One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

This easy, one pot chicken burrito bowl recipe is one of my favorite weeknight dinners. Diced chicken, rice, black beans and onions are seasoned with spices and cooked entirely in one pot.

Then cheese is added to the mixture right before serving to add both creaminess and another layer of flavor.

Not only is the meal delicious, I also love it because it cooks in one single skillet which makes for easy clean up. And at the end of the busy day that is fantastic news!

However, just like my One Pot Chicken & Rice recipe, what I really like about this recipe is that it is extremely versatile. Each time that you make it you can customize it to your taste preferences and what ingredients that you have available.

For instance, you can add diced bell peppers and corn to the mixture for added flavor and texture. Then when it is time to serve dinner make you can make each serving unique with your choice of toppings.

It is one of those recipes that comes in handy when you want an easy to prepare meal that will keep you feeling full and satisfied. And it is also one that I pull out when I don’t have much time to spend in kitchen.

What Type of Chicken To Use

For this one pot burrito bowl recipe you can use either boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. If you are looking for maximum flavor, then choose chicken thighs.

Chicken thighs contain more fat and thus provide more flavor. However, if you are wanting to eat on the healthier side, chicken breasts would be best to use.

The chicken breasts will absorb the flavors from both being simmered in chicken broth and the spices used in this recipe. Either one will provide you with a delicious meal.

Vegetarian & Vegan Option

However, you don’t have to use any meat at all if you prefer not to. You can easily adjust this recipe to make it either vegetarian or vegan friendly.

Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken all together and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to cook the rice. Then add other vegetables as desired.

Vegan Option: Follow the recommendations for the vegetarian options above. Then use plant based cheese or omit the cheese completely.

What Type of Rice To Use

In order for this recipe to cook in under 30 minutes, it is best to use long-grain white rice. This variety of rice is commonly used in skillet recipes because it has a light, fluffy texture and absorbs flavors well.

It also cooks in under 30 minutes and holds up well when paired with other ingredients. However, you also have a couple of other options when it comes to what type of rice you can use without altering the recipe.

Basmati rice has a similar cook time to long-grain white rice. When cooked with other ingredients it also absorbs the flavors and it has a slightly firm texture.

Jasmine rice is also a long-grain rice that has a slightly sticky texture when cooked. You can use Jasmine rice in this recipe because it has a similar water to rice ratio and cooks at the same length of time as white rice. However the texture of the rice will be softer.

Brown Rice Chicken Burrito Bowl Option

Long grain brown rice is also an option, however the recipe will need to be altered when doing so. Because brown rice contains the entire grain, it requires a longer cook time to become tender.

It is a healthier option, however the order in which you add the ingredients will need to adjusted. In addition, more liquid will need to be added to the pot for the rice to cook properly.

Here are the steps that you need to take when making a one pot chicken burrito bowl with brown rice instead of white rice:

1. Brown the onion and chicken as instructed. Then remove the onion and chicken to a bowl and set aside.

2. Add the long grain brown rice to the skillet and let it toast for 1 minute. Then pour in 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth. Stir and cover. Let the rice simmer for 20 minutes.

3. Add the remaining ingredients (minus the cheese) to the pot. Stir and cover and continue to simmer for 20 minutes.

4. Check to see if the rice is tender. If so, stir in the cheese and cover until the cheese is just melted. If the rice needs a little more time to cook, you may need to add a little more liquid to prevent it from sticking to the pan.

One Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 pound chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 TBSP. diced onion
• 1/2 cup extra-long white rice, uncooked
• 7 ounces diced tomatoes, drained (half a can)
• 7 1/2 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed (half a can)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving (optional)

• freshly diced tomatoes
• diced green onions
• shredded cheese
• sour cream
• sliced avocados
• guacamole

INSTRUCTIONS

Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium or large size skillet placed over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and saute for 3-4 minutes.

Season the diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Then add the chicken to the pan with the onions.

Saute until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside (they do not need to be cooked through). Then move the chicken and onions to one side of the pot.

Add 1/2 tablespoon of the olive oil to the open area and saute the uncooked rice for 1-2 minutes or until some of the grains start to turn golden brown.

Pour in the chicken broth and stir. Then add the drained black beans, drained canned tomatoes, garlic powder, onion, powder, chili powder, smoked paprika and cumin and stir.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover and reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes or until rice becomes tender. *Stir frequently to prevent the tomatoes from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

Remove the pot from the heat. Then stir in the cheese and cover for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese melts.

Garnish with your choice of toppings.

Enjoy! Mary

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Instant Pot Instructions

If you want to make chicken burrito bowls in a pressure cooker, check out this Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe. Just be sure to cut the ingredients in half if you are wanting a smaller batch recipe.

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