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One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls

One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls

This easy One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls recipe brings together juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, hearty rice, and classic Mexican spices all cooked in one pot for a flavorful, fuss-free meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s colorful, satisfying, quick to prepare, and offers minimal cleanup while delivering delicious comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, cut into pieces
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

Grains

  • 1 cup long grain rice, rinsed

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Liquids & Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Spices & Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh lime juice from 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent to create a flavorful aromatic base.
  2. Brown the chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, cumin, chipotle powder, and chili powder. Add to the pot and cook until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, locking in flavor and texture.
  3. Add rice and liquids: Stir in the rinsed rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, and chicken broth. Mix gently to evenly distribute ingredients, then bring to a simmer.
  4. Simmer until cooked: Cover the pot with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid often to keep steam in.
  5. Finish with freshness: Turn off heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for brightness. Fluff the rice gently and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness during simmering.
  • Rinse rice well before cooking to prevent stickiness and achieve a fluffier texture.
  • Don’t skip fresh lime juice as its acidity enhances the overall flavors beautifully.
  • Adjust spice levels gradually to suit everyone’s taste preferences.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution and avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot chicken burrito bowls, easy dinner, Mexican recipe, chicken and rice, weeknight meal, gluten free, family friendly