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Looking for a quick, tasty meal? You’ll love these Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls! They’re packed with flavors and easy to make. Whether you want to feed your family or impress guests, this recipe has you covered. I’ll guide you from cooking the chicken to assembling the perfect bowl. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and make mealtime amazing!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Spicy: This recipe packs a punch with its combination of spices like chili powder and cumin, making each bite deliciously bold.
- Healthy Ingredients: With lean chicken, beans, and plenty of veggies, this dish is not only satisfying but also nutritious.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand, making it versatile for any occasion.
- Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
List of Required Ingredients
To make these Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls, you need:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup brown rice or quinoa
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 avocado, sliced
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– Sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap some ingredients if needed. Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor. If you want a plant-based bowl, try tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. You can use any grain like farro or couscous instead of brown rice or quinoa. Swap black beans for pinto beans or chickpeas. Fresh herbs like parsley can replace cilantro if you prefer. For spice, try taco seasoning instead of individual spices.
Nutritional Information per Serving
Each serving of these burrito bowls provides:
– Calories: 450
– Protein: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 55g
– Fat: 15g
– Fiber: 12g
This meal is rich in protein and fiber, making it a filling choice. The fresh veggies add vitamins and minerals, boosting your health. Enjoy this meal guilt-free, knowing it’s both tasty and good for you!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Rice or Quinoa
Start by cooking the brown rice or quinoa. You can follow the instructions on the package. Use one cup of rice or quinoa. It takes about 15-20 minutes to cook. Once it is done, set it aside. This will be the base of your bowl.
Preparing the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This spice mix adds great flavor. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with the spice mix. Place the chicken in the hot skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. Make sure it is no longer pink in the center. After cooking, take it out and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the chicken into strips.
Sautéing Vegetables
In the same skillet, add diced red bell pepper and corn. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn. Sauté the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes. Cook until they are softened but still bright. This adds color and flavor to your burrito bowls.
Assembling the Burrito Bowls
Now it is time to assemble your bowls. Start with a base of the cooked brown rice or quinoa. Place sliced chicken on top. Then, add black beans, sautéed bell peppers, corn, avocado slices, and halved cherry tomatoes. You can garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. If you like, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top. Enjoy your delicious Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls!
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken
To cook chicken well, use boneless, skinless breasts. Start by seasoning them with spices. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to reach 165°F inside. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and tender.
Adjusting Spices for Flavor
Spice matters in this dish. For a mild flavor, keep the spices simple. Use the chili powder and cumin as a base. If you love heat, add more chili powder or some cayenne. Don’t forget to taste the spice mix before adding it to the chicken. Adjust it to match your taste.
Quick Meal Prep Tips
Meal prep saves time. Cook extra brown rice or quinoa for quick meals later. You can also grill or bake chicken ahead of time. Store cooked ingredients separately in the fridge. Assemble your burrito bowls just before serving for freshness. Use leftovers in salads or wraps for easy lunches.
Pro Tips
- Marinate for More Flavor: For an added depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mix and olive oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh corn and ripe avocados will enhance the taste and texture of your burrito bowls significantly.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like jalapeños, cheese, or salsa to cater to your taste preferences.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These bowls are perfect for meal prep. Store each component separately in the fridge and assemble when ready to eat.

Variations
Vegetarian or Vegan Alternatives
You can easily switch to a vegetarian or vegan version. Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh. These options add protein and hold flavor well. You can also use jackfruit for a meat-like texture. Add in more beans like pinto or kidney beans to boost the protein even more. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth when cooking your rice or quinoa for extra flavor.
Spice Level Adjustments
Want more heat? Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix. You can also use a spicier chili powder. If you prefer milder flavors, skip the cayenne. You can serve hot sauce on the side for those who like it spicy. This way, everyone can adjust their bowl to their taste.
Adding More Vegetables
Feel free to add more veggies to your burrito bowl. Sauté some zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms along with the bell pepper and corn. These options add color and nutrients. You can also toss in some black olives or chopped green onions for extra flavor. Adding variety keeps your meal fresh and exciting.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge. They stay fresh for about three days. Make sure to separate the ingredients, if possible. This helps keep everything tasting great.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, place the bowl in for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heating. On the stovetop, heat in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Freezing for Later Use
You can freeze these bowls for up to three months. First, let everything cool completely. Then, place the components in freezer-safe bags. Label them with a date. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls in advance?
Yes, you can make these burrito bowls in advance. Cook the chicken and rice ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Also, chop your veggies and keep them in containers. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble the bowls.
What can I substitute for chicken?
If you want a different protein, try black beans or tofu. You can also use grilled shrimp or beef. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or chickpeas. These options add great flavor and keep the meal healthy.
Are Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls healthy?
Yes, they are very healthy! They contain lean protein from chicken, fiber from beans, and vitamins from fresh veggies. Using brown rice or quinoa adds whole grains. This makes the meal balanced and nutritious.
How can I customize my burrito bowl?
You can add or swap ingredients to fit your taste. Try adding cheese, jalapeños, or different veggies like zucchini. Use different grains like farro or barley. You can also change the dressing or toppings. The choice is yours!
We covered the key ingredients for Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls and their swaps. You learned step-by-step cooking methods and tips for better flavor and prep. Explore variations to suit your tastes and how to store or reheat your meals. This dish is flexible, healthy, and fun to make. I hope you feel inspired to create these burrito bowls at home! Enjoy the cooking process and share your yummy result
Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls
A flavorful and hearty bowl featuring seasoned chicken, rice or quinoa, and fresh toppings.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Southwest
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 cup brown rice or quinoa
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 piece red bell pepper, diced
- 1 piece avocado, sliced
- 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 piece lime, cut into wedges
- optional sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving
Start by cooking the brown rice or quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside once cooked.
In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with the spice mixture on both sides. Place the chicken in the hot skillet.
Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove from skillet and allow to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
In the same skillet, add diced red bell pepper and corn. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
To assemble the bowls, start with a base of brown rice or quinoa. Add sliced chicken on top.
Next, add black beans, sautéed bell peppers, corn, avocado slices, and cherry tomatoes on top of the chicken.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired.
Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings.
Keyword burrito bowl, chicken, healthy, southwest
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