Name: One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (drained); 1 15 oz can black beans (drained and rinsed); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 lime; 1 cup colby jack cheese (monterey jack or cheddar cheese); kosher salt and pepper; freshly diced tomatoes; diced green onions; sour cream; guacamole

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one dish I reach for when I’m craving a hearty, comforting, and outrageously flavorful meal with minimal cleanup, it’s these One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls. Packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, savory black beans, and melty cheese—all cozied up in just one pan—this recipe is like giving your weeknight dinner a big, warm hug. Each spoonful is layered with smoky spices and zesty lime, topped with everything your burrito-loving heart could desire. Whether you’re new to the world of one-pot wonders or already a devoted fan, you’ll find this is a true taste of fiesta any day of the week!

One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls is in their simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to pack in maximum flavor and add irresistible textures or bright pops of color—no fancy tricks, just honest, delicious food you’ll crave again and again.

Chicken breast: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for quick, even cooking and a lean protein boost.
Olive oil: Adds richness, helps brown the chicken, and infuses the rice with great flavor.
Yellow onion: Sautéing these first creates a sweet, aromatic base for everything else.
Extra-long grain rice: Holds its shape beautifully and soaks up all those fabulous spices.
Diced tomatoes (canned): Brings a touch of tang and moisture; make sure to drain to avoid sogginess.
Black beans: Drained and rinsed for creamy texture and earthy flavor, plus extra fiber.
Garlic powder: Delivers depth in a flash without needing to mince fresh garlic.
Onion powder: Boosts that all-important savory factor—don’t skip it!
Chili powder: For smoky warmth and gentle heat; adjust to taste if you like it spicier.
Cumin: Signature earthy flavor that makes burrito bowls taste authentically bold.
Smoked paprika: Adds subtle, fireside smokiness and a gorgeous red hue.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Cooks the rice and melds everything together with extra flavor.
Lime: The fresh pop you need to balance all those savory spices—don’t forget the final squeeze.
Colby Jack cheese: Melts like a dream, or swap for Cheddar or Monterey Jack to suit your mood.
Kosher salt and pepper: Classic seasonings to bring it all together—season to taste for perfection.
Fresh tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, guacamole: Optional, but absolutely worth it for topping off your burrito bowl with freshness and creamy decadence.

How to Make One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Start your journey to one-pot magic by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your favorite large pan or Dutch oven. Toss in the diced yellow onions and let them sizzle away over medium heat for a few minutes. You’re looking for soft, translucent onions that smell irresistible and set the perfect sweet-and-savory base for your burrito bowls.

Step 2: Season and Brown the Chicken

While the onions are getting happy, season your bite-sized chicken pieces generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Add them right into the pan with the onions, turning the heat up just a bit. Let the chicken cook until the pieces start to brown beautifully—this is where the flavor magic starts to build, and it takes just a few minutes.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Once your chicken is golden, scoot it to one side of the pan. Pour the remaining tablespoon of olive oil onto the empty side, then add your uncooked rice. Gently sauté the rice for about two minutes, stirring until a few grains start to look golden. This step toasts the rice so it has an extra nutty flavor and helps keep it fluffy after it cooks.

Step 4: Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Spices

Now it’s time to bulk up the flavor. Stir in the drained black beans, drained canned diced tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Give everything a good stir to combine all those colors and aromas—there’s so much flavor packed into one pot already!

Step 5: Simmer to Tender Perfection

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Now it’s all about patience—let the dish cook undisturbed for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has soaked up that savory broth. This is when the One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls really start to come together!

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Once the rice is perfectly done, sample and season with a little more salt and pepper, if needed. Squeeze a fresh lime over the entire dish for a blast of brightness, then sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top. Turn off the heat, cover the pan again, and let the cheese melt for 2 to 3 minutes—this is truly the moment when everything comes together.

Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy!

With your One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls still warm, finish them off with a shower of diced fresh tomatoes, sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and a creamy scoop of guacamole. Grab your spoon, dig in, and get ready for a dinner you’ll want to make on repeat!

How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls

Garnishes

The real fun begins when you get creative with toppings! Freshly diced tomatoes and crisp green onions add a zippy crunch, while rich sour cream and silky guacamole give a cooling contrast to the spices. Don’t be shy: pile on your favorites and let everyone at the table customize their own perfect bowl.

Side Dishes

While One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls are certainly a main event on their own, you can round out your meal with an easy green salad, a basket of warm tortilla chips for dipping, or a crisp, citrusy slaw for extra crunch. If you’re feeling festive, a bowl of Mexican street corn always wins smiles!

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your burrito bowls into a DIY dinner bar for friends or family. Arrange all your toppings in little bowls and let everyone scoop, sprinkle, and swirl to their heart’s content. For something different, spoon the filling into warm tortillas for instant burritos, or serve over a bed of leafy greens for a Tex-Mex salad twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls make fantastic meal prep! Allow the contents to come to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—perfect for packed lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If you find yourself with extra, don’t worry! These bowls freeze surprisingly well. Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. When the burrito craving hits, you’ll be glad you saved some!

Reheating

To reheat, pop a serving of burrito bowl into the microwave for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of broth or water to help keep things moist. Alternatively, warm gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Finish with fresh lime and your favorite toppings for best flavor.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook and may require additional chicken broth. Plan on 35 to 40 minutes of simmering, and check periodically to ensure the rice is tender and not too dry.

Is it possible to make One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken for extra beans or your favorite plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth. You’ll still get all the bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Certainly! Feel free to stir in bell peppers, corn, or even zucchini with the tomatoes and beans. Just keep the quantities modest so the rice still cooks properly and the flavors stay balanced.

What’s the best way to make this spicier?

If you love heat, try adding chopped jalapeños with the onions or toss in a little cayenne pepper with your spices. Hot sauce drizzled over the finished bowl is another easy way to up the fire!

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast?

Yes! Just skip the browning step for raw chicken. Add bite-sized pieces of already-cooked rotisserie chicken when everything else simmers together, so it heats through without drying out.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough about how satisfying and easy these One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls are to make and to eat! Seriously, give them a try next time you want maximum flavor with minimum dishes. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, you’ll love how every bite delivers comfort, warmth, and a burst of Tex-Mex spirit. Happy cooking!

One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 20 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that brings together all the flavors of a classic burrito in a convenient bowl format.

Instructions

Sauté Onions: Start by sautéing onions in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until they start to soften.
Cook Chicken: Season diced chicken with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Add chicken to pan and cook over medium-high heat until chicken has started to brown.
Cook Rice: Move chicken to one side of pan. On the other side of the pan, add an additional tablespoon of olive oil and sauté uncooked rice for about 2 minutes, or just until some grains start to turn golden brown.
Add Ingredients: Stir in drained black beans, drained canned tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin.
Simmer: Bring to a simmer, cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until rice is tender.
Season and Serve: Season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and sprinkle with cheese, cover and let set for 2-3 minutes off heat to melt cheese.
Garnish: Garnish with fresh tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, and guacamole.

Notes

You can customize these burrito bowls with your favorite toppings like salsa, jalapeños, or avocado.
Feel free to use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One-Pot
Cuisine: Mexican