High-Protein Chicken Burrito Bowl
A good burrito bowl depends on contrast: warm seasoned chicken and rice, creamy beans, something crisp, and a fresh acidic topping. This version keeps all of those elements but uses Greek yogurt in place of a heavier sour-cream topping for extra protein.
It is also naturally suited to meal prep because the components can be stored separately. Reheat the chicken, beans and rice together, then add lettuce, salsa, avocado or yogurt just before eating so the bowl still tastes fresh.
A Burrito Bowl That Holds Up for Meal Prep
- Chicken and beans provide two complementary sources of protein.
- Keeping hot and cold toppings separate makes it excellent for meal prep.
- Each bowl can be adjusted for spice, vegetables and portion size.
- The same components work in wraps or tacos if you want a change.
High-Protein Chicken Burrito Bowl
Ingredients
- 1.25 lb boneless skinless chicken breast 570 g, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup salsa or pico de gallo
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Lime wedges and cilantro
Instructions
- Toss chicken with oil and spices.
- Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and the thickest pieces reach 165°F / 74°C.
- Warm rice, beans and corn.
- Divide rice among bowls and top with chicken, beans, corn and salsa.
- Add avocado, Greek yogurt, cilantro and lime.
Notes
Where Chicken Burrito Bowl Can Go Off Track
- Dice chicken evenly.
- Use a thermometer for poultry.
- Rinse canned beans to reduce excess sodium.
- Pack avocado separately for meal prep.
What Works Beside Chicken Burrito Bowl
- Extra salsa
- Lettuce
- Pickled onions
- Hot sauce
- Shredded cheese
Keep the Momentum Going With These Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, try one of these next:
- Easy Mediterranean Chicken Bowl
- 20-Minute Lemon Garlic Chicken
- High-Protein Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad
When You Make Chicken Burrito Bowl Ahead
Refrigerate cooked components promptly. Store avocado and fresh toppings separately when possible.
Build a Burrito Bowl That Meal Preps Well
A burrito bowl stores better when the hot and cold components are treated separately. Rice, chicken, beans and corn can be reheated together, while avocado, Greek yogurt, salsa and fresh herbs are better added after reheating. This prevents the cold toppings from becoming watery or discolored.
Keep the chicken pieces a similar size
Diced chicken cooks quickly, so inconsistent pieces are easy to overcook. Cut the chicken into comparable pieces and use a wide skillet so the pieces brown rather than steam. The thickest pieces should reach 165°F / 74°C before serving.
How to keep the bowl from becoming soggy
- Drain and rinse black beans thoroughly.
- Use a thick salsa or pico de gallo rather than pouring excess liquid into the container.
- Let hot ingredients stop steaming before closing meal-prep containers.
- Store sliced avocado separately or cut it fresh when possible.
If you want to change the grain, quinoa or brown rice can work, but they should be cooked separately according to their own liquid ratios. The assembly method stays the same.
