Try This One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl!

Ever dreamed of whipping up a restaurant-worthy meal without turning your kitchen into a disaster zone? This one pan chicken burrito bowl is your answer! After years of testing quick dinner fixes, I’ve perfected this easy one-pan recipe that brings the zesty flavors of Mexican cuisine right to your table.

Think tender chicken, fluffy rice, and perfectly seasoned beans, all coming together in one pan with minimal fuss. Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal prep enthusiast, or just someone who hates doing dishes (aren’t we all?), this flavor-packed chicken burrito bowl recipe will become your new go-to dinner hero. Ready to transform your weeknight cooking game with this simple yet impressive dish? Let’s make some magic happen in that single pan!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you why this One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl is about to become your favorite weeknight dinner! First off, clean-up is a breeze – just one pan to wash, and you’re done. As a busy cook myself, I love that this zesty chicken burrito bowl takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Plus, it won’t break the bank! All the ingredients are budget-friendly pantry staples that you might already have at home. The best part?

This easy one-pan recipe is perfect for meal prep – make it once, enjoy it all week. And talk about flexible – this flavor-packed chicken burrito bowl welcomes any veggies or proteins you have on hand. Whether you’re craving a loaded chicken fajita burrito bowl or a simple taco skillet dinner, this recipe adapts to your taste. Trust me, once you try this one-pot wonder, you’ll never look back!

What You’ll Need

Before we dive into making this easy One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl , let’s gather everything you’ll need. Don’t worry – you won’t need fancy kitchen gadgets for this recipe! The star of the show is a large skillet or pan (I use a 12-inch one for perfect results). Grab your measuring cups and a sturdy spatula too – that’s really all the tools you need! For ingredients, we’ll keep it simple with pantry staples and fresh items that won’t cost a fortune.

After making countless one-pot chicken burrito bowls, I’ve found that having everything ready before you start makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Ready to check out the full ingredient list? It’s coming right up in the next section, where we’ll break down exactly what makes this zesty chicken burrito bowl so special!

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you need to create the perfect One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl , broken down into easy-to-follow sections!

Main Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 2 cups white rice
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes

Seasonings & Spices

• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

• Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sour cream
• Lime wedges
• Avocado, sliced

For an extra zesty chicken burrito bowl, I love adding a sprinkle of fresh lime juice right before serving. It really brightens up all the flavors!

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Ready to make this easy One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl ? Let’s break it down into simple steps that’ll have you cooking like a pro!

1. Prepare Your Pan

Heat your large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and let it warm up. This is the foundation of our one-pot chicken burrito bowl magic!

2. Cook the Chicken

• Season your chicken with half the taco seasoning
• Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden
• Remove and dice into bite-sized pieces
• Set aside and keep warm

3. Rice and Veggies

• Add rice to the same pan
• Toast for 1-2 minutes
• Stir in diced tomatoes and remaining seasonings
• Pour in 4 cups of water
• Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer

4. Combine and Finish

• Once rice is almost done (about 15 minutes):
• Add black beans and corn
• Return chicken to the pan
• Cover and cook 5 more minutes
• Stir gently to combine

5. Serve and Garnish

• Top your zesty chicken burrito bowl with cheese
• Add fresh toppings of your choice
• Finish with a squeeze of lime

Pro Tip: For the perfect flavor-packed chicken burrito bowl, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps all those delicious flavors meld together!

Recipe Variations

Here’s where your One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl gets personal! After making this recipe hundreds of times, I’ve discovered some amazing twists that keep things exciting.

Spice It Up

Want a zestier chicken burrito bowl? Try adding:

• Diced jalapeños
• Chipotle powder
• Hot sauce
• Cayenne pepper

Protein Swaps

Turn your easy one-pan recipe into something new with these proteins:

• Ground beef (for a taco skillet style)
• Shrimp
• Black beans only (vegetarian version)
• Turkey (lighter option)

Grain Options

Make your one-pot chicken burrito bowl with:

• Brown rice (add 10 minutes cooking time)
• Quinoa (for extra protein)
• Cauliflower rice (low-carb version)
• Barley (hearty option)

Veggie Mix-Ins

Transform it into a loaded chicken fajita burrito bowl by adding:

• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms
• Zucchini
• Sweet potato

No matter which variation you choose, keep the liquid-to-grain ratio the same as the original recipe for perfect results every time!

Pro Tips for Success

After making this One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl countless times, I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks that’ll take your dish from good to amazing. Let me share my kitchen secrets for the perfect easy one-pan recipe every time!

First, let’s talk about rice – it’s the foundation of our flavor-packed One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl. Always rinse your rice until the water runs clear before cooking. This simple step removes excess starch and prevents your rice from getting mushy. When toasting the rice in the pan, wait until you smell that nutty aroma before adding your liquid – this little trick adds an amazing depth of flavor.

Temperature control is crucial for that perfect One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl. Start with high heat to get that golden sear on your chicken, but don’t forget to lower it when cooking the rice. Think of it like a dance – you need to know when to lead and when to follow. And here’s a secret that changed my zesty chicken burrito bowl game: let the pan sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking. This resting time lets the flavors meld and the rice fluff up perfectly.

Prep is your best friend when making this loaded chicken fajita burrito bowl. I always have my ingredients measured and ready before heating the pan. This way, everything flows smoothly, and you’ll never scramble to find something while your food is cooking. And speaking of prep – if you’re meal prepping, store your fresh toppings separately to keep them crisp all week long.

One last tip that makes this easy One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl rice taco skillet really shine: season in layers! Don’t dump all your seasonings in at once. Add them gradually as you cook each component. This builds a deeper, more complex flavor that’ll make your burrito bowl taste like it came from your favorite Mexican restaurant.

For meal prep, slightly undercook your rice if you plan to reheat portions later. This prevents it from getting too soft when you warm it up!

FAQ on One pan chicken burrito bowl

Got questions about your One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common questions I get about this easy one-pan recipe.

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely! This flavor-packed chicken burrito bowl is perfect for meal prep. Make a batch on Sunday, divide into containers, and store toppings separately. Your week of delicious lunches is sorted!

How long does it keep?

Your One Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl stays fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge. Just store it in an airtight container. The zesty chicken burrito bowl actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! This loaded chicken fajita burrito bowl freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just skip the fresh toppings like avocado and sour cream until you’re ready to eat. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

What pan size works best?

For this easy one-pan chicken & rice taco skillet, a 12-inch skillet with high sides works perfectly. Make sure it has a tight-fitting lid for proper rice cooking.

Can I use brown rice?

You sure can! Just add about 10 minutes to the cooking time and use a bit more liquid (about ½ cup extra). Your one-pan casserole will be just as delicious with this healthier swap.

How do I adjust spice levels?

Start with half the recommended taco seasoning if you’re sensitive to heat. You can always add more! For extra kick in your zesty chicken burrito bowl, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.