One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl

Imagine the sizzle of perfectly seasoned chicken mingling with colorful vegetables and fragrant rice, all coming together in a single pan to create a mouthwatering One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl. This Mexican-inspired dish delivers all the bold flavors and satisfying textures of your favorite restaurant burrito, deconstructed into a convenient, home-cooked meal. The beauty of this One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl lies in its simplicity—minimal cleanup with maximum flavor. You’ll learn how to transform everyday ingredients into a fiesta of flavors that will have your family requesting this meal week after week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers, offering the perfect balance of convenience and comfort. First, there’s the incredible time-saving aspect—everything cooks in one pan, meaning less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal. The combination of tender, juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables creates a textural symphony that’s both satisfying and exciting with each bite.

The customizable nature of this dish means everyone at your table can make it their own. Add extra hot sauce for heat lovers, pile on the cheese for the dairy enthusiasts, or load up with fresh avocado for those craving creaminess. This adaptability makes it perfect for families with varying preferences.

But perhaps what you’ll appreciate most is how this recipe transforms simple, affordable ingredients into something truly special. The layers of flavor build throughout the cooking process—from the seared chicken to the seasoned rice to the final fresh toppings—creating a dish that tastes like it required far more effort than it actually did.

Ingredients

For this hearty One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup (180g) long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz/425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1¾ cups (420ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (150g) frozen corn kernels
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For serving:

• 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• ¼ cup (60g) sour cream
• ¼ cup (10g) fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

The chicken provides lean protein while the beans offer additional protein and fiber. The aromatics—onion and bell pepper—lay a foundation of flavor, while the tomatoes and chilies add brightness and subtle heat.

Pro Tips

Choose the right pan: For the perfect One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl, a large, deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid is essential. A 12-inch skillet with high sides ensures enough space for all ingredients to cook evenly without overcrowding, which would lead to steaming rather than browning. Cast iron or stainless steel pans work best for achieving that desirable sear on the chicken.

Layer flavors strategically: The secret to depth in this dish comes from building flavors at each stage. Season the chicken before cooking, then allow it to develop a golden crust before removing it temporarily from the pan. This step allows you to capture the fond (those flavorful browned bits) that forms on the bottom of the pan. When you add the broth later, you’ll deglaze these bits, incorporating that concentrated chicken flavor throughout the entire dish.

Perfect rice technique: To ensure perfectly cooked rice that’s neither mushy nor undercooked, rinse it thoroughly before adding to remove excess starch. After adding the rice to the pan, allow it to toast slightly before adding liquid—this extra step prevents clumping and enhances the nutty flavor. Once the liquid is added, resist the urge to stir or lift the lid during cooking. The steam creates the ideal environment for tender, fluffy rice that forms the foundation of your One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl.

Instructions

Step 1

Season the chicken pieces thoroughly with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed to prevent overcrowding) and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on the outside but not fully cooked through. Transfer the partially cooked chicken to a clean plate.

Step 2

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften and become translucent. Add the bell pepper and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables should be slightly softened but still maintain some crispness.

Step 3

Add the rinsed rice to the skillet with the vegetables and stir to coat it in the oil. Toast the rice for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning—this step adds a delicious nutty flavor to your One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl. Sprinkle in the remaining tablespoon of taco seasoning and stir to distribute evenly.

Step 4

Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits (that’s where the flavor is!). Add the drained black beans and frozen corn, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.

Step 5

Return the partially cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the rice mixture. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. The chicken will finish cooking during this time, becoming perfectly tender.

Step 6

Once the cooking is complete, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the moisture to distribute evenly throughout your One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then top with shredded cheese while everything is still hot, allowing it to melt slightly.

Step 7

Serve your One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl family-style right from the skillet or portion into individual bowls. Top with diced avocado, dollops of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for squeezing. Invite everyone to customize their bowls to their liking!

Variations

Vegetarian Burrito Bowl: Transform this One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl into a meat-free delight by replacing the chicken with an extra can of black beans or 2 cups of seasoned roasted chickpeas. You can also add diced zucchini or mushrooms for additional texture and heartiness. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and consider adding a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a savory depth of flavor that complements the Mexican seasonings beautifully.

Spicy Southwest Bowl: For heat enthusiasts, kick your chicken burrito bowl recipe up several notches by adding a diced jalapeño or two with the bell peppers. Incorporate a teaspoon of chipotle powder into your taco seasoning mix, and swap the regular diced tomatoes for a can of fire-roasted tomatoes with habaneros. Finish with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce and some pickled jalapeños on top.

Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Version: Make this dish keto-friendly by substituting the white rice with 3 cups of cauliflower rice. The cooking time will be significantly reduced—simply add the cauliflower rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This lighter version of the easy chicken burrito bowl still delivers on flavor while cutting the carbs considerably.

Storage and Serving

Your One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, portion leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, sprinkle a tablespoon of water over the dish before microwaving to help revitalize the rice, or reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.

For serving, transform this versatile dish into a complete meal experience. Create a DIY burrito bowl bar by setting out the hot chicken burrito bowl alongside additional toppings like pickled red onions, sliced jalapeños, guacamole, and various salsas ranging from mild to fiery. Serve with warm flour tortillas on the side so guests can create impromptu burritos if desired.

For a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty bowl, pair it with a simple side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and lime vinaigrette. Complete the meal with a batch of homemade horchata or sparkling agua fresca for an authentic Mexican dining experience at home.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice in your One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically requires about 40-45 minutes to cook and approximately ½ cup more broth. For best results, partially cook the chicken separately and add it during the last 15 minutes to prevent it from becoming overcooked.

What can I use if I don’t have taco seasoning?
Make your own blend by combining 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon each of cumin and paprika, ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, ¼ teaspoon oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. This homemade mix works perfectly in your One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to 2 days ahead and reheat gently before serving. For best results, store the cooked chicken burrito bowl without the fresh toppings and add those just before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific brands of taco seasoning, broth, and canned goods to ensure they don’t contain gluten additives.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Skip the chicken cooking step and add approximately 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken to the pan when you return the covered skillet to heat. This makes for an even quicker easy chicken burrito bowl.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is comfort food at its finest — a perfect harmony of protein, carbs, and vegetables that satisfies without demanding hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a mini fiesta, bringing the family together around vibrant, customizable bowls of goodness. With its effortless preparation and minimal cleanup, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your meal rotation. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week ahead, or simply craving those bold Mexican flavors, this one-pan wonder delivers every time.

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