Burrito Bowl: 30 Minutes Lunch 🌯

Skip the takeout line and master this restaurant-copycat burrito bowl lunch at home. Perfectly seasoned chicken, cilantro-lime rice, and all your favorite toppings come together in this satisfying meal prep staple.

Transform your lunch routine with this customizable burrito bowl that rivals your favorite chain restaurant. Featuring juicy Mexican-spiced chicken, fluffy cilantro-lime rice, and fresh toppings, this recipe delivers restaurant quality with budget-friendly ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Bowl ❤️

This burrito bowl stands out because it:

  • Takes just 30 minutes to prepare
  • Provides 32g of protein per serving
  • Perfect for meal prep (5 days)
  • Costs less than takeout
  • Uses simple ingredients
  • Offers customizable options
  • Creates restaurant quality
  • Works for multiple diets

Essential Ingredients 📝

For the Chicken:

  • 2 pounds chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Salt and pepper

For the Cilantro-Lime Rice:

  • 2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 lime, juiced and zested
  • ½ cup cilantro, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the Black Beans:

  • 2 cans black beans, drained
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt to taste

Fresh Toppings:

  • Fresh pico de gallo
  • Corn salsa
  • Shredded romaine lettuce
  • Diced avocado
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Lime wedges
  • Extra cilantro
  • Pickled jalapeños

For the Chipotle-Lime Sauce:

  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Salt to taste

Kitchen Equipment 🍳

  • Large skillet
  • Rice cooker or pot
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Food processor
  • Storage containers
  • Small blender

Step-by-Step Instructions 👩‍🍳

1. Marinate Chicken (10 minutes + marinating)

  1. Combine spices and lime juice
  2. Coat chicken evenly
  3. Let rest while preparing other items
  4. Can marinate overnight for better flavor

2. Cook Rice (20 minutes)

  1. Rinse rice until water runs clear
  2. Cook with water and butter
  3. Let rest 5 minutes
  4. Fluff with fork
  5. Add lime and cilantro
  6. Season to taste

3. Cook Chicken (12 minutes)

  1. Heat skillet over medium-high
  2. Add marinated chicken
  3. Cook 6-7 minutes per side
  4. Rest 5 minutes
  5. Dice into chunks
  6. Keep warm

4. Prepare Beans (8 minutes)

  1. Heat oil in pan
  2. Add drained beans
  3. Season with spices
  4. Warm through
  5. Slightly mash some beans
  6. Keep warm

5. Make Sauce (5 minutes)

  1. Blend sour cream
  2. Add chipotle peppers
  3. Add lime juice
  4. Season to taste
  5. Thin if needed

6. Bowl Assembly (5 minutes)

  1. Layer rice base
  2. Add beans and chicken
  3. Arrange fresh toppings
  4. Add sauce and garnishes
  5. Serve with lime wedges

Pro Tips 💡

  1. Perfect Rice
  • Rinse until clear
  • Toast before cooking
  • Let rest covered
  • Add lime at end
  • Fluff gently
  1. Chicken Success
  • Use thighs for juiciness
  • Don’t overcrowd pan
  • Let rest before cutting
  • Cook in batches if needed
  • Keep warm
  1. Meal Prep Strategies
  • Cook components separately
  • Cool before storing
  • Pack sauces separately
  • Store avocado properly
  • Label containers

Storage Guidelines 🗂️

  • Cooked Chicken: 4-5 days refrigerated
  • Rice: 4-5 days refrigerated
  • Beans: 5 days refrigerated
  • Fresh Toppings: 2-3 days refrigerated
  • Sauce: 5 days refrigerated

Nutritional Information 🥗

Per bowl:

  • Calories: 650
  • Protein: 32g
  • Healthy Fats: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Fiber: 12g
  • Iron: 20% DV
  • Calcium: 15% DV
  • Vitamin C: 35% DV

Common Questions

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Replace chicken with seasoned tofu or extra beans.

Q: How can I reduce calories?
A: Use cauliflower rice and lean chicken breast.

Q: Can I freeze this?
A: Freeze cooked chicken and beans; prepare fresh components later.

Variations 🔄

  1. Keto Version
  • Use cauliflower rice
  • Add extra avocado
  • Increase cheese
  • Skip beans
  1. Vegetarian
  • Use seasoned tofu
  • Double beans
  • Add grilled vegetables
  • Include plant protein
  1. Spicy Lover’s
  • Add extra chipotle
  • Include jalapeños
  • Use spicy sauce
  • Add hot sauce

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

  • Serve with tortilla chips
  • Add fresh guacamole
  • Include Mexican rice
  • Offer multiple sauces

Recipe by Fast Delicious Recipes – Your trusted source for quick and delicious meals!

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