If you’ve been searching for the ultimate flavor-packed weeknight dinner, look no further than this One‑Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl. Vibrant, hearty, and loaded with fresh, wholesome ingredients, this one-pot wonder brings together tender chicken, zesty salsa, fluffy rice, and all your favorite Tex-Mex fixings, all simmered together in perfect harmony. Each spoonful bursts with satisfying textures and big, bold flavors, making this dish a go-to for busy evenings or casual get-togethers when you crave comfort with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What sets this recipe apart is how each simple ingredient adds a layer of flavor, color, or texture, with each playing an important role. Don’t skip or substitute too much; together, these basics create burrito bowl magic in just one pot!
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, juicy cooking.
- Long-grain white rice: The perfect base that soaks up all the delicious flavors for a hearty meal.
- Black beans: Deliver creaminess, protein, and a classic burrito bowl touch.
- Corn: Adds bursts of sweetness and color to complement the savory elements.
- Salsa: Choose your favorite mild or spicy blend; it ties everything together with tang and just the right amount of heat.
- Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist, flavorful, and perfectly cooked without drying out the rice.
- Onion: Brings savory depth and aroma, starting a strong flavor base.
- Bell pepper: Offers color, crunch, and subtle sweetness to every bite.
- Garlic: Don’t skimp! Freshly minced garlic delivers punchy flavor that infuses throughout.
- Olive oil: For sautéing vegetables and locking in flavor from the start.
- Chili powder: The essence of Tex-Mex: smoky, warm, with just enough heat.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and a subtle toasty note typical in burrito bowls.
- Paprika: For color and gentle spice that rounds out the overall flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the seasonings together and enhancing the chicken.
- Lime juice: A finishing touch that lifts the entire dish with zesty brightness.
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, cilantro, sour cream, or avocado—all the burrito bowl classics to personalize each serving.
How to Make One‑Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmering, toss in your diced onion and bell pepper. Don’t rush—let them sauté for around 3–4 minutes until they’re soft, fragrant, and starting to caramelize. This step builds a beautiful savory base, and the aroma lets you know you’re off to an irresistible start. Next, add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and paprika; stir for about 30 seconds, just until the spices are fragrant and the veggies are beautifully coated.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces directly to the pot with the veggies. Generously season with salt and pepper. Sauté everything together for 5–6 minutes, moving the chicken around to ensure each piece touches the bottom and gets a nice, light golden sear. Browning the chicken right now locks in the flavor and helps everything stay juicy through the simmering process.
Step 3: Add the Staples
Now, the magic of the One‑Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl really begins. Pour in your rinsed rice, black beans, corn, chosen salsa, and chicken broth. Give it a really good stir, making sure the rice isn’t stuck at the bottom. The broth and salsa will blend, infusing everything with flavor and ensuring the rice cooks evenly.
Step 4: Simmer and Cook
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 18–20 minutes—try not to peek too much! The rice should be perfectly tender, and the liquid should be fully absorbed. This hands-off step is where the one-pot magic does its work, melding all those incredible flavors together.
Step 5: Finish and Fluff
Once done, remove the pot from heat. Let it sit, covered, for a few minutes, then uncover, fluff the rice with a fork, and squeeze in the juice of a fresh lime. That last-burst of citrus truly brightens the whole dish and ties the flavors together for a perfect One‑Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl.
How to Serve One‑Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl
Garnishes
This dish truly comes alive with toppings! A sprinkle of shredded cheese melts beautifully over the warm rice, while chopped cilantro adds a garden-fresh zing. Dollops of sour cream and slices of ripe avocado create that classic, creamy finish everyone loves in a burrito bowl. Don’t be shy—let everyone top their own bowl for a fun, interactive meal.
Side Dishes
Although the One‑Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl is a complete meal on its own, you can round out the experience with a side of crispy tortilla chips for crunch or a bright green salad with lime vinaigrette. If you want to turn dinner into a Tex-Mex fiesta, serve it alongside street corn or a small bowl of guacamole and salsa for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Try giving each bowl its own personality. Spoon the burrito bowl mixture onto a bed of crisp lettuce for a lighter, burrito bowl salad vibe. Or, serve it family-style in a big, colorful platter with all the toppings on the side so everyone can build their perfect bowl. Want something even bolder? Use the filling to stuff large bell pepper halves or pile it into warm tortillas for a next-level burrito wrap.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One‑Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Cool it to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. When you’re ready for round two, the flavors will be even more developed—and just as delicious.
Freezing
If you want to stretch your meal prep, this dish also freezes well for up to two months. Cool portions completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Skip the fresh toppings until you’re ready to serve; just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a covered pan over low to medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the mixture. Stir occasionally until heated through. Microwave works too—just cover and heat in one-minute increments, stirring between bursts for even warmth.
FAQs
I only have brown rice—can I use it?
Yes, you can swap in brown rice for your One‑Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl, but it will need a longer cooking time (about 35–40 minutes) and an extra half-cup of broth to ensure the rice turns out tender instead of chewy.
Can I use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Stir shredded rotisserie chicken in with the rice, beans, corn, and salsa (skip the browning step). This makes for an even faster dinner, perfect for busy weeknights.
What other veggies work well in this recipe?
Feel free to get creative with veggies! Zucchini, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or even spinach can all be tossed in with the bell pepper to add more color, flavor, and nutrients to your One‑Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl.
Is this dish spicy?
Not inherently! The level of spice depends largely on your choice of salsa and chili powder. Use mild varieties for a family-friendly bowl, or crank up the heat with spicy salsa and a pinch of cayenne if you love things fiery.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Just skip the chicken and add extra black beans or swap in your favorite plant-based protein. Vegetable broth works perfectly in place of chicken broth to keep your One‑Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl satisfying and meat-free.
Final Thoughts
This is one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again for easy weeknights, casual parties, or cozy evenings when you want fresh flavors and minimal fuss. Give the One‑Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl a try—you’ll love how it brings everyone to the table, and you might even look forward to leftovers!
Print
One‑Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy this One‑Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl, a vibrant and hearty dish bursting with Mexican-inspired flavors. This quick and easy weeknight dinner combines lean chicken, cilantro lime rice, beans, corn, and savory spices all in one skillet. Perfect for meal prep or a family-friendly comfort meal.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz/425 g) corn, drained
1 cup salsa (mild or spicy)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Juice of 1 lime
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, cilantro, sour cream, avocado
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, and paprika; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook 5–6 minutes until lightly browned.
Pour in rice, black beans, corn, salsa, and broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 18–20 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat, fluff rice with a fork, and stir in lime juice.
Serve warm with desired toppings.
Notes
Use thighs for juicier chicken.
Swap in brown rice (increase cook time accordingly).
Customize toppings to your liking.
Great for leftovers and meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired