Name: Chicken Burrito Bowl
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional); 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro; 1 1/2 tablespoons avocado oil; 1 to 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts (cubed); 3 cups chopped kale (or lettuce of choice); 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt (for kale); 1 cup halved grape tomatoes; 1/2 cup corn; 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans; 2 cups cooked rice; Chopped fresh cilantro (to taste); 1 small avocado; 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 medium lime

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Last updated on December 29, 2025

There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of food that feels like a hug from the inside. I can still remember the first time I made a Chicken Burrito Bowl. I had my recipe notebook open, a mountain of ingredients sprawled across the countertop, and, despite my excitement, I felt that familiar twinge of anxiety that all home cooks know too well. Would the chicken turn out dry? Would the flavors meld together perfectly? The fear of ruining such a cozy dish loomed over me. But here’s the secret: it turns out that this dish is far easier to whip up than it seems, even for beginners. With a little guidance, you’ll find that creating a delicious Chicken Burrito Bowl is not only simple but also a delightful journey in the kitchen.

Why I Love This Recipe of Chicken Burrito Bowl

What makes this Chicken Burrito Bowl special to me is how it’s more than just a meal; it’s a canvas that invites you to get creative in the kitchen. This dish is wonderfully adaptable, allowing for whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand, and chock-full of flavor—thanks to the zing of apple cider vinegar and the warmth of spices like ancho chili powder. For beginners, this recipe comes as a huge reassurance. You don’t need to have culinary expertise; you simply need to gather a few ingredients and let nature’s flavors do the work. Cozy, nourishing, and utterly satisfying, a Chicken Burrito Bowl is a delicious way to share love with family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Burrito Bowl

Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need to create your own Chicken Burrito Bowl, starting with the essentials, optional add-ons, and substitutions for flexibility.

Essentials:

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: This not only adds brightness but also aids in tenderizing the chicken.
1 teaspoon ancho chili powder: Adds a mild smokiness that pays homage to traditional Mexican flavors.
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a lovely earthy tone to the dish.
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Infuses the bowl with warm, nutty flavors.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: A little goes a long way in capturing that smoky essence.
1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Essential for seasoning your chicken perfectly.
1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional): For those who like a spicy kick.
1 teaspoon minced garlic: A must-have aromatics that enhance any savory dish.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro: This herb adds freshness and brightness.
1 1/2 tablespoons avocado oil: Fantastic for cooking the chicken and offers healthy fats.
1 to 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts (cubed): The star protein of your bowl!
3 cups chopped kale (or lettuce of choice): Adds a fresh crunch and nutritional boost.
1 teaspoon olive oil: Used for massaging the veggies and adding flavor.
1/2 teaspoon salt: To sprinkle the kale before serving.
1 cup halved grape tomatoes: For a burst of juicy sweetness.
1/2 cup corn: Adds a delightful sweetness and texture.
1 1/2 cups cooked black beans: Packed with protein and heartiness.
2 cups cooked rice: The perfect base to soak up all the flavors.
Chopped fresh cilantro (to taste): For garnish and additional flavor.
1 small avocado: Creamy goodness that elevates the dish to new heights.
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: A healthy alternative to sour cream, great for drizzling.
1 medium lime: Fresh lime juice brightens up the whole bowl.

Optional Add-Ons: While this recipe is delicious as is, here are a few optional extras you might consider:

Cheese: Crumbled feta or shredded Cheddar can introduce extra creaminess.
Fresh jalapeños: For those who love heat.
Sour cream: A traditional topping for that creamy richness.
Tortilla strips: For some added crunch.

Substitutions and Shortcuts:

If you don’t have avocado oil, you can use canola or vegetable oil.
In place of kale, feel free to use your favorite leafy greens such as spinach or romaine.
When short on time, you could also opt for pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of marinating and cooking fresh chicken. Just add it to the bowls with warmed black beans.

How to Make Chicken Burrito Bowl Step-by-Step

Creating your Chicken Burrito Bowl is a straightforward process, perfect for beginner cooks. Let’s go through the steps:

Step 1:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (if using), 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil. This tangy marinade will infuse your chicken with wonderful flavors. Once well-combined, add the cubed chicken breasts into the bowl, ensuring they’re entirely coated. Allow this to marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight if you have time for the flavors to truly develop.

Step 2:

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated chicken and cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe eating. When finished, remove the skillet from heat.

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, massage 3 cups chopped kale with 1 teaspoon olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt for a couple of minutes. This helps to soften the leaves and make them more palatable. Next, divide the kale among 4 bowls, followed by layering halved grape tomatoes, 1/2 cup corn, 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans, and 2 cups cooked rice on top. Finish with a sprinkle of more chopped fresh cilantro for added flavor.

Step 4:

For the creamy sauce, blend together 1 small avocado, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, juice from 1 medium lime, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a blender until smooth. This bright, creamy drizzle will tie your bowl together deliciously.

Step 5:

Add the cooked chicken on top of the prepared bowls and drizzle your avocado yogurt sauce over everything just before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best home cooks make occasional mistakes in the kitchen. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when making your Chicken Burrito Bowl.

Not Marinating Enough

Not allowing enough time for your chicken to marinate can result in less flavorful meat. Ideally, aim for at least 30 minutes, but overnight for the best infusion of flavors is recommended.

Overcooking the Chicken

Overcooked chicken becomes dry and chewy, which no one wants in their delicious burrito bowl. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure—the perfect internal temperature is 165°F.

Forgetting to Massage the Kale

Massaging the kale may seem like an unnecessary step, but it truly makes a difference. It breaks down the tough fibers, making the leaves tender and ready to eat. Invest a minute or two in this step for the best experience!

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Burrito Bowl

While your Chicken Burrito Bowl is already a star on its own, here are a few serving suggestions to consider that can elevate your dining experience.

Add Some Crunch

Serve your burrito bowl with a handful of crispy tortilla chips or strips on the side. This combination gives you that satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Pair with a Refreshing Drink

Enjoy your meal with a light drink such as sparkling water with lime or a homemade lemonade. The refreshing notes will complement the flavors of the burrito bowl beautifully.

Make It a Party

Why not turn this dinner into a burrito bowl party? Set up a toppings bar with ingredients like cheese, jalapeños, diced onions, and hot sauces, allowing your guests to customize their own bowls as they wish.

Conclusion

As we wrap up, I hope you see that making a Chicken Burrito Bowl is easier than it looks! With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can pull together a comforting, flavorful meal that’s cozy and inviting. Remember, you can customize your bowl however you like—swap out veggies, add spices, or change up the sauce to match your cravings. This dish is truly beginner-approved and ready to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

FAQs About Chicken Burrito Bowl

1. What can I use if I don’t have chicken breasts? You can substitute chicken thighs, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. Can I make Chicken Burrito Bowls ahead of time? Absolutely! Both the marinated chicken and the components of the bowl can be prepared a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.

3. How long can leftovers be stored? Your Chicken Burrito Bowls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store the sauce separately to keep everything fresh.

4. What if I can’t find ancho chili powder? If you can’t find ancho chili powder, you can use regular chili powder or a touch of paprika for mild flavor—just adjust to taste.

5. Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! Simply place the marinated chicken in the slow cooker on low for 6-7 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. Shred it once cooked and assemble your bowls.

Now go ahead and give this Chicken Burrito Bowl a try. It’s a cozy dish that’s sure to impress!

Chicken Burrito Bowl

Why I Love This Recipe of Chicken Burrito Bowl

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Burrito Bowl

How to Make Chicken Burrito Bowl Step-by-Step