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Healthy High-Protein Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe with Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

healthy high-protein chicken burrito bowl - featured image

A quick and easy high-protein chicken burrito bowl featuring juicy marinated chicken and zesty cilantro lime rice, perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati)
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lime
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, optional)
  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced (optional)
  • Fresh salsa or pico de gallo (optional)
  • Shredded cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt (optional)
  • Optional: sliced jalapeños, lime wedges, or hot sauce for extra kick

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat evenly and let sit for at least 10 minutes.
  2. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, add rice and water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  3. Remove from heat and let rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and stir in lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and olive oil or butter if using. Add salt to taste.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned (internal temperature 165°F). Cook in batches if needed.
  5. Prepare toppings while chicken cooks: warm black beans and corn if desired, slice avocado, and chop additional garnishes.
  6. Assemble the bowl by layering cilantro lime rice, cooked chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, salsa, and cheese or Greek yogurt. Finish with lime wedges or hot sauce if desired.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 10 minutes for best flavor. Rinse rice thoroughly to avoid clumping. Avoid lifting the lid while rice simmers. Cook chicken in batches if pan is small to ensure even cooking. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of water added to rice to keep it moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken burrito bowl, high protein, cilantro lime rice, healthy dinner, meal prep, quick recipe