The Perfect Smoky Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe for Dinner

Crafting these smoky grilled chicken burrito bowls will transport you straight to a bustling street market in mexico city.

Vibrant ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that leap off the plate.

Colorful vegetables and tender, spice-rubbed chicken promise a meal that feels like a culinary adventure.

Fresh herbs and zesty lime juice add brightness to every single bite.

Quick to prepare and packed with protein, this dish becomes your ticket to a satisfying dinner.

Layers of textures and bold seasonings make each forkful an exciting exploration of taste.

Jump into this recipe and discover how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary meal.

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls Full of Smoky Goodness

• Customizable Flavor Explosion: Mix and match toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, and cheese to create personalized burrito bowls that satisfy every taste bud.
• Grill-Friendly Technique: Transform simple chicken thighs into smoky, juicy protein by using direct grilling method that locks in maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Nutritious One-Bowl Wonder: Pack protein, complex carbohydrates, and fresh vegetables into a single balanced meal that keeps you full and energized throughout the day.

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl Ingredient List

• Chicken Thighs: Tender, flavorful protein that provides the main protein for the burrito bowl, best when boneless and skinless.

• Spices, Salt, Pepper: Create a smoky and seasoned flavor profile for the chicken.
• Olive Oil, Lime Juice: Help tenderize the meat and distribute spices evenly.

• White Rice: Serves as the foundational layer of the burrito bowl, providing a neutral base for other ingredients.
• Black Beans: Adds protein, fiber, and a creamy texture to the dish.

• Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa that brings brightness and acidity to the bowl.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds creaminess and a rich flavor complement.
• Guacamole: Provides a creamy, rich element with healthy fats.
• Fresh Cilantro: Offers a fresh, herbal note to enhance overall flavor.

• Sour Cream: Adds cool, tangy richness.
• Diced Onion: Provides a sharp, crisp texture.
• Chopped Lettuce: Adds freshness and crunch.
• Sliced Jalapenos: Brings heat and additional flavor complexity.

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls Flavorful Assembly

Step 1: Create Zesty Marinade

Whisk together spices in a small bowl.

Pour oil and lime juice into a large measuring cup.

Add the spices and whisk until completely blended, creating a vibrant marinade bursting with flavor.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

Place chicken thighs in a sealable plastic bag.

Pour marinade over the chicken, press out excess air, and seal.

Massage the bag to ensure chicken is thoroughly coated.

Refrigerate for 45 minutes, flipping midway through to distribute marinade evenly.

Step 3: Prepare Grill

Remove chicken from refrigerator 15 minutes before grilling to allow slight temperature adjustment.

Preheat grill to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring perfect cooking conditions.

Step 4: Grill Chicken to Perfection

Using grilling tongs, place chicken directly on grill grates.

Close lid and cook for 5 minutes on first side.

Flip and cook an additional 3 minutes.

Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer, ensuring it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Slice Grilled Chicken

Allow grilled chicken to rest for five minutes on a cutting board.

Use a sharp knife to chop into bite-sized pieces, creating delectable morsels for the burrito bowl.

Step 6: Assemble Burrito Bowls

• Rice
• Diced chicken
• Black beans
• Pico de gallo
• Shredded cheese
• Guacamole
• Fresh cilantro

Step 7: Customize and Serve

• Sour cream
• Diced onions
• Chopped lettuce
• Sliced jalapeños

Drizzle with homemade taco sauce if desired.

Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Easy Tips for Chicken Burrito Bowls

• Let chicken sit in the marinade for exactly 45 minutes to maximize flavor absorption without breaking down meat proteins.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F, preventing undercooking and guaranteeing juicy, safe-to-eat meat.
• Allow chicken to rest for five minutes after grilling to help juices redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
• Mix and match toppings based on dietary preferences or what's available in your kitchen, making this recipe versatile for different tastes.
• Marinate chicken the night before and store in the refrigerator to save time during meal preparation and enhance flavor depth.

Burrito Bowl Storage Tips

• Store leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent flavor loss.
• Wrap burrito bowl components individually in freezer-safe containers. These meals will stay good for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Warm refrigerated chicken in microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even heating. Add splash of water to prevent drying.
• Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons water over rice before microwaving to restore moisture and prevent clumping. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle.

Bowls That Work With Grilled Chicken Burrito

• Enhance Smoky Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with These Pairings
• Craft a Bold Margarita: Mix fresh lime juice, tequila, and a hint of orange liqueur to complement the smoky chicken's zesty marinade and cut through the rich flavors.
• Select Crisp Mexican Lager: Choose a light beer like Modelo Especial or Corona to refresh the palate and balance the bowl's spicy and hearty components.
• Create Tangy Corn Salsa Side: Grill fresh corn kernels with jalapeños, mix with red onion, lime juice, and cilantro to add a bright, crunchy contrast to the tender chicken and creamy beans.
• Add Cooling Cucumber Salad: Dice cucumbers with fresh mint, a splash of white vinegar, and a pinch of salt to provide a light, refreshing element that helps cool down the dish's smoky heat.

Grilled Burrito Bowls With Flavor Combos

• Vegetarian Bean Bowl: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or extra-firm tofu, marinated in the same spice blend for a hearty plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Bowl: Swap rice with cauliflower rice, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile while reducing carbohydrate content for keto dieters.
• Gluten-Free Protein Bowl: Use certified gluten-free spices and ensure all ingredients like beans and pico de gallo are gluten-free certified, perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Bowl: Substitute black beans with chickpeas, add crumbled feta cheese, and include diced cucumber for a Mediterranean twist on the original recipe.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal because they remain juicy and tender when grilled, absorbing the marinade’s flavors more effectively than chicken breasts.

• Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• How spicy is the marinade?

The marinade is mildly seasoned with typical Mexican spices, offering flavor without intense heat. If you prefer more spice, you can add extra chili powder or cayenne pepper to the mix.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check individual ingredient labels to confirm, especially for store-bought items like beans and pico de gallo.

Smoky Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling smoky grilled chicken burrito bowls bring Mexican-inspired comfort to dinner tables with bold, zesty flavors. Layers of seasoned rice, tender chicken, and hearty beans create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 15 ounces (425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed

Grains and Rice:

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 1 cup quinoa

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 limes, juiced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 red onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Optional Toppings:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheese

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by blending aromatic spices, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk olive oil and fresh lime juice into the spice mixture until thoroughly incorporated.
2. Transfer chicken thighs into a sealed container and generously coat with the prepared marinade. Massage the marinade into the meat, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for approximately 45 minutes, turning midway through marination.
3. Remove chicken from refrigerator 15 minutes prior to grilling, allowing it to approach room temperature. Preheat grill to medium-high heat around 375 degrees fahrenheit.
4. Carefully place marinated chicken thighs directly onto clean grill grates. Close lid and cook for 5 minutes on the first side, then flip using tongs and grill an additional 3-4 minutes. Monitor internal temperature with a meat thermometer, ensuring chicken reaches 165 degrees fahrenheit.
5. Transfer grilled chicken to a cutting board and allow to rest for five minutes. Slice chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces, creating tender morsels for the burrito bowls.
6. Construct burrito bowls by layering warm rice as the foundation. Distribute diced chicken evenly, then artfully arrange black beans, pico de gallo, shredded cheese, and guacamole. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
7. Customize bowls with optional toppings like sour cream, diced onions, crisp lettuce, or spicy jalapeño slices. Serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and vibrant.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by letting it sit in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes, allowing spices to penetrate deeply into the meat.
• Ensure chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F, preventing any risk of foodborne illness.
• Customize bowl components for dietary needs by swapping rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb option or using plant-based protein instead of chicken for vegetarian version.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to create quick weeknight meals, storing marinated chicken and chopped toppings separately in airtight containers for easy assembly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (not including marinating time)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg