Get ready to fall in love with dinner all over again! The Chicken Burrito Protein Bowl is everything I crave in one colorful bowl: smoky, zesty chicken strips nestled over fresh cilantro lime rice, surrounded by a rainbow of vibrant veggies and creamy avocado. The bold chipotle marinade wakes up your taste buds, and every bite is full of satisfying textures and flavors. If you’re looking for a wholesome recipe to power your weeknights, you’ll want to keep this Chicken Burrito Protein Bowl in regular rotation!

Chicken Burrito Protein Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

I adore how straightforward yet flavor-packed these ingredients are. Each one brings its own magic—whether it’s the tang of lime, the creaminess of avocado, or the pop of sweet corn—all working together to make the Chicken Burrito Protein Bowl truly irresistible.

Avocado oil: Adds a rich, smooth base for marinating and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
Lime juice: Brightens everything up and gives that signature tang to both the chicken and rice.
Chipotle chilis in adobo sauce: Pack in smoky heat and deep, savory flavor for the chicken.
Adobo sauce: Boosts the spicy, smoky complexity of the marinade.
Garlic powder: Brings gentle warmth and a mellow, aromatic punch.
Salt: Essential for pulling all the flavors together and highlighting natural sweetness.
Chicken breast: Lean protein cut into strips for quick, even cooking and a tender bite.
Long-grain white rice: The perfect fluffy base to soak up all the bold burrito flavors.
Water: Cooks the rice just right—light and tender, never mushy.
Lime zest: Adds an extra citrusy aroma to accompany the rice.
Cilantro: Fresh, fragrant, and bright—essential for that classic burrito bowl flavor.
Romaine lettuce: Brings crispness and a refreshing crunch to each forkful.
Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet for a lively pop of color and freshness.
Avocado: Creamy, dreamy, and totally necessary for that rich, satiating finish.
Frozen corn: Adds a touch of sweetness and bite; thaw for convenience.
Black beans: Heart-healthy protein and fiber; canned beans make it extra easy.
Red onion: A pop of color and mild sharpness for balance.

How to Make Chicken Burrito Protein Bowl

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Mix up the avocado oil, lime juice, chopped chipotle chilis, adobo sauce, garlic powder, and salt in a big bowl. Add in your chicken strips and toss everything together until each piece is generously coated. Cover it up and let those flavors sink in—the longer it sits (at least two hours, or overnight if you have time), the better the chicken will taste!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

When you’re ready, heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Grab the marinated chicken, let any excess marinade drip off, and pop the strips into the hot pan. Stir and cook for about five minutes, or until they’re browned and cooked through with irresistible smoky edges. Set aside—the kitchen will smell wonderful!

Step 3: Make the Cilantro Lime Rice

In a saucepan, bring your rinsed white rice, water, and a pinch of salt to a boil. As soon as it’s bubbling, drop the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. Once the water is absorbed and the rice is tender and fluffy, take it off the heat and uncover. Fluff with a fork, then toss in the vibrant lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust the salt if needed—the rice should be zippy and fresh!

Step 4: Prep the Bowl Toppings

While the chicken and rice cool a bit, chop your romaine lettuce, dice tomatoes and avocado, thaw the corn, rinse and drain black beans, and finely chop that red onion. It’s all about having everything ready for easy assembly—think of it as your own burrito bar!

Step 5: Assemble Your Chicken Burrito Protein Bowl

Layer warm cilantro lime rice and crisp romaine lettuce at the bottom of each bowl. Top with forkfuls of juicy chipotle chicken. Then, create beautiful sections of tomatoes, avocado, corn, black beans, and red onions. With every scoop, you’ll get a little of everything for the ultimate forkful.

How to Serve Chicken Burrito Protein Bowl

Garnishes

Don’t be shy with finishing touches—sprinkle extra chopped cilantro, squeeze more fresh lime over the top, or scatter a little shredded cheese or crushed tortilla chips for playful crunch. Even a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt goes perfectly if you like it creamy.

Side Dishes

If you’re making a meal for a crowd or just want to round out your Chicken Burrito Protein Bowl, pair it with homemade salsa, warm flour tortillas, or a bowl of tortilla soup. I’m also a fan of crunchy jicama slaw on the side!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve family-style by lining up all the toppings for DIY burrito bowls—let everyone build their perfect combination. Or, try serving in individual glass jars or meal prep containers for colorful, grab-and-go lunches. You can even fold the ingredients into lettuce wraps for a fresh twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the ingredients separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken and rice will keep for up to four days, so you’ll have delicious bowls ready to repurpose throughout the week without anything getting soggy.

Freezing

Both the cooked chicken and the cilantro lime rice freeze beautifully for up to three months. Let them cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Skip freezing the fresh toppings—save those to whip up fresh when you reheat and assemble.

Reheating

To enjoy your Chicken Burrito Protein Bowl leftovers, reheat the chicken and rice together in the microwave or a skillet until piping hot. Then, assemble with the cold, crisp toppings and any garnishes for a meal that tastes freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be even juicier and flavorful—simply cut them into strips and swap them in. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed, since thighs may take a minute or two longer.

Is there a way to make the Chicken Burrito Protein Bowl vegetarian?

Definitely. Simply swap out the chicken for grilled tofu or hearty roasted vegetables. The beans and rice still provide a great protein boost, and the flavors are just as fantastic.

How spicy is the chipotle chicken?

The chipotle chilis add a nice warmth without overwhelming heat, but you can always reduce the amount or omit the adobo sauce if you prefer things milder. Or dial it up with an extra chili if you love spice!

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes—brown rice adds a nutty, chewy texture and works beautifully here. Just adjust the cooking time and water ratio according to your package instructions.

Are these Chicken Burrito Protein Bowls good for meal prep?

They are perfect for meal prep! Prepare the components on Sunday, pop them into containers, and you’ll have flavorful lunches or dinners all week long. Just keep the fresh toppings separate until serving for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistible about a bowl full of vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients, and the Chicken Burrito Protein Bowl never disappoints. I can’t wait for you to try this fun, meal-prep-friendly recipe—give it a whirl and savor how easy and delicious homemade burrito bowls can truly be!