Name: Burrito Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil; 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or cooked cubed chicken); 1 tablespoon taco seasoning; 3 cups cooked rice (white, cilantro lime, Mexican, brown or cauliflower rice); 1 1/2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce (or your favorite greens); 15 oz black beans or pinto beans (rinsed, drained and warmed); 1 cup frozen sweet corn (warmed, can use fresh sweet corn); 1 cup halved grape tomatoes; 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend, Monterey Jack or cheddar); 1/3 cup chopped cilantro; Guacamole (or avocado slices); Pico de Gallo (or salsa); Pickled Red Onions; Sour Cream (or plain Greek yogurt); Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing (for drizzling); Lime wedges (for serving)

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If you are craving a meal that hits every note—fresh, hearty, zesty, and downright satisfying—this Burrito Bowl Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant medley of perfectly seasoned chicken, tender beans, crisp lettuce, and bright, colorful toppings all layered over a bed of fluffy rice. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or a dish to impress friends without fuss, this Burrito Bowl Recipe brings bold flavors and comforting textures in every bite. Plus, it’s totally customizable, letting you tailor it to your tastes and dietary needs with ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A flat lay of many small white bowls and dishes arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients: one bowl with white rice has a fluffy, grainy texture; another with shredded pale chicken pieces slightly layered; a bowl of bright green shredded lettuce looks fresh and crisp; a small dish of thin purple onion slices; a small container of pale green creamy sauce; a small white plate holds half a green avocado with a brown seed and four lime wedges; a glass jar filled with reddish-brown seasoning with a small wooden spoon inside; a bowl filled with orange and white shredded cheese; a bowl with halved red cherry tomatoes showing their juicy inside; a bowl of black beans with a smooth, glossy surface; a bowl of bright yellow corn kernels; a bowl with red chunky salsa; a small bowl of bright green chopped cilantro; and a small glass cup with white sour cream, all viewed from above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is your first step to making a Burrito Bowl Recipe that bursts with flavor and texture. Each component adds something special—from the seasoned chicken that packs heat and aroma, to the fresh veggies that lend crunch and brightness.

Olive oil or avocado oil: Provides a silky base to warm the chicken and meld spices perfectly.
Shredded rotisserie chicken: Convenient, tender, and perfect for quick flavor-packed protein.
Taco seasoning: The magic mix that brings the authentic Mexican-inspired spice blend to the bowl.
Cooked rice: Your canvas—choose white, cilantro lime, Mexican, brown, or cauliflower rice for varying textures and flavors.
Chopped Romaine lettuce: Adds a refreshing crunch and fresh green color.
Black or pinto beans: Protein-rich and hearty, they add creamy texture and earthiness.
Frozen or fresh sweet corn: Sweet pops of flavor lighten up the dish and provide fantastic color contrast.
Halved grape tomatoes: Juicy bursts that brighten each bite with a touch of acidity.
Shredded cheese: Opt for Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or cheddar to add melty richness.
Chopped cilantro: A fresh herbaceous note that lifts and balances heavier ingredients.
Guacamole or avocado slices: Creamy, buttery texture that cools the spicier elements.
Pico de Gallo or salsa: Bright, tangy, and slightly spicy elements to enhance the flavor profile.
Pickled red onions: Sharp and tangy, these add an exciting crunch and zing.
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess with a hint of tang without overpowering.
Creamy cilantro lime dressing: A drizzle of this brings everything together with a smooth, citrusy finish.
Lime wedges: For that final squeeze of brightness before digging in.

How to Make Burrito Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Warm and Season the Chicken

Start by heating your choice of olive or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and sprinkle with taco seasoning, tossing to coat all the pieces evenly. If the spice blend feels too thick, a splash of water helps the seasoning spread beautifully. Warm the chicken just until heated through, allowing those spices to infuse the meat. This step is crucial for building the base flavor of the bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice and Vegetables

While the chicken warms, make sure your rice is freshly cooked or warmed through—this will be the hearty base. Then, gather your chopped Romaine lettuce, rinsed beans, thawed or fresh corn, and halved grape tomatoes. The variety of textures here ensures every mouthful is exciting, from crisp greens to creamy beans and juicy sweet corn.

Step 3: Assemble Your Burrito Bowls

Divide the steamed rice evenly among four bowls to form the foundation. Layer on the warmed, seasoned chicken, then add beans, corn, tomatoes, and lettuce in beautiful, colorful sections or mix them together if you prefer. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and chopped cilantro for pops of creaminess and fresh herb flavor.

Step 4: Add the Toppings That Make It Shine

Top each bowl generously with guacamole or avocado slices, pico de Gallo or salsa, pickled red onions, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. These luscious toppings balance the deeper, smoky flavors with fresh, creamy, and tangy notes. Finally, drizzle with creamy cilantro lime dressing and serve immediately with lime wedges for an extra zingy contrast.

How to Serve Burrito Bowl Recipe

A large black pan filled with a single layer of shredded cooked chicken with a reddish-brown color from spices, showing a mix of tender, stringy textures. Around the pan, there are six white bowls and containers arranged on a white marbled surface: top left has light green creamy sauce in a tall cup, top center has thin slices of bright purple onion, top right holds a clear jar filled with a coarse reddish spice mix with a wooden spoon inside, middle right contains chopped fresh dark green herbs, bottom right shows a small container with thick white sour cream, bottom center holds chunky red salsa with bits of green and orange, and bottom left has roughly chopped bright green lettuce leaves. The scene is bright and evenly lit, shot from above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Never underestimate the power of garnishes in elevating a Burrito Bowl Recipe. Fresh cilantro sprigs, additional lime wedges, or a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips add layers of flavor and texture that turn a simple bowl into an irresistible meal. Garnishes give your dish visual appeal and invite everyone to customize their bites.

Side Dishes

Though the burrito bowl is wonderfully filling on its own, pairing it with light sides can round out the meal. Consider serving with a crisp Mexican street corn salad, a refreshing cucumber-lime salad, or chips and salsa for crunch. These sides complement the boldness of the bowl without overshadowing its dominant flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation makes the experience even more enjoyable. Try serving your Burrito Bowl Recipe in colorful ceramic bowls for a festive, vibrant feel or mason jars layered like parfaits when packing lunches. For parties, set up a burrito bowl bar where guests can customize their bowls with different proteins, beans, and toppings. It turns a simple dish into a joyful meal shared with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover burrito bowls keep beautifully in airtight containers for up to four days in the refrigerator. To maintain freshness, store the components separately if possible—like keeping the dressing and guacamole in small containers apart from the rice and chicken. This prevents sogginess and maintains the crispness of fresh vegetables.

Freezing

Freezing the entire burrito bowl isn’t recommended because some fresh ingredients don’t hold up well. However, you can freeze the cooked rice, seasoned chicken, and beans individually in portioned containers for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reassemble with fresh lettuce and toppings.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the rice, chicken, and beans in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot, stirring occasionally. Avoid heating fresh toppings or guacamole; add those after reheating to preserve their texture and flavor. A quick squeeze of lime and a drizzle of extra dressing will refresh your leftovers wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I make this Burrito Bowl Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, grilled veggies, or seasoned tofu for a delicious meat-free bowl. Beans and corn provide ample protein and texture to keep the bowl satisfying.

What type of rice works best?

Any cooked rice works well, from classic white to brown, cilantro lime, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Choose based on your preference for texture and flavor—it’s all about what makes you happiest!

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep most components ahead. Cook and season chicken, prepare rice, and chop toppings, then assemble right before serving. Just keep wet ingredients like guacamole separate to avoid wilting.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

When you use gluten-free taco seasoning and ensure other toppings are free from gluten-containing ingredients, this Burrito Bowl Recipe is naturally gluten-free and safe for those with sensitivities.

How spicy is the burrito bowl?

The spice level depends largely on your taco seasoning and salsa choice. You can easily adjust by using mild seasoning or adding hotter salsas and jalapeños if you like some extra heat—make it your own!

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about digging into a bowl packed with vibrant flavors and textures, and this Burrito Bowl Recipe delivers that in every forkful. It’s fresh, easy, and packed with nutrients while still feeling indulgent. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your go-to for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or when you just want a dish that feels like a celebration of good food. Enjoy every bite!