Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls

These Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls are a delightful way to enjoy vibrant Tex-Mex flavors right at home! Perfect for casual dinners or meal prep, this recipe combines tender grilled chicken with fresh vegetables and zesty toppings, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a family meal, these bowls are sure to impress with their colorful presentation and delicious taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking, you can have a flavorful meal ready in no time.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices, fresh ingredients, and grilled chicken creates a mouthwatering experience that will satisfy your cravings.
• Customizable: Each bowl can be tailored to individual tastes; add more veggies, swap proteins, or adjust spice levels as desired.
• Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein and fresh produce, these burrito bowls offer a nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch on the weekend for easy lunches throughout the week. They store well and taste great reheated!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more efficient. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious burrito bowls.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or Grill Pan
• Medium Pot
• Mixing Bowl
• Cooking Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or Grill Pan: Ideal for achieving that perfect grilled flavor and searing the chicken strips evenly.
• Medium Pot: Essential for cooking the rice to fluffy perfection.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients like lime juice and cilantro to enhance your flavors.

Ingredients

These easy burrito bowls are a simple way to add some Tex-Mex flavors to your grilling game!

For the Rice:

• 1½ cups long grain white rice
• ½ medium lime (juiced)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 pinch salt

For the Tortillas:

• 8 corn tortillas

For the Chicken:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon oregano

For the Toppings:

• 2 ears sweet corn
• 1 medium avocado
• ½ cup salsa
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• ½ medium red onion
• 1 cup grape tomatoes
• 2 medium jalapenos
• 1 handful fresh cilantro

How to Make Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls

Step 1: Cook the Rice

In a medium pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the long grain white rice along with a pinch of salt. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 18 minutes until rice is cooked through. Once done, fluff with a fork and mix in lime juice and chopped cilantro.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the rice is cooking, marinate the chicken strips. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano. Add chicken strips and ensure they are evenly coated with the marinade.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add marinated chicken strips. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Step 4: Prepare the Toppings

While the chicken is grilling, chop your red bell pepper, red onion, grape tomatoes, jalapenos, and avocado. Set aside in separate bowls for easy assembly.

Step 5: Assemble Your Burrito Bowls

To assemble each bowl: start with a base of rice followed by grilled chicken slices. Top with sweet corn kernels, diced vegetables (bell pepper, onion), avocado slices, salsa, sour cream, and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top.

Enjoy your homemade Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls are a versatile dish that allows you to mix and match various toppings and accompaniments. Serving these bowls can be as simple or elaborate as you wish, making them ideal for casual dinners or gatherings.

Customizable Toppings

• Fresh Salsa: Add fresh salsa for a zesty kick; consider tomato-based or mango salsa.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices enhance the texture and flavor of the bowl.
• Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top for a cheesy finish.
• Chopped Jalapenos: For heat lovers, chopped jalapenos offer an extra spicy touch.
• Additional Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds brightness and freshness to your dish.

Accompanying Sauces

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the spice and adds creaminess.
• Chipotle Sauce: Drizzle chipotle sauce for a smoky flavor that complements the chicken.

Serving Style

• Individual Bowls: Serve each component in individual bowls for a fun build-your-own experience.
• Platter Style: Arrange all ingredients on a large platter for sharing, allowing guests to create their perfect bowl.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls

To achieve the best flavors in your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls, follow these tips for preparation and cooking.

• Marinate the Chicken: Let your chicken strips marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Choose fresh vegetables and herbs to elevate the taste. Fresh produce makes a noticeable difference.
• Balance Flavors: Aim for a balance between spicy, tangy, and creamy elements by mixing salsas, spices, and sauces.
• Cook Corn Properly: Grill the corn until it’s slightly charred. This adds sweetness and depth to your bowls.
• Layer Ingredients Wisely: Start with rice as a base, then layer proteins and toppings to create visual appeal and easier eating.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls

Pair your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with complementary side dishes that enhance the meal’s Tex-Mex flavors.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing salad with grilled corn, lime juice, cilantro, and spices; serve chilled.
2. Guacamole: Creamy avocado mixed with lime juice, onions, tomatoes, and salt; perfect for dipping or topping.
3. Black Bean Salad: A hearty salad featuring black beans, bell peppers, onions, corn, and lime dressing; nutritious and flavorful.
4. Tortilla Chips: Crispy tortilla chips are ideal for scooping up guacamole or salsa; serve warm with seasoning.
5. Vegetable Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with cheese and sautéed vegetables like peppers and onions; serve sliced alongside bowls.
6. Chili Lime Rice: Flavorful rice cooked with lime juice and zest; it complements the burrito bowls well while adding extra zest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Bold Ingredient Choices: Using the wrong type of rice can affect texture. Stick with long grain white rice for the best results.
• Bold Overcooking Chicken: Cooking chicken strips too long can dry them out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F.
• Bold Ignoring Seasoning: Skipping spices will lead to bland flavors. Properly season your chicken with chili powder, garlic powder, and herbs for tasty results.
• Bold Not Preparing Toppings Ahead: Waiting until everything is cooked to prepare toppings can cause delays. Chop vegetables and prepare sauces before cooking for a smoother workflow.
• Bold Poor Storage Practices: Storing leftovers in improper containers can lead to spoilage. Use airtight containers to keep your burrito bowls fresh.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls in airtight containers.
• They will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls

• You can freeze the components separately for better texture.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring as much air is removed as possible.
• Frozen burrito bowls can last for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover the bowl with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid, and heat on high for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls.

Can I customize my Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls?

Absolutely! You can add your favorite veggies or swap proteins like turkey or beef.

What type of rice works best for burrito bowls?

Long grain white rice is perfect as it cooks evenly and pairs well with all ingredients.

How do I prevent the chicken from getting dry?

Marinate your chicken strips beforehand and cook them just until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I use other toppings?

Yes! Feel free to include different toppings like black beans, corn salsa, or shredded cheese.

Are these burrito bowls healthy?

These Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls are packed with protein and fresh vegetables, making them a nutritious choice!

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls are not only delicious but also versatile! You can easily customize them with different proteins and toppings based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try—it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep!