Fresh Mexican Chicken Burrito

Chicken • 25 Min • Healthy

A vibrant, fresh, and customizable Mexican Chicken Burrito bowl inspired by Chipotle flavours. Tender lime-garlic chicken, fluffy cilantro rice, black beans, corn, and bright pico de gallo come together in a nutritious bowl that’s perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Juice of ½ lime

Cilantro-Lime Rice

  • 1 cup uncooked rice (jasmine or long grain)
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • Pinch of salt

Toppings & Bowl Components

  • 1 cup black beans (rinsed/drained)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup chopped lettuce
  • 1 cup pico de gallo (or diced tomato + onion + cilantro)
  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced
  • Lime wedges

Optional Extras

  • Light sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
  • Jalapeño slices
  • Extra cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and lime juice. Add chicken strips and mix well. Marinate while preparing the rice (10–15 minutes).

2. Cook the cilantro-lime rice

Rinse rice. Cook with water/broth according to package instructions.
Once done, fluff with fork and mix in lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt.

3. Cook the chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add marinated chicken and cook 5–7 minutes until fully cooked and lightly caramelized. Set aside.

4. Prepare fresh toppings

Assemble: chop lettuce, dice avocado, warm black beans and corn, and prepare pico de gallo (or use store-bought).

5. Assemble your burrito bowl

Layer each bowl with:

  1. Cilantro-lime rice
  2. Chicken
  3. Black beans
  4. Corn
  5. Lettuce
  6. Pico de gallo
  7. Avocado

Finish with lime juice and optional toppings like cheese or light crema.

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment List

  • Skillet
  • Rice cooker or pot
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Mixing bowls

Notes & Substitutions

  • Protein swaps: Use shrimp, tofu, steak, or rotisserie chicken.
  • Grain-free: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or lettuce base.
  • Beans: Pinto beans or chickpeas also work well.
  • Low-carb: Increase greens; reduce rice.
  • Meal prep: Stores beautifully in separate containers.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerator: Store components separately for 3–4 days.
  • Reheat chicken and rice; keep fresh toppings cold.
  • Do not freeze lettuce or pico.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

  • Fresh and healthy
  • Perfect for meal prep
  • Naturally gluten-free
  • Vibrant, colorful bowls (Pinterest-friendly)
  • Customizable and family-friendly

You may also enjoy our 20 Min Greek Chicken Wrap, try the 20 Min Spicy Korean Beef Bowl, or go for a Fresh Mexican Bean Chili.