Ingredients
For the Grilled Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Rice:
- 1 cup white or brown rice (or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
- 2 cups water or broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional for garnish)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup black beans (canned, drained, and rinsed)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (or pico de gallo)
- ½ cup guacamole (or sliced avocado)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija)
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
- Hot sauce or salsa (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate and Grill the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and lime juice.
- Rub the marinade over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 15-30 minutes (or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor).
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Remove from heat, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- In a medium pot, bring water or broth to a boil, then add the rice and salt.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes (or according to package instructions).
- Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro for extra freshness.
Step 3: Prepare the Toppings
- Black Beans – Heat them in a small saucepan over low heat or serve cold.
- Corn – If using frozen, thaw it; if fresh, you can grill or sauté it lightly for added flavor.
- Tomatoes/Pico de Gallo – Dice fresh tomatoes or use store-bought salsa.
- Guacamole – Mash ripe avocados with a bit of lime juice, salt, and optional diced onions and tomatoes.
Step 4: Assemble the Burrito Bowls
- Start with a base of rice in each bowl.
- Add sliced grilled chicken, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
- Top with guacamole, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and sour cream.
- Drizzle with hot sauce, salsa, or extra lime juice.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh lime juice, ripe avocados, and high-quality spices make a difference.
- Marinate the chicken longer – If you have time, let it sit for a few hours for even more flavor.
- Grill the corn for extra flavor – Slightly charred corn adds a smoky sweetness.
- Meal prep ahead – Cook extra chicken and rice to enjoy throughout the week.