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Flavorful Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep Easy 5-Day Lunch Ideas

Flavorful Chicken Burrito Bowl - featured image

A quick and easy meal prep recipe featuring juicy, spice-rubbed chicken paired with fluffy rice and fresh toppings, perfect for a flavorful and filling lunch throughout the week.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 cups long grain white rice or brown rice
  • 4 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup salsa or pico de gallo
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (optional)
  • Optional: sour cream or Greek yogurt for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken marinade by whisking together olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, pepper, and lime juice in a large bowl. Toss chicken in marinade until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight.
  2. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice, water or broth, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes (white rice) or 40-45 minutes (brown rice). Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  3. Heat skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through and charred. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  4. While chicken cooks, rinse and drain black beans and corn. Halve cherry tomatoes and slice avocado just before assembling. Chop cilantro if using.
  5. Assemble bowls by dividing cooked rice evenly (about 3/4 cup per container). Top with sliced chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese, salsa, avocado, and cilantro. Add sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired.
  6. Seal containers and refrigerate. Bowls stay fresh for up to 5 days. Reheat in microwave for 1-2 minutes or enjoy cold.

Notes

Marinate chicken overnight for best flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking chicken to get a good sear. Rinse rice thoroughly to avoid clumping. Add avocado and salsa fresh before eating to prevent browning. Bowls keep well for up to 5 days refrigerated.

Nutrition

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