Easy Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls – Flavor Fiesta Recipe

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by Vanessa

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When you think of a dish that can make your taste buds tango, the Easy Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowl comes to mind. This bowl is a fiesta of flavors, combining tender chicken, zesty spices, and colorful veggies that sing in harmony. Picture this: juicy chicken seasoned to perfection, nestled among vibrant bell peppers and refreshing corn, all topped off with a dollop of creamy avocado. You can practically smell the spices wafting through your kitchen already!

Jump to:

Now, let me take you down memory lane. I remember the first time I whipped up these burrito bowls—it was a midweek dinner crisis. My fridge was looking emptier than my will to cook after a long day. But with just a few ingredients I had on hand, I created a masterpiece that left my family begging for seconds. And trust me, this dish isn’t just for desperate weeknights; it’s perfect for any gathering or even a cozy movie night in! Get ready to indulge in flavors that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This easy-to-make burrito bowl is packed with flavor and takes less than 30 minutes from prep to plate.
  • The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it visually appealing, turning dinner into an event.
  • Customize it based on what you have available, making it versatile for any meal occasion.
  • Perfect for meal prep; simply store leftovers in the fridge for quick lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients for Easy Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls

Chicken mashed potato bowls.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Around 3-4 chicken breasts work well here; feel free to adjust based on how many you’re serving.
  • Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil keeps everything moist while adding a rich flavor to the chicken.
  • Chili Powder: This spice is the soul of your seasoning mix; choose high-quality chili powder for maximum flavor.
  • Cumin: Ground cumin adds an earthy warmth that complements the other spices beautifully.
  • Bell Peppers: Use assorted colors like red, yellow, and green for visual appeal and varying sweetness.
  • Corn (canned or fresh): Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch and balances out the heat from the spices.
  • Black Beans: Packed with protein and fiber, black beans are a must-have addition that enhances texture.
  • Avocado: Sliced avocado brings creaminess that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
  • Lime Juice: A splash of lime juice brightens every bite and adds zestiness to the mix.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation

How to Make Easy Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls

For more inspiration, check out this one-pot chicken meals recipe.

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter—this makes cooking smoother than melting butter on hot toast.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss in your chicken breasts until they are well-coated in this flavorful mix. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes while you enjoy some light-hearted banter with family or friends.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add your marinated chicken and cook for about six to seven minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should hit at least 165°F or about 74°C). Just when you think it’s done—it’s done!

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet (because who wants extra dishes?), toss in sliced bell peppers and corn. Sauté until they’re tender but still have some crunch—about five minutes should do it.

Step 5: Assemble Your Burrito Bowls

Grab your favorite bowls (the more colorful they are, the better), and layer in black beans at the bottom followed by those sautéed veggies. Slice up your chicken breasts and place them on top like royalty.

Step 6: Add Toppings

Finish off with sliced avocado and a generous squeeze of lime juice over everything because what’s life without zest? Don’t forget to take a moment to admire your creation before diving in!

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy your Easy Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls solo or share them with loved ones—just don’t be surprised if they ask if there’s more!

You Must Know

  • This amazing chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
  • You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
  • The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
  • Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in those mouthwatering juices. While that’s happening, cook your rice or quinoa, and prepare your veggies. This streamlined process ensures everything finishes at the same time, leaving you with perfectly cooked Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or beef if you’re feeling adventurous. Toss in some black beans, corn, or even roasted bell peppers to make it your own. The possibilities are endless, so get creative with those flavors!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover burrito bowls in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave until heated through or enjoy them cold as a zesty salad.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Always season your chicken generously; don’t be shy!
  • A well-seasoned protein elevates the entire dish.
  • Chop veggies uniformly for even cooking and a pleasing presentation.
  • Finally, let the burrito bowl sit for a few minutes before serving to meld those flavors beautifully.

Sharing my first attempt at making these burrito bowls brought laughter when my friend mistook the spicy salsa for ketchup—let’s just say it was an unforgettable dinner!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Easy Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls?

For Easy Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls, you will need cooked chicken, rice or quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, avocado, cheese (optional), and spices like cumin and chili powder. Fresh cilantro and lime juice enhance the flavors. Coconut chicken rice bowl recipe You can customize your bowl with various toppings such as salsa or guacamole. This recipe is versatile and allows you to incorporate your favorite ingredients while avoiding pork and alcohol.

How long does it take to prepare Easy Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls?

The preparation time for Easy Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls is approximately 15 minutes if you have pre-cooked chicken. If you are cooking chicken from scratch, add an additional 20-30 minutes. Low carb chicken bowl variation Cooking rice or quinoa typically takes around 15-20 minutes. Overall, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Can I make Easy Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare Easy Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls ahead of time for meal prep or a quick lunch. Store all components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, simply assemble the bowl and reheat any components if desired. The flavors meld beautifully when stored overnight, making this dish even tastier the next day.

Can I substitute the chicken in Easy Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls?

Yes! You can easily substitute chicken in Easy Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls with beef, turkey, or lamb based on your preference. For a vegetarian option, consider using grilled vegetables or tofu as a protein source. Cheesy garlic chicken wraps The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; feel free to experiment with different proteins while keeping other ingredients like beans and rice intact.

Conclusion for Easy Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls:

Easy Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls offer a flavorful and customizable meal option that is quick to prepare. With fresh ingredients and vibrant spices, this recipe caters to various dietary preferences by allowing substitutions for proteins and toppings. Perfect for busy days or meal prep, these burrito bowls are not only nutritious but also satisfying. Enjoy crafting your own version of this delightful dish while adhering to dietary preferences! For more inspiration, check out this vegetarian chili recipe recipe.

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Easy Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls


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  • Author: Vanessa
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Easy Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls are a flavorful, quick meal that combines tender marinated chicken with vibrant bell peppers, sweet corn, and creamy avocado. This visually stunning dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, offering a satisfying balance of protein and vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, these customizable bowls will impress your family and friends at any gathering.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup sweet corn (canned or fresh)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Juice of 1 lime

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients on the counter for easy access.
  2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat; cook marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  4. In the same skillet, sauté sliced bell peppers and corn for about 5 minutes until tender yet crisp.
  5. Assemble burrito bowls by layering black beans at the bottom, topped with sautéed veggies and sliced chicken.
  6. Finish with sliced avocado and lime juice before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Southwestern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 burrito bowl (approx. 400g)
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Fiber: 14g
  • Protein: 37g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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