Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe: Perfectly Flavorful And Easy to Make

Chicken burrito bowl is the ultimate combination of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and customizable toppings. This recipe balances smoky, spiced chicken with vibrant corn salsa, creamy guacamole, and tangy cilantro lime cauliflower rice.

Whether you need a healthy chicken burrito bowl for lunch, a quick dinner option, or a dish that wows your family, this recipe checks all the boxes.

What sets this easy chicken burrito bowl recipe apart? It’s endlessly versatile and loaded with satisfying textures—juicy, marinated chicken, crisp lettuce, hearty beans, and smooth tomatillo avocado dressing.

Plus, everything comes together in under 2 hours, including prep and marination time, making it ideal for meal preps or weeknight dinners.

My Story Behind This Chicken Burrito Bowl

The first time I created this dish, I was inspired by a visit to a popular Mexican restaurant that served a version of a burrito bowl.

The smoky aroma of the chicken and that perfect balance of spice, freshness, and creaminess had me hooked. I knew I had to replicate that flavor at home—but healthier and with my own twists.

I developed this homemade burrito bowl with chicken by experimenting with bold ingredients, like chipotle peppers in adobo and fresh lime juice, to truly elevate the flavors.

Plus, using a chicken and cauliflower rice bowl as a base makes it lighter and adds a nutritional boost without skimping on satisfying textures. Now, it’s one of my go-to recipes to share with family and friends!

Ingredients for Chicken Burrito Bowl

• For the Chicken:
  • 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 tablespoons avocado or olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons water
• For the Bowls:
  • 1 cup cilantro lime cauliflower rice
  • 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
  • 2 cups corn salsa (½ cup per bowl)
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup Mexican cheese blend
  • 1 cup guacamole or sliced avocado
  • 1 cup pico de gallo or salsa
  • 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • Tomatillo avocado dressing, for topping
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Optional: hot sauce, tortilla chips for serving

How to Make Chicken Burrito Bowl

1. Prep the chicken marinade: In a bowl or blender, combine the oil, lime juice, garlic, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and water. Blend until smooth.
2. Marinate the chicken: Place chicken thighs or breasts in a ziplock bag or airtight container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 24 hours for maximum flavor).
3. While the chicken marinades, prepare your other bowl components. Make the cilantro lime cauliflower rice, corn salsa, and tomatillo avocado dressing as needed. Set aside.
4. Cook the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the liquid. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 7-8 minutes per side or until cooked through (internal temperature should read 165°F). Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
5. Build the bowls: Start with a base of cauliflower rice, then layer on chicken, black beans, corn salsa, and shredded lettuce.
6. Add toppings: Finish with Mexican cheese, guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream. Drizzle with tomatillo avocado dressing, garnish with fresh cilantro, and add a splash of hot sauce if desired.
7. Serve: Pair with tortilla chips on the side for a fun crunch or enjoy as-is!

My Chef Tips for the Best Chicken Burrito Bowl

• Make ahead for convenience: Marinate the chicken overnight and prep salsas or dressings in advance for quicker assembly.
• Crisp up the chicken: If grilling, cook the chicken over high heat for a slightly charred, smoky flavor.
• Customize the toppings: Swap the black beans for pinto beans, or add sautéed peppers and onions for extra veggies.
• Storage tips: Store leftover components separately in airtight containers. Reheat chicken in the microwave or skillet before assembling bowls.
• Freeze the chicken: Marinated chicken freezes well—just defrost overnight in the fridge before cooking.
• Be generous with fresh toppings: Adding fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and creamy sauces like tomatillo dressing takes the flavor to the next level.

Chicken Burrito Bowl FAQs

How can I make this a healthy chicken burrito bowl?

Use cauliflower rice as the base and opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also control the portion sizes for cheese and avocado to reduce calories.

Can I make this as a vegetarian or vegan option?

Yes! Substitute chicken with marinated tofu or tempeh. Additionally, use dairy-free substitutes for cheese and yogurt.

What are the best chicken burrito bowl toppings?

Corn salsa, pico de gallo, guacamole, shredded lettuce, and tomatillo avocado dressing are fan favorites. Don’t forget fresh lime and a drizzle of hot sauce!

How do I meal prep a chicken and cauliflower rice bowl?

Prepare all components in advance, keeping them stored separately. Reheat the chicken and rice just before serving, then assemble with fresh toppings.

What’s a good way to store leftovers?

Store chicken and cauliflower rice in separate airtight containers. They’ll keep for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat as needed and add fresh toppings before serving.

Ready to Make This Chicken Burrito Bowl?

This chicken burrito bowl fits every occasion—quick weeknight meals, nutritious lunches, or even a meal prep staple. Its bold flavors, simple preparation, and endless customization mean you’ll never get bored.

What toppings would you add to make this your ultimate burrito bowl? Share your ideas in the comments and tag me on social media with your creations. I can’t wait to see how you make this recipe your own!