Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls

These Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls are a delightful addition to any meal plan. Packed with flavor and fresh ingredients, they offer a fantastic way to enjoy Tex-Mex cuisine right at home. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings, these bowls shine with vibrant colors and textures that make every bite a joy. The combination of grilled chicken, zesty toppings, and hearty rice creates a satisfying dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: Each element is seasoned to perfection, ensuring that every bite bursts with delicious Tex-Mex flavors.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the toppings and ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with fresh veggies and lean protein, these burrito bowls are both nutritious and filling.
• Great for Meal Prep: These bowls store well in the fridge, making them ideal for meal prep for the week ahead.

Tools and Preparation

To create these tasty Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls, you’ll need a few essential tools to streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Rice cooker or pot
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Perfect for achieving that smoky flavor on the chicken and corn.
• Rice cooker or pot: Ensures perfectly cooked rice every time without much effort.
• Mixing bowls: Ideal for mixing the spices and marinating the chicken evenly.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping fresh ingredients safely and efficiently.

Ingredients

These easy burrito bowls are a simple way to add some Tex-Mex flavors to your grilling game!

For the Rice Base

• 1½ cups long grain white rice
• ½ medium lime (juiced)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 pinch salt

For the Chicken

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon oregano

For the Toppings

• 2 ears sweet corn
• 1 medium avocado
• ½ cup salsa
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• ½ medium red onion
• 1 cup grape tomatoes
• 2 medium jalapenos
• 1 handful fresh cilantro

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Start by cooking the long grain white rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and stir in lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano. Add chicken strips to the bowl and toss until well coated. Allow marinating for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken strips. Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked through. Remove from heat and let it rest before slicing.

Step 4: Grill the Corn

While the chicken is grilling, place sweet corn directly on the grill. Cook until charred on all sides (about 10-12 minutes). Once done, cut kernels off the cob.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

In each bowl, layer cooked rice as a base. Top with grilled chicken slices, grilled corn kernels, diced avocado, salsa, sour cream, diced bell pepper, sliced red onion, halved grape tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, and fresh cilantro.

Enjoy your flavorful Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls are versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Fresh Toppings

• Sliced Jalapenos: Add a spicy kick to your burrito bowls with fresh jalapeno slices.
• Diced Avocado: Creamy avocado enhances the texture and flavor of the dish.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness and takes the flavors up a notch.

Flavorful Salsas

• Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a zesty touch.
• Mango Salsa: Sweet and tangy mango salsa complements the grilled chicken nicely.
• Corn Salsa: A mix of corn, bell peppers, and lime juice brings extra crunch.

Crunchy Extras

• Tortilla Chips: Serve crispy tortilla chips on the side for added crunch and dipping.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, use lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with all your favorite toppings.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls

Creating the perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve delicious results every time.

• Marinate Your Chicken: Allowing chicken strips to marinate in spices and olive oil enhances their flavor.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs make a noticeable difference in taste and presentation.
• Cook Rice Properly: Fluffy rice acts as the perfect base; rinse it before cooking to remove excess starch.
• Grill Corn for Extra Flavor: Grilling sweet corn adds a smoky sweetness that complements the other ingredients well.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls

Complement your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with these delightful side dishes. Each one adds variety and enhances the overall experience of your meal.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing salad with grilled corn, mayonnaise, cheese, and lime.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide protein and richness that pairs well with burrito bowls.
3. Guacamole: Smooth guacamole made from ripe avocados adds creaminess and flavor.
4. Spanish Rice: Flavorful Spanish rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices complements the burrito bowl perfectly.
5. Black Bean Salad: A hearty salad with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and lime dressing adds color and nutrition.
6. Chips and Salsa: Always a classic combo; serve tortilla chips alongside your favorite salsa for dipping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch for:

• Not seasoning the chicken properly: Failing to use enough salt and spices can lead to bland chicken. Make sure to coat your chicken strips with olive oil and a mix of kosher salt, black pepper, and chili powder for flavorful results.

• Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using old or wilted vegetables can affect the taste and texture of your burrito bowls. Always opt for fresh ingredients like ripe avocados and firm tomatoes to enhance your dish.

• Skipping the rice cooking technique: Cooking rice improperly may result in a sticky or undercooked texture. Rinse your long grain white rice before cooking and follow the recommended water-to-rice ratio for perfect grains.

• Overloading on toppings: While toppings add flavor, too many can overpower your burrito bowl. Aim for a balanced mix of salsa, sour cream, and fresh herbs rather than piling on all available options.

• Not letting the flavors meld: Serving immediately after cooking can mean missing out on enhanced flavors. Allowing the bowls to sit for a few minutes before serving helps the ingredients combine deliciously.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover burrito bowls in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Keep each component separate if possible to maintain freshness.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls

• Place individual servings in freezer-safe containers.
• These can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bowl in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.

• Microwave: Transfer your burrito bowl to a microwave-safe dish. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated evenly.

• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the contents of your bowl and stir occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls?

Yes! You can swap out ingredients based on your preferences. Try different proteins like beef or tofu, or add beans and other veggies for extra nutrition.

How do I make the rice for my burrito bowls?

Rinse long grain white rice under cold water before cooking. Use a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio, bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until fluffy.

Can I meal prep Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls?

Absolutely! These burrito bowls are perfect for meal prep. Just store components separately and assemble them when you’re ready to eat.

What toppings work best with Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls?

Popular toppings include diced avocado, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, or guacamole. Feel free to get creative!

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls offer a flavorful blend of Tex-Mex ingredients that everyone will love. This versatile recipe allows you to customize it based on preferences or dietary needs. Give it a try today and enjoy a delicious meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare!