If you’re craving bold flavors with minimal fuss, this One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is about to become your new go-to weeknight favorite. Imagine tender, seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant veggies, and melty cheddar cheese all coming together in one easy skillet—no extra pots or pans to wash up afterward! It’s a fiesta of colors, textures, and spices that delivers satisfying comfort food with big flavor, all in a single, satisfying bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a key role, whether it’s building the rich, smoky flavor, adding beautiful bursts of color, or creating that perfect balance of textures. These simple staples come together seamlessly, making the One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe both approachable and irresistible.
- Olive oil: Gives a perfect base for sautéing and keeps everything moist.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: The hearty protein star of the bowl.
- Cumin: Adds warm, earthy notes essential for that classic burrito flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky depth that complements the chicken wonderfully.
- Chili powder: Brings just the right amount of mild heat and complexity.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a fragrant, savory kick without overpowering other spices.
- Black beans: Packed with protein and fiber to round out the meal perfectly.
- Frozen corn: Bursts of sweetness that brighten the dish.
- Onion powder: Enhances savoriness and ties all the spices together.
- Long-grain white rice: The tender, fluffy base that soaks up all those flavorful juices.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory richness to cook the rice and keeps it from drying out.
- Salt and pepper: Fundamental seasoning to lift every ingredient.
- Diced tomatoes: Fresh or canned, they bring juiciness and vibrant color.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, adding gooey, comforting richness.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds a bright, herbal punch at the end.
- Lime juice: A zesty finish to brighten and balance flavors.
How to Make One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then toss in the diced chicken. Sprinkle on chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a vibrant spice mix. Cook the chicken for 6 to 8 minutes, letting it get golden on the outside and fully cooked inside. Once perfect, remove the chicken to keep it warm while you prepare the rice.
Step 2: Cook the Rice in the Same Skillet
Next, add the rinsed long-grain rice straight into the skillet where you cooked the chicken—the little browned bits left behind are pure flavor gold. Pour in the chicken broth, give it a stir, bring to a simmer, then cover and let it cook on low heat for 12 to 15 minutes until the rice is tender and perfectly fluffy.
Step 3: Combine Beans, Corn, Tomatoes, and Chicken
Once the rice is done, stir in the drained black beans, sweet frozen corn, juicy diced tomatoes, and the cooked chicken pieces. Let everything warm through together for about 3 to 4 minutes. This melds all the layers of flavor into that signature burrito bowl harmony.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese on Top
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet’s contents and cover once more. Let the cheese melt gently for 2 to 3 minutes, creating that irresistible gooey topping that makes this dish downright comforting.
Step 5: Finish with Cilantro and Lime
Take the pan off the heat, scatter fresh chopped cilantro over the top, and squeeze juicy lime over everything. This bright finishing touch elevates every mouthful with fresh zest and herbal brightness. Serve immediately and dig in!
How to Serve One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this dish to the next level. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced avocado or guacamole, and extra chopped green onions complement the warm spices perfectly. Don’t skimp on plenty of fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime for guests to squeeze as they wish.
Side Dishes
While the One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe can stand proudly on its own, pairing it with simple sides makes for a more complete feast. A crisp green salad or crunchy tortilla chips with salsa add a lovely contrast in texture. For something heartier, warmed flour tortillas turn this bowl into handheld taco-style bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Presenting this dish in colorful bowls brings out those beautiful layers of seasoned chicken, beans, bright corn, and cheddar cheese. For a fun, family-friendly twist, offer individual toppings in small bowls so everyone can customize their burrito bowls exactly how they like them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making this dish just as delightful reheated. Keep garnishes separate to maintain their freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully cooked One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to leave out fresh toppings like cilantro and lime juice until serving, as those don’t freeze well.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help revive the moisture and keep the rice fluffy when warming it back up.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Absolutely! Brown rice works well, but it will need a longer cooking time and more liquid, so adjust accordingly to ensure it’s tender.
Is this recipe spicy?
The One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe features mild to moderate spices that bring warmth without overwhelming heat. You can always tweak the chili powder amount to suit your spice preference.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Chicken is ideal here, but you can swap it for turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian spin—just adjust cooking times as needed.
Do I have to use canned black beans?
Canned black beans are convenient and work perfectly, but cooked dry beans are a fantastic, flavorful alternative if you plan ahead.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply skip the cheddar cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute, and omit any dairy-based garnishes for a delicious dairy-free option.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe enough—it’s a joyous, fuss-free way to impress your taste buds while keeping cleanup to a minimum. The blend of spices, fresh finishes, and that melty cheese topping make it feel like a special meal any night of the week. Whip this up soon and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation!
