Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

I absolutely love how this Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe comes together—it’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect for those weeks when you want something healthy but satisfying. The grilled chicken is juicy and packed with smoky spices, while the vibrant toppings add a refreshing crunch that takes the whole bowl to the next level.

Whenever I make this recipe, I find it works amazingly well for a quick weeknight dinner or even meal prep for lunches during the week. You’ll appreciate how straightforward it is to put together, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become such a favorite in my kitchen!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe combine simple pantry staples with fresh produce to create a vibrant bowl of goodness. Each component plays a role in balancing the texture and flavors, from creamy avocado to zesty lime rice.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose fresh, evenly sized pieces for consistent grilling.
• Brown Rice: I prefer brown rice for its nutty flavor and fiber, but feel free to use white rice or quinoa if you like.
• Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the marinade and the rice, adding a citrusy punch.
• Avocado: Ripe but firm, sliced just before serving to keep it fresh.
• Mixed Greens: I mix spring greens for texture, but spinach or kale would also work great.
• Black Beans: Canned and rinsed to save time; they bring protein and creaminess.
• Canned Corn: Drain well or grill it briefly for that smoky touch.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Quartered for juicy bursts of sweetness.
• Greek Yogurt: A creamy, tangy topping that’s a healthy alternative to sour cream.
• Red Onion: Diced finely to add just the right zing.
• Jalapeno Pepper: Thinly sliced, optional if you like a little kick.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh herbs elevate the whole bowl with bright herbal notes.
• Olive Oil & Spices for Marinade: Olive oil keeps the chicken moist, while the paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic and onion powders, dried oregano, salt, and pepper create a smoky, savory profile.

Variations

I love making this Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe my own depending on what my family’s craving or what’s fresh at the market. Don’t be shy about swapping ingredients or tweaking the spice level to keep things exciting!

• Spicy Version: I once added smoked chipotle powder to the marinade for an extra smoky heat, and it was a huge hit!
• Vegetarian Twist: Swap grilled chicken for grilled tofu or tempeh and double up on the black beans.
• Seasonal Veggies: Try adding grilled zucchini or roasted sweet potatoes for fall vibes.
• Different Grains: Quinoa or cauliflower rice make great low-carb alternatives that still soak up all the flavors.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by mixing all the marinade ingredients—olive oil, fresh lime juice, paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic and onion powders, oregano, salt, and pepper—in a large ziplock bag until combined. Pop in the chicken breasts, seal the bag, and shake well to coat every surface evenly. I usually let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, but if you’ve got extra time, even an hour or overnight in the fridge makes the flavors pop.

Step 2: Get Grilling—Love the Sizzle

Heat your grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. You’ll know it’s done when the juices run clear and there’s no pink left inside—using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temp of 165°F takes the guesswork out. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes—this step is key to keeping it juicy and flavorful before slicing.

Step 3: Flavor Your Rice and Prep Bowls

While the chicken is resting, take your cooked brown rice and toss it with fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. This little trick adds so much brightness to what would otherwise be a simple grain base. Then, assemble your bowls with a bed of mixed greens, a sliced chicken breast, and all the toppings: avocado, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, Greek yogurt, diced red onion, jalapeno, and more cilantro for garnish.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these bowls with a generous handful of chopped fresh cilantro—it adds a pop of color and herb-y freshness that lifts the entire dish. A wedge of lime on the side invites an extra squeeze of citrus right before you dig in, and a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt rounds out the flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

Though this bowl is a complete meal on its own, I sometimes serve it alongside crispy tortilla chips with salsa or a simple side of Mexican street corn for a little extra indulgence. A light cucumber salad with lime and chili powder also pairs wonderfully for a refreshingly cool contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I’ve turned this recipe into a build-your-own burrito bowl bar whenever friends come over. Laying out all the components in separate bowls lets everyone customize their own, and it makes for a lively, interactive meal full of bright colors and tempting aromas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After assembling, I usually store components separately—grilled chicken, rice, and veggies—in airtight containers to keep everything fresh and prevent sogginess. This way, you can mix and match when reheating so the bowl stays tasty and vibrant.

Freezing

I have frozen the grilled chicken successfully for up to 3 months. Just cool it completely, wrap tightly, and freeze. The rice and fresh veggies usually don’t freeze well, so I recommend making fresh sides when thawing.

Reheating

Reheat the grilled chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep moisture. Add fresh toppings like avocado, jalapeno, and yogurt only after reheating to keep their texture and flavor intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want something fresh, flavorful, and straightforward. It’s the kind of dish that feels homey but doesn’t take forever to make, and I love how the ingredients come together in every bite. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again, whether for quick dinners or meal prepping healthy lunches.

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