Light Chicken Burrito Bowl Lunch
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Enjoy a fresh and healthy twist on a classic burrito with this Light Chicken Burrito Bowl Lunch. Perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch.
This Light Chicken Burrito Bowl is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, featuring tender chicken breast, fresh veggies, and a zesty lime dressing. It's a perfect option for those looking to enjoy a healthy meal without sacrificing taste!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Packed with fresh ingredients for a nutritious meal
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
- Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights
A Nutrient-Packed Option
This Light Chicken Burrito Bowl is not only delicious but also loaded with nutrition. The combination of lean chicken, fiber-rich black beans, and whole grain brown rice ensures that you're fueling your body with wholesome ingredients. Each component contributes essential vitamins and minerals, making this bowl a well-rounded meal that supports your health and wellness goals.
Incorporating fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and avocado adds a burst of flavor and a wealth of antioxidants. Avocados, in particular, are a great source of healthy fats, which are beneficial for heart health. This dish allows you to enjoy a satisfying meal while keeping your nutrition in check.
Meal Prep Friendly
One of the standout features of this Light Chicken Burrito Bowl is its meal prep potential. You can easily prepare the components in advance, making it a convenient option for busy weekdays. Cook a batch of brown rice and grill several chicken breasts at the beginning of the week, and store them in your refrigerator for quick assembly at lunch or dinner.
This bowl is also designed to hold up well in meal prep containers. The ingredients maintain their freshness over a few days, and you can simply add the lime juice and fresh cilantro just before serving for a burst of freshness. Enjoy a homemade, healthy meal any day of the week without the hassle.
Customizable for Everyone
One of the best aspects of this burrito bowl is its versatility. You can easily customize it to fit your dietary preferences or to use up any leftover ingredients you have. Whether you prefer a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and loading up with more beans and veggies or want to spice it up with jalapeños, the options are endless.
You can also experiment with different grains, such as quinoa or cauliflower rice, for a low-carb option. Don't hesitate to mix in seasonal vegetables or your favorite toppings like salsa, cheese, or yogurt. This dish adapts beautifully to your personal taste, ensuring everyone at the table will find something they love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Bowl
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
Cooking Steps
Cook the Chicken
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing.
Assemble the Bowls
In a bowl, layer the cooked brown rice, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and shredded lettuce. Top with sliced chicken and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and lime juice.
Enjoy Your Meal!
Storage Tips
To keep your Light Chicken Burrito Bowl fresh, store each component separately in airtight containers. This prevents the ingredients from becoming soggy and maintains their individual flavors. The chicken can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days, while the rice and beans can last for about five days.
If you want to keep the meal for longer, consider freezing the chicken and rice. Just remember to let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, you can enjoy a quick, healthy meal anytime without compromising on quality.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Light Chicken Burrito Bowl as a hearty lunch or a light dinner. It pairs wonderfully with a side of tortilla chips for some added crunch, or you can serve it alongside a refreshing salad for extra greens. If you're entertaining guests, set up a burrito bowl bar with various toppings and let everyone create their own custom bowl.
For a flavorful twist, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese on top. These additions not only enhance the taste but also provide an extra layer of creaminess that complements the fresh ingredients beautifully.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different protein?
Yes, feel free to substitute chicken with turkey, tofu, or even shrimp.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free rice and check your spices, this recipe is gluten-free.
→ How can I make this dish vegan?
You can replace the chicken with grilled vegetables or extra beans and omit the avocado.
→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble the bowls when you are ready to eat.
Light Chicken Burrito Bowl Lunch
Enjoy a fresh and healthy twist on a classic burrito with this Light Chicken Burrito Bowl Lunch. Perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch.
Created by: Perrie Lawson
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Bowl
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
How-To Steps
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing.
In a bowl, layer the cooked brown rice, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and shredded lettuce. Top with sliced chicken and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and lime juice.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 44g
- Dietary Fiber: 10g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 22g