Easy Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls (Meal Prep) Recipe

I love this Chicken Meal Prep option that combines tender boneless chicken breasts seasoned with cumin and smoked paprika with hearty brown rice, zesty corn, and a medley of black beans and tomatoes. A squeeze of lime, diced avocado, and a sprinkle of cheddar create a vivid mix of textures. Simply perfect.

I recently tried out this new twist on my usual meal prep and I have to say, it turned out pretty rad. This Easy Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowl is exactly what I needed for a quick, high protein lunch that fits right into my busy schedule.

I started by cooking 2 cups of brown rice as per the instructions while I marinated 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika with salt and pepper to taste. Then I tossed in some black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes so that every bite had that awesome Southwest kick.

I finished off with a splash of lime juice, diced avocado and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, letting fresh cilantro add that final pop. Its a no-fuss meal prep option that’ll keep your tastebuds excited throughout the week.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe for several reasons. First, it’s super easy to make even when im super busy so i can cook up a healthy meal in no time. Second, the flavors, like the smokey spices blended with zesty lime juice and a bit of salsa, really make my taste buds light up and keep me comin back for more. Third, i love that it’s packed full of good stuff like brown rice, chicken, black beans, corn, and tomatoes – it feels wholesome and balanced even if i’m treatin myself. Also, the best part is how customizable it is; i like adding chopped avocado, extra cheese, and some fresh cilantro on top for that extra kick that makes it all the more delicious.

Ingredients

• Brown rice is fibrous and loaded with healthy carbohydrates to fuel your day.
• Chicken provides lean protein to keep you full and helps support muscle growth.
• Black beans add fiber and extra protein while giving a hearty texture to each bite.
• Avocado brings creaminess and healthy fats that enrich flavor without being too heavy.
• Tomatoes offer a bright, tangy burst of vitamins and natural sweetness to balance flavors.
• Lime juice adds a refreshing, sour zing that wakes up the dish perfectly.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups brown rice, uncooked
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned works fine)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

How to Make this

1. Start by cooking the brown rice according to the package instructions until it’s nice and fluffy.

2. While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

3. Season the chicken breasts with the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a bit of salt and pepper.

4. Cook the chicken in the pan for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s fully cooked and then let it rest a bit.

5. Once the chicken has cooled a little bit, dice it into bite size pieces.

6. In the same pan, toss in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa and cook them over medium heat until they’re warmed through.

7. Stir in the lime juice into the bean and corn mixture for a zesty flavor kick.

8. To assemble your bowls, start with a base of brown rice, then add the chicken and the bean and corn mix on top.

9. Garnish with diced avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if you like.

10. Enjoy warm or pack into meal prep containers for a quick and easy meal later on!

Equipment Needed

1. A medium-sized pot with a lid to cook the brown rice
2. A large pan or skillet to heat the olive oil and cook the chicken and veggies
3. A cutting board for dicing the chicken and avocado
4. A sharp knife for all your chopping needs
5. Measuring cups and spoons for the rice and spices
6. A spatula or set of tongs to flip and move the chicken around
7. A can opener to open the black beans and tomatoes if needed
8. A citrus juicer or a simple tool to squeeze the lime juice
9. Serving bowls or meal prep containers for putting it all together

FAQ

Easy Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls (Meal Prep) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Brown rice – You can swap it out with quinoa or even couscous if you’re in a rush on cooking time
• Chicken breasts – Try using turkey breast or tofu to mix it up and keep it healthy
• Shredded cheddar cheese – Monterrey jack or even a bit of pepper jack can add a different kick to your bowl
• Salsa – Fresh pico de gallo works great as an alternative if you want extra freshness

Pro Tips

1. Try letting the chicken rest after cooking before you dice it up; it helps keep all the juices inside so your chicken stays moist and tasty.
2. If you can, use a heavy pan like cast iron for searing the chicken so you get that nice brown crust on the outside which really ups the flavor.
3. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra lime juice or even a sprinkle of extra salt right at the end to brighten up all the flavors in your bowl, especially if it seems a bit flat.
4. Consider giving the rice a quick toss with a bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt once its done cooking; it not only stops it from clumping together but also adds a subtle layer of flavor.