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Healthy Ground Chicken Burrito Bowls - Fresh, Fast, and Flavorful

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Ground chicken: 1 pound (93–96% lean is ideal for moisture and flavor).
  • Cooked rice or grains: 3–4 cups cooked brown rice, white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
  • Black beans: 1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed.
  • Corn: 1 cup (frozen, canned, or fresh cooked kernels).
  • Bell pepper: 1 large, diced (any color).
  • Red onion: 1 small, finely diced.
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved.
  • Avocado: 1 large, diced.
  • Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped.
  • Limes: 2 (zest and juice).
  • Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup (for the sauce; can use light sour cream).
  • Olive oil: 1–2 tablespoons.
  • Spices for chicken: 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4–1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, pinch of red pepper flakes (optional).
  • Extras: Romaine or mixed greens, shredded cheese, pickled jalapeños, salsa, hot sauce (all optional).

Method
 

  1. Cook your base: Prepare rice or your preferred grain according to package directions. Fluff and set aside. For extra flavor, stir in a little lime zest and a pinch of salt while it’s hot.
  2. Mix the spice blend: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half of the diced red onion and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. Brown the chicken: Add ground chicken to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
  5. Season and finish: Sprinkle the spice blend over the chicken. Stir well and cook 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices. Squeeze in the juice of 1/2 lime and add 1–2 tablespoons water if the pan looks dry. Taste and adjust salt.
  6. Warm beans and corn: In a small saucepan, combine black beans and corn with a pinch of salt and a splash of water. Heat over low until warmed through, 3–4 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in a covered bowl.
  7. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk Greek yogurt with zest of 1 lime, juice of 1/2–1 lime, a pinch of salt, and 1–2 teaspoons olive oil or water to thin. It should be creamy and drizzleable.
  8. Prep fresh toppings: Toss tomatoes with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime. Dice avocado and chop cilantro. Keep remaining onions raw for crunch.
  9. Assemble bowls: Add a layer of rice or greens. Top with seasoned chicken, black beans and corn, tomatoes, avocado, and a sprinkle of raw onion and cilantro. Drizzle with the lime-yogurt sauce. Add salsa, cheese, or jalapeños if you like.
  10. Serve: Finish with a final squeeze of lime and a crack of black pepper. Enjoy warm.