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Healthy High-Protein Chicken Burrito Bowl

healthy high-protein chicken burrito bowl - featured image

A bright, satisfying, and easy-to-make chicken burrito bowl packed with fresh ingredients, a zesty lime-cilantro dressing, and balanced nutrition perfect for meal prep or quick dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice or a mix of brown rice and quinoa (about 195 g cooked)
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained (240 ml)
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels (can use frozen, thawed)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tbsp / 45 ml)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp honey or agave
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: Greek yogurt or sour cream, shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack), jalapeño slices

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat evenly. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
  2. Cook the Grains: Prepare brown rice or brown rice-quinoa mix according to package instructions (about 30-40 minutes). Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
  4. Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.
  5. Prep the Veggies: Dice red bell pepper, halve cherry tomatoes, chop red onion and cilantro, and dice avocado just before serving. Rinse and drain black beans and thaw corn if frozen.
  6. Assemble the Bowl: Start with brown rice/quinoa base, add black beans and corn, layer grilled chicken slices, then scatter bell peppers, tomatoes, red onion, and avocado. Drizzle lime-cilantro dressing over everything and garnish with cilantro and optional toppings.
  7. Serve immediately while chicken is warm and avocado is fresh. If prepping ahead, keep dressing separate until serving.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor and juiciness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Slice chicken against the grain for tenderness. Keep avocado diced fresh before serving to avoid browning. Store dressing separately if making ahead to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken burrito bowl, high protein, healthy meal, lime cilantro dressing, easy dinner, meal prep, gluten-free, dairy-free option