Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls
These Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls are a delicious and vibrant way to enjoy a meal packed with Tex-Mex flavors. Perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or meal prep for busy weekdays, these bowls offer a customizable experience that everyone will love. With juicy grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and zesty toppings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time.
- Flavorful Ingredients: Each bite bursts with flavor thanks to the fresh herbs and spices used in the marinade and toppings.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as-is for a hearty meal or customize each bowl to cater to individual tastes.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and fresh vegetables, these burrito bowls are not only tasty but also nutritious.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These bowls store well, making them an ideal option for prepping lunches for the week.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Below are some must-have tools that will make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Cutting board: A sturdy surface is needed for safely chopping vegetables and marinating chicken.
- Sharp knife: A good knife ensures precise cuts, making prep work quicker and safer.
- Grill or grill pan: Achieving that perfect char on the chicken requires the right equipment for grilling.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for marinating chicken and combining ingredients before serving.
Ingredients
These easy burrito bowls are a simple way to add some Tex-Mex flavors to your grilling game!
For the Rice
- 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 Toppings
- 8 corn tortillas
- 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
How to Make Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Begin by cooking the long grain white rice according to package directions. Once cooked, remove from heat and add lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Fluff with a fork and 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 the chicken strips to the marinade. Toss until fully coated. Let it sit while you prepare other ingredients.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken strips for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing.
Step 4: Prepare Toppings
While the chicken is grilling, slice your avocado, red bell pepper, red onion, grape tomatoes, and jalapenos. Grill sweet corn until slightly charred; then cut off kernels.
Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls
In each serving bowl, layer rice as a base. Top with sliced grilled chicken, sweet corn kernels, avocado slices, salsa, sour cream, red bell pepper slices, chopped onion, grape tomatoes, jalapenos, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Enjoy your flavorful Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls
Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them to suit your taste or occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Make It A Feast
- Add extra toppings like shredded cheese, guacamole, or jalapenos for a flavor boost.
Wrap It Up
- Use corn tortillas to create burritos. Just fill and roll them for a handheld option.
Salad Style
- Serve the grilled chicken and toppings on a bed of greens for a fresh salad twist.
Family Style
- Present all components in separate bowls, allowing everyone to build their own burrito bowls at the table.
Spice It Up
- Drizzle with hot sauce or your favorite salsa for an added kick.
How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls
Creating the perfect grilled chicken burrito bowls requires attention to detail and some culinary techniques. Follow these tips to enhance your dish.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs significantly improve flavor and nutrition.
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Marinate the Chicken: Allow the chicken strips to marinate for at least 30 minutes in olive oil and spices for deeper flavor.
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Cook the Rice Properly: Follow package instructions carefully to ensure fluffy rice that complements the dish.
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Grill with Care: Grill chicken on medium-high heat until cooked through but still juicy; avoid overcooking.
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Layer Ingredients Wisely: Start with rice, then add proteins, veggies, and toppings to create a visually appealing bowl.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls
Complement your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with tasty side dishes that enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some great options.
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Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese.
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Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro dressed in lime vinaigrette.
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Chips and Guacamole: Crispy tortilla chips served with creamy guacamole make a perfect appetizer.
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Spanish Rice: Flavored rice cooked with tomatoes and spices that pairs well with Tex-Mex flavors.
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Quesadillas: Cheese-filled tortillas grilled until golden brown; serve alongside salsa for dipping.
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Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made from chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and salt; great as a topping or side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls can be straightforward, but some common errors can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
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seasoning: Not seasoning your chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to use enough salt and spices like chili powder and garlic powder.
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cooking time: Overcooking the chicken strips can make them dry. Keep an eye on them while grilling and remove them once they reach a safe internal temperature.
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rice texture: Using too much water when cooking rice can make it mushy. Stick to the recommended water-to-rice ratio for fluffy grains.
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ingredient prep: Failing to chop vegetables uniformly can result in uneven cooking. Take the time to cut your bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes into similar sizes for consistent texture.
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assembly: Skipping layers when assembling your burrito bowls can lead to a mixed-up flavor profile. Layer ingredients thoughtfully to enhance each bite’s taste experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in airtight containers.
- Consume within 3-4 days for the best quality.
- Cool down completely before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.
Freezing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each session.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls:
How do I customize my Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls?
You can customize your burrito bowls by adding different proteins like beef or tofu, or by including other toppings such as cheese, beans, or different vegetables.
Can I make Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare all components separately and assemble them right before serving. This makes it perfect for meal prep.
What sides go well with Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls?
Consider serving tortilla chips, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables on the side for a complete meal that complements the burrito bowls.
Are Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls healthy?
Yes! They are packed with protein from chicken, fiber from veggies, and healthy fats from avocado. Adjust the ingredients based on your dietary needs!
Final Thoughts
Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls are not only delicious but versatile too! You can mix and match ingredients based on personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Whether you’re making them for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these burrito bowls are sure to please everyone at your table!
Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls are a vibrant, customizable meal that brings the essence of Tex-Mex into your kitchen. Perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or weekly meal prep, these bowls feature juicy grilled chicken paired with fresh vegetables and zesty toppings. In just 15 minutes of prep and a few simple steps, you can create a satisfying dish that’s not only delicious but also nutritious. Ideal for any occasion, each bowl can be tailored to individual tastes, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their own personalized creation.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups long grain white rice
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 medium avocado
- ½ cup salsa
- ½ cup sour cream
- Fresh vegetables (bell pepper, onion, tomatoes)
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package directions; add lime juice and cilantro once done.
- Marinate chicken in olive oil and spices for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill marinated chicken on medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Prepare toppings by slicing fresh vegetables and grilling sweet corn.
- Assemble bowls by layering rice, grilled chicken, and desired toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 450g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
