If you’re in the mood for a colorful, flavor-packed dinner that combines protein, veggies, and cheesy goodness all in one pan, look no further than this One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl. With the perfect blend of tender chicken, hearty rice, beans, sweet corn, salsa, and melty cheese, it’s a weeknight hero that’s not only quick to prep but also easy to clean up. Whether you pile on your favorite toppings or serve it straight from the skillet, this meal checks all the boxes for wholesome, crave-worthy comfort food.

One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for the One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl couldn’t be easier! Each component serves a delicious purpose: the chicken gives you protein-packed bites, the spices build bold flavor, and the vibrant mix-ins bring fresh color and variety to every spoonful.

Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and making sure each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender, and perfect for absorbing those classic burrito spices.
Chili Powder: The star of the spice blend, adding warmth and earthy depth.
Cumin: Essential for a touch of smokiness and authenticity.
Paprika: Brings a sweet, mild heat and deep color.
Garlic Powder: Adds savory undertones without overpowering.
Onion Powder: Rounds out the spice mix and boosts umami.
Salt: To make all the flavors pop.
Black Pepper: For subtle heat and balance.
Long Grain White Rice: The foundation for a perfectly cooked, fluffy bowl.
Black Beans: Creamy, satisfying, and a fantastic source of fiber.
Frozen Corn: Adds irresistible bursts of sweetness and sunny color.
Salsa: Your choice of mild or spicy, it infuses the entire dish with tangy zest.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: For cooking the rice and marrying all the flavors together.
Shredded Cheddar or Mexican Blend Cheese: Melts into a luscious, gooey topping.
Fresh Lime Juice: Squeezed in at the end for brightness and a punch of acidity.
Chopped Cilantro: The ultimate garnish for a fresh herbal finish.

How to Make One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl

Step 1: Sauté and Season the Chicken

Start by heating your olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add your chicken pieces and sprinkle on the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir so the chicken is coated in that gorgeous, aromatic spice mix. Let the chicken brown, stirring occasionally, for about 4 to 5 minutes until it’s just cooked through and golden on the edges.

Step 2: Build Your Burrito Bowl Base

Now for the fun part: pour in your uncooked rice, black beans, frozen corn, salsa, and chicken broth. You’ll immediately be able to smell that irresistible blend of flavors. Stir everything together gently, making sure the rice is submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Raise the heat and bring the whole mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, pop a lid on your pan, and let it all simmer away for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Try not to peek too often — the steam helps cook everything just right!

Step 4: Add Lime Juice and Cheese

When the rice is perfectly cooked, remove the pan from the heat and stir in that fresh lime juice. This little splash wakes up every flavor and adds a zingy brightness. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese all over the top and cover for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the cheese get wonderfully melty and gooey.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, shower your One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl with a generous handful of freshly chopped cilantro. Bring the pan to the table, fluff the rice a little, and let everyone dig in while it’s warm and the cheese is still bubbling.

How to Serve One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl

Garnishes

This is where you can let your creativity shine! Pile on a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, or even a handful of crunchy tortilla chips for a playful twist. Extra fresh jalapeños, hot sauce, or a squeeze more lime will never go amiss. The One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is all about customizable toppings!

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, a simple side salad or a refreshing bowl of pico de gallo works beautifully. Warm flour or corn tortillas served alongside can turn every bite into a mini burrito or taco, making dinnertime interactive and fun.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to serve this for a party or gathering, spoon the One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl mixture into individual bowls and set up a toppings bar so everyone can build their own perfect bowl. Or, scoop leftovers into bell pepper halves and bake for a colorful, veggie-forward twist. The possibilities are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Just let your One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl cool to room temperature, then scoop into an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days and makes a brilliant grab-and-go lunch the next day.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze it, hold off on adding the cheese and cilantro. Portion the cooled mixture into freezer-safe containers. It will stay fresh for one to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh cheese and herbs after reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat single servings in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep everything moist. For larger amounts, warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat until steaming. Sprinkle fresh cheese and cilantro on top just before serving for that newly-cooked feel.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the chicken and add extra beans or chopped veggies like bell pepper, zucchini, or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth to keep all the big flavors, and you’ve got a hearty vegetarian One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl.

Will brown rice work instead of white?

Yes, you can swap in brown rice, but keep in mind it takes longer to cook and might need a bit more broth. Simmer until the rice is tender and adjust liquid as needed for the perfect texture.

How spicy is the One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl?

This bowl has just a little kick, thanks to the chili powder and salsa, but you control the heat! Use mild salsa for a family-friendly version or kick it up with hot salsa and a dash of cayenne for spice lovers.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

You can! Add shredded or cubed rotisserie chicken after cooking the rice and other ingredients, just before the cheese and lime juice, so it stays moist and infused with all those great flavors.

What’s the best way to meal prep this recipe?

Make a batch of One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl on Sunday, store in meal prep containers, and pack your favorite toppings separately. When lunchtime rolls around, just reheat and add your garnishes for a fresh, satisfying meal all week long!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner, a flavor-packed meal prep option, or a festive party centerpiece, the One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl delivers every single time. Give it a try, gather your garnishes, and have some fun with the toppings — your taste buds will thank you!

One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is a delicious and easy one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful spices, rice, beans, corn, and cheese, all cooked together for a hearty and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Other Ingredients:

1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup salsa
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Chopped cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add chicken, season with spices, and cook until browned.
Add Ingredients: Stir in rice, black beans, corn, salsa, and broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer covered until rice is cooked.
Finish Dish: Remove from heat, stir in lime juice, top with cheese, cover, and let sit to melt. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

Notes

Serve with sour cream, avocado, or tortilla chips for added texture.
Variation: Swap chicken for ground turkey or make vegetarian by omitting meat and adding extra beans or vegetables.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired