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Healthy High-Protein Chicken Burrito Bowl

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A flavorful and nutritious chicken burrito bowl perfect for meal prep, featuring juicy marinated chicken, cilantro-lime rice, and fresh toppings that stay delicious throughout the week.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450 g), trimmed
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for more fiber)
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth (475 ml)
  • Zest and juice of 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
  • 1 medium avocado, sliced or diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • Fresh lime wedges (for serving)
  • Salsa or pico de gallo (store-bought or homemade)
  • Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, fresh jalapeño slices, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  2. Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice and a pinch of salt; reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes (white rice) or 40 minutes (brown rice). Fluff with a fork and stir in lime zest, juice, and chopped cilantro. Set aside.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess. Cook chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or cubes.
  4. While chicken cooks, drain and rinse black beans. Slice avocado, halve cherry tomatoes, and prepare any additional garnishes.
  5. In meal prep containers, layer cilantro-lime rice, chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, tomatoes, and cheese if using. Add a small container of salsa or pico de gallo on the side.
  6. Seal containers and refrigerate. When ready to eat, microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Add fresh lime wedges and optional garnishes before serving.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 4 hours to avoid mushy texture. Rinse rice to remove excess starch and prevent gummy texture. Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan. Store salsa and avocado separately until serving to keep freshness. When reheating, cover loosely and add a splash of water to keep rice moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken burrito bowl, high-protein meal prep, healthy chicken recipe, cilantro lime rice, meal prep bowls, easy dinner, gluten-free, quick chicken recipe

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/healthy-high-protein-chicken-burrito-bowl-recipe-easy-meal-prep-ideas/