When I think of a Chicken Burrito Bowl with Guac & Lime, my taste buds start doing the cha-cha. Imagine succulent chicken, perfectly seasoned and grilled to juicy perfection, nestled on a bed of fluffy rice, all topped with creamy guacamole and a zesty lime drizzle. It’s like a fiesta in a bowl that begs you to dig in with reckless abandon. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or an impromptu gathering with friends, this dish knows how to make an entrance. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dinner recipes recipe.
I still remember the first time I made this vibrant creation for friends who were skeptical about anything without cheese. Their faces lit up as they took their first bite, and suddenly my kitchen felt like a culinary stage where flavors danced together. Perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests, this bowl is not just food; it’s an experience that brings people together. So get your taste buds ready for an explosion of flavor!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Burrito Bowl with Guac & Lime is super easy to prepare even on the busiest days
- The flavor profile bursts with freshness from the lime and creaminess from the guacamole
- Its colorful presentation makes it look almost too good to eat!
- Perfect for customization, feel free to add your favorite toppings or swap out ingredients based on what’s in your fridge
I once served this dish at a Friendsgiving gathering, and let’s just say there was silence around the table—until someone accidentally spilled guacamole everywhere. It turned into a hilarious moment of chaos that we still laugh about today.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for 3-4 breasts for a filling meal or adjust based on your crew’s appetite.
Rice: Use white or brown rice; either works wonderfully as a base for this bowl.
Black Beans: Canned beans make life easier; rinse them well before adding to reduce sodium.
Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds that extra zing you can’t replicate from bottled juice.
Guacamole: Store-bought works in a pinch, but homemade guac is always worth the effort!
Cherry Tomatoes: These bite-sized beauties add color and sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro brightens everything up—don’t skip it unless you hate happiness.
Seasonings: Use a mix of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for robust flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken Burrito Bowl with Guac & Lime
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by rinsing the rice and soaking it if required. Rinse black beans under cold water until clear—this cuts down on sodium and enhances flavor.
Cook the Rice: In a pot, bring two cups of water to boil. Add rice and salt; cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes until fluffy.
Season & Cook the Chicken: While the rice cooks, season chicken breasts with lime juice and spices. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook chicken until golden brown on both sides.
Add Black Beans & Tomatoes: Once chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should hit 165°F), add black beans and halved cherry tomatoes to warm through while stirring gently.
Assemble Your Bowls: In serving bowls, layer rice first followed by chicken mixture. Top generously with guacamole and fresh cilantro for that Instagram-worthy finish.
Squeeze Fresh Lime Juice: Just before serving, squeeze more fresh lime juice over everything—trust me; this final touch elevates your bowl from tasty to unforgettable!
Enjoy every bite of your Chicken Burrito Bowl with Guac & Lime—a dish bursting with life and flavor that will have you dreaming of sunny beach days even in winter!
You Must Know
- The Chicken Burrito Bowl with Guac & Lime is a fiesta in a bowl!
- Load it up with your favorite toppings for a colorful, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for any occasion
- Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken to infuse it with flavor. Cook rice while grilling the chicken for efficiency. Assemble your bowl with fresh toppings as everything cooks for a deliciously quick meal.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein. Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or cayenne to customize the heat level. Top it off with fresh herbs for an extra zing!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep everything moist and flavorful.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly tender chicken, let it rest after cooking before slicing
- This helps retain juices and enhances flavor
- For extra zest, squeeze lime juice over all ingredients before serving; this simple step elevates the dish beautifully!
The first time I made this Chicken Burrito Bowl, my friends devoured it! They said it was restaurant-quality, which made me feel like a culinary genius for at least a week.
FAQ
How can I make my Chicken Burrito Bowl spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a few drops of hot sauce during assembly.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds more flavor and nutritional benefits to your bowl.
How do I prevent soggy toppings on my burrito bowl?
Add toppings like guacamole and salsa just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.
Chicken Burrito Bowl with Guac & Lime
Indulge your taste buds with this vibrant Chicken Burrito Bowl, featuring juicy grilled chicken, fluffy rice, creamy guacamole, and a zesty lime drizzle. This colorful dish is perfect for casual weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, bringing people together with every delicious bite. Customize it with your favorite toppings for a personalized touch that elevates your meal experience!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup white or brown rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 cup guacamole
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water. Cook according to package instructions (about 18 minutes) until fluffy.
- Season chicken breasts with lime juice, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Cook chicken for about 7-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Add rinsed black beans and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet; warm through for a couple of minutes.
- In serving bowls, layer rice first, then add the chicken mixture on top. Generously dollop guacamole and sprinkle cilantro before serving.
- Squeeze additional fresh lime juice over each bowl for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 500g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with grilled tofu or shrimp. Experiment with spices such as smoked paprika or cayenne for added heat. Top with diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicier kick.
