return the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes without lifting the lid, allowing the grains to absorb the water fully and become tender. After the cooking time, remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to steam and fluff.
- Flavor the Rice with Fresh Lime and Cilantro: Once the rice has rested, uncover the pot and use a fork to fluff the grains gently, separating them for a light texture.Add the zest of one lime and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice to the rice, stirring to distribute the bright citrus flavor evenly. Fold in ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro to impart a fresh, herbal aroma and vibrant green flecks throughout the rice. Taste the rice and add additional salt if needed to balance the flavors perfectly. This fragrant cilantro lime rice will provide a refreshing contrast to the smoky chicken.
- Prepare Fresh and Colorful Toppings: While the rice rests and the chicken cools slightly, prepare the fresh ingredients to add texture, color, and additional nutrients to the bowl. Chop 1 head of crisp romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces for a crunchy base layer. Dice 1 cup of ripe tomatoes and 1 avocado into small chunks for juicy sweetness and creamy richness, respectively. Thaw 1 cup of frozen corn kernels to add a subtle natural sweetness and texture contrast.Rinse and drain 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans to provide fiber-rich plant protein. Finally, finely chop ½ of a small red onion for a sharp, tangy bite.
- Assemble the Burrito Protein Bowl: To serve, take individual serving bowls and start by layering a generous scoop of the cilantro lime rice followed by a handful of chopped romaine lettuce to add freshness and crunch. Neatly arrange the warm, smoky chicken strips on top of the greens and rice. Then, artfully add the diced tomatoes, avocado chunks, thawed corn, black beans, and red onion around the chicken, creating a colorful and balanced presentation. This assembly offers a satisfying mix of textures and flavors in every bite.
- Final Touches and Serving Suggestions: Optionally, garnish the bowl with extra cilantro leaves or a wedge of lime for added brightness.For a creamier twist, you can drizzle a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Serve immediately while the chicken is warm, or pack the components separately for an easy and nutritious meal prep option that reheats beautifully.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours; overnight yields deeper flavor.
- Use fresh lime juice and zest for the brightest citrus notes.
- Rinsing the rice thoroughly prevents clumping and keeps grains fluffy.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of chipotle chilies.
- Assemble bowls just before serving to keep veggies fresh and crunchy.
- Store components separately for best texture when meal prepping.
- Use avocado oil for its mild flavor and high smoke point.
- Black beans add fiber and plant-based protein, balancing the dish.
