Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls
These Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls bring the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine right to your dinner table. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family meal or a fun gathering with friends, these bowls are easy to prepare and packed with delicious ingredients. You’ll love how customizable they are, allowing everyone to build their perfect burrito bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 40 minutes, you can whip up these burrito bowls even on busy weeknights.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize your bowls with toppings and sides that suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Healthy Option: With lean chicken and plenty of veggies, these bowls offer a nutritious meal without sacrificing taste.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make extra servings for lunch the next day; they hold up well in the fridge!
Tools and Preparation
To make the best Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Medium saucepan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill or grill pan: Provides the smoky flavor that enhances your chicken and vegetables.
- Medium saucepan: Perfect for cooking rice evenly while absorbing all the flavors from seasonings.
- Cutting board: Offers a safe surface for chopping fresh ingredients like veggies and herbs.
Ingredients
For the Rice Base
- 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 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
Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until it runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with water according to package instructions. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until cooked through. Once done, fluff it with a fork and mix in lime juice, chopped cilantro, and salt.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano. Add the chicken strips to this marinade. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb flavors.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken strips. Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Remove them from heat and let them rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Prepare Toppings
While the chicken is grilling, chop your toppings. Slice the avocado, red bell pepper, red onion, grape tomatoes, and jalapenos as desired. Shuck and cook sweet corn on the grill for about 5-7 minutes until charred slightly.
Step 5: Assemble Your Burrito Bowls
In individual bowls, layer cooked rice as a base. Top with grilled chicken pieces followed by your choice of toppings like sweet corn, avocado slices, salsa, sour cream, diced peppers, onions, tomatoes, jalapenos, and fresh cilantro.
Enjoy your flavorful Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls
Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls are versatile and delicious, making them perfect for various occasions. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.
Customize Your Bowl
- Add additional toppings like shredded cheese or sliced olives for extra flavor and texture.
- Include black beans or pinto beans to boost protein and fiber content.
Pair with Fresh Salsas
- Serve with mango salsa for a sweet twist that complements the spicy chicken.
- Try a pineapple salsa which adds a tropical kick to your burrito bowl.
Enhance with Dressings
- Drizzle some cilantro lime dressing for a zesty finish.
- A spoonful of spicy ranch dressing can add creaminess and heat.
Incorporate Extra Veggies
- Toss in some grilled zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
- Use fresh spinach as a base for a healthier option.
How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls
To ensure your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Marinate the chicken: Allowing the chicken strips to marinate in spices and olive oil enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh produce, especially vegetables and herbs, will elevate the taste of your burrito bowls.
- Cook rice properly: Follow package instructions for cooking rice to achieve the perfect fluffy texture.
- Grill at the right temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated so that the chicken cooks evenly and has nice grill marks.
- Let flavors meld: Allow the assembled bowls to sit for a few minutes before serving; this helps all the flavors combine beautifully.
- Experiment with toppings: Don’t hesitate to mix and match toppings based on your preferences or what’s in season.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls
Pairing side dishes with Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad – A flavorful mix of corn, lime, cilantro, and cheese that pairs well with burrito bowls.
- Guacamole & Chips – Creamy guacamole served with tortilla chips adds a crunchy element to your meal.
- Refried Beans – A classic side dish that provides extra protein and pairs wonderfully with Tex-Mex flavors.
- Cilantro Lime Rice – A zesty rice dish that complements the flavors of your burrito bowl without overpowering it.
- Chili Lime Roasted Potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with chili powder and lime make for a hearty addition.
- Fresh Garden Salad – A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and avocado provides freshness alongside your main dish.
- Pico de Gallo – This fresh salsa brings brightness and crunch, adding another layer of flavor to your experience.
- Tortilla Soup – A warm bowl of tortilla soup can be a hearty starter before diving into your burrito bowls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making grilled chicken burrito bowls can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Ensure that you don’t leave the chicken on the grill for too long. This can lead to dry, tough meat. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Not Seasoning Properly: Skimping on seasoning can result in bland flavors. Be generous with your spices and taste test before serving.
- Using Stale Tortillas: Old tortillas can ruin the experience. Always use fresh corn tortillas for the best texture and flavor.
- Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Relying solely on canned or frozen vegetables can diminish taste. Incorporate fresh produce like avocado and tomatoes for vibrant flavors.
- Ignoring Cooking Times: Each component has different cooking times. Plan accordingly so everything is ready to serve together.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about grilled chicken burrito bowls? Here are some commonly asked questions.
How can I customize my Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls?
You can add various toppings such as cheese, guacamole, or different salsas according to your preference. Feel free to mix in other proteins like beef or beans!
What sides pair well with Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls?
Consider serving with tortilla chips and guacamole or a fresh salad on the side for a complete meal experience.
Can I make Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls ahead of time?
Yes! These bowls are perfect for meal prep. You can prepare all ingredients in advance and assemble them just before serving.
What if I don’t have rice?
You can substitute rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option while maintaining delicious flavors.
Final Thoughts
Grilled chicken burrito bowls offer a delightful way to enjoy Tex-Mex flavors right at home. They are versatile and customizable based on your preferences. Try experimenting with different ingredients to make this dish your own!
Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls are a vibrant and customizable dish that brings the essence of Tex-Mex cuisine to your table. Ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed gatherings, these bowls blend juicy grilled chicken with fresh veggies, zesty rice, and an array of colorful toppings. Each bowl is bursting with flavor and can be tailored to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Perfect for meal prep, you can enjoy them for lunch the next day or impress friends at dinner. Let your creativity shine as you build your ideal burrito bowl!
Ingredients
- 1½ cups long grain white rice
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken strips
- 8 corn tortillas
- 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 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff it and mix in lime juice, cilantro, and salt.
- Combine olive oil and spices in a mixing bowl. Add chicken strips and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat grill or pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked; let it rest before slicing.
- Chop the veggies while the chicken is grilling. Grill sweet corn until slightly charred.
- Assemble bowls: layer rice, grilled chicken, and desired toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 600g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
