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Cozy Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls: Easy 30-Min Recipe

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These Cozy Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls are packed with tender, seasoned chicken, fluffy cilantro lime rice, black beans, corn, and all the fixings you love. They come together in about 30 minutes and actually taste better on day three than day one.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 500g (about 1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine)
  • 2 cups (480ml) water or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
  • ¼ cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 can (400g or 15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen or canned corn, drained
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • ¼ cup (60ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup (30g) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • Lime wedges for serving
  • Hot sauce to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Rinse 1 cup (200g) of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the rice, 2 cups (480ml) of water or broth, and ¼ teaspoon of salt to a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  3. Pat chicken thighs dry. In a small bowl, mix cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub chicken with 2 tablespoons olive oil, then coat evenly with the spice mixture.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil, then sear chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and roast for 12-15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
  5. Once rice is fluffed, stir in 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil, juice of 1 lime, and ¼ cup chopped cilantro. Mix gently with a fork.
  6. While chicken finishes cooking, drain and rinse black beans. Thaw frozen corn under warm water. Halve cherry tomatoes and slice avocado. Grate cheese if using.
  7. Let chicken rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain into bite-sized strips.
  8. Divide cilantro lime rice evenly among four meal prep containers. Top with sliced chicken, black beans, corn, and cherry tomatoes. If eating immediately, add avocado and sour cream. For meal prep, leave avocado off and add fresh when serving.
  9. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top if desired. Pack a lime wedge and small container of hot sauce alongside each bowl.

Notes

For best results, let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy. The bowls taste even better on day two or three as flavors meld. Store avocado separately and add fresh when serving to prevent browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken burrito bowls, meal prep, easy dinner, 30-minute meal, healthy, gluten-free