One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl

by
Delicious One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl with fresh ingredients and toppings

WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE

One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl is a fantastic meal that packs in flavor, nutrients, and convenience. It combines all the delicious components of a burrito into one easy-to-make dish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet simple. The simplicity of cooking everything in one pot saves you time on cleanup and ensures that all the flavors meld beautifully together as they cook. You can enjoy a filling meal without the hassle of multiple dishes, and it can be made in about 30 minutes.

This dish is also very versatile. You can customize it based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly meal or something easy to bring to work the next day, this chicken burrito bowl has you covered.

HOW TO MAKE One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cup extra-long grain rice, uncooked
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Prepare the Pot: Begin by taking a large pot and heating the olive oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot before you add any ingredients, as this will help the chicken to brown nicely.

  2. Sauté the Onion: Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion to the pot. Keep stirring for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. This will not only add flavor but also create a lovely base for your dish.

  3. Cook the Chicken: Now, add the cut chicken pieces to the pot. Stir the chicken around occasionally until it is browned on all sides. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the chicken is cooked through to ensure food safety.

  4. Add Seasonings: After the chicken is browned, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Stir well to coat the chicken and onions with these spices. This step enhances the flavor of your dish.

  5. Combine Remaining Ingredients: Next, add the uncooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, and rinsed black beans to the pot. Mix everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.

  6. Add Liquid: Pour in 2 cups of water or broth. Stir once more and bring the mixture to a boil.

  7. Simmer: After it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the rice to cook through and absorb all the flavors.

  8. Fluff and Serve: Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Use a fork to fluff the mixture gently. Serve the One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl warm, and add any additional toppings you prefer.

HOW TO SERVE One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl

This dish is perfect on its own, but you can enhance the experience by serving it with a variety of garnishes and sides. Consider adding toppings like shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro. These extras can complement the flavors and textures of the burrito bowl and make for an even more enjoyable meal.

You can also serve it alongside tortilla chips for some crunch or a simple side salad to keep it light and fresh. If you are looking to feed a crowd, you could set up a burrito bowl bar, allowing everyone to customize their bowls with their favorite toppings. This way, everyone enjoys the dish according to their taste preferences.

HOW TO STORE One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl

If you have leftovers, storing the One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl is simple. First, let the bowl cool down to room temperature. Transfer the leftover burrito bowl into airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, consider freezing portions of the chicken burrito bowl. Place the dish into freezer-safe containers or bags. It should keep well for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in a microwave or on the stove until it’s warmed through.

TIPS TO MAKE One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl

  • Chicken Size: Cut the chicken breast into uniform bite-sized pieces. This ensures that everything cooks evenly and thoroughly.

  • Choosing Rice: Extra-long grain rice works best for this recipe, but you can substitute with other rice types too. Just check the cooking times, as they may vary.

  • Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer more heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or increase the chili powder.

  • Fresh Ingredients: For a fresh twist, you can include diced bell peppers or corn for added sweetness and texture. These can be sautéed with the onions.

  • Cooking Liquid: If you want more flavor, use chicken broth instead of water. It will enhance the overall taste of the dish.

  • Avoid Lid Tightness: When covering the pot, leave a little gap if possible for some steam to escape. This will prevent the rice from becoming too mushy.

VARIATIONS

The beauty of the One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl is its adaptability. You can easily make several variations based on your preferences and dietary needs:

  • Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can also use firm tofu or tempeh for added protein.

  • Different Proteins: Instead of chicken, you can use ground turkey, beef, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a faster option.

  • Add Spice: For those who enjoy spicy food, include diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for an extra kick.

  • Rice Options: Try using cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. Just adjust the cooking time since it cooks faster than regular rice.

  • Beans: Swap the black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans, or even mix different types for a hearty touch.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but be aware that the cooking time will be longer. Brown rice typically takes about 40-45 minutes to cook, so adjust your simmering time accordingly.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Certainly! You can prepare the One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl ahead of time. Store it in the fridge after it cools down, and reheat it before serving. Just add a little water or broth while reheating to avoid it getting dry.

Can I make this recipe without a stovetop?

If you don’t have a stovetop, you can absolutely make this in an Instant Pot or slow cooker. Just adjust the settings and cooking times to fit those appliances.

These aspects make One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl a delightful dish for any occasion, with tons of flavors and ingredient options to keep it exciting. Enjoy cooking and savoring this fantastic meal with your family and friends!