These Mexican-Inspired Chicken Burrito Bowls are a vibrant and satisfying meal packed with flavors from zesty marinated chicken, creamy street corn, and refreshing cilantro-lime rice. This versatile dish lets you customize your bowl with a variety of toppings like avocado, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños, making it easy to adjust for individual tastes. Ideal for meal prep or a hearty family dinner, this recipe combines layers of taste and texture, ensuring each bite is packed with deliciousness.

Full Recipe:

 

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Street Corn:

• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ¼ cup cotija cheese or feta, crumbled
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Cilantro Lime Rice:

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For Optional Toppings:

• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapeños
• Extra crumbled cotija cheese
• Lime wedges

Steps to Make Mexican-Inspired Chicken Burrito Bowls

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken in the marinade, turning it until fully coated. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator to enhance flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Cilantro Lime Rice

1. In a bowl, mix the cooked rice with lime juice and fresh chopped cilantro.
2. Set aside and keep warm until ready to assemble the bowls.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a bit of olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Prepare the Street Corn

1. If using fresh corn, grill or sauté the kernels until they’re slightly charred.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the corn, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika (optional), and a pinch of salt.
3. Add in the cotija cheese and fresh cilantro, and stir well to combine.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

1. Begin with a base of cilantro lime rice in each bowl.
2. Add a portion of the sliced chicken and a scoop of street corn on top.
3. Customize each bowl with toppings like avocado slices, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, extra cotija cheese, and a lime wedge for squeezing.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, and enjoy the fresh, zesty, and rich flavors!

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Protein: 36 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 710 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

• Yes, replace the chicken with plant-based protein options like black beans, tofu, or roasted vegetables.

2. Can I make this in advance?

• Absolutely! Prepare the components separately and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat as needed and assemble the bowls just before serving.

3. Can I use a different cheese if I can’t find cotija?

• If cotija cheese is unavailable, try feta or queso fresco as substitutes.

4. What’s a good rice substitute?

• Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even mixed greens can replace rice for a lower-carb or grain-free option.

5. What if I don’t have a grill for the corn?

• Sautéing the corn in a hot skillet with a little oil achieves a similar charred flavor.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Burrito Bowls

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it becomes. If you’re short on time, even a 15-minute marinade is beneficial.
• Use Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is essential for adding brightness to both the marinade and the street corn.
• Customize Your Heat Level: For spicier bowls, increase the chili powder or add fresh jalapeño slices.
• Make It a Meal Prep Staple: These burrito bowls keep well in the refrigerator, making them a great meal prep choice. Simply store each component separately to maintain freshness.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store each component in separate airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and rice portions for up to 2 months. The street corn and toppings are best prepared fresh.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a sprinkle of water if necessary to keep them from drying out.

Conclusion

This Mexican-Inspired Chicken Burrito Bowl is an exciting, wholesome dish that brings together the flavors of zesty lime, savory chicken, and creamy street corn, all served atop a fresh bed of cilantro-lime rice. Perfectly suited for a weeknight dinner or as a prepared lunch, these bowls are quick, customizable, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a family favorite or a nutritious meal to pack for work, these burrito bowls offer vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients to make every bite count. Give this recipe a try, and let it become a new staple in your meal rotation! Enjoy every delicious bite!