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Chicken Burrito Bowl

Chicken Burrito Bowl

Serves: 4 Prep: 20 mins Cook: 25 mins Total: 45 mins

All the best burrito vibes without the wrap: smoky lime-spiced chicken, fluffy lime rice, beans, corn, fresh pico, avocado, and a creamy lime drizzle. Customisable, meal-prep friendly, and dangerously easy to demolish.



 

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 500g chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) or chicken breast, diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp garlic granules (or 2 cloves garlic, minced)
  • 1/2 tsp chilli powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt & black pepper
  • 1 lime (zest + juice)

For the Rice Base

  • 300g long grain rice (or basmati)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Small handful fresh coriander, chopped (optional)

For the Bowl Toppings

  • 1 tin black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 200g sweetcorn (tinned or frozen)
  • 200g cherry tomatoes, diced (or 2 large tomatoes)
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1 romaine lettuce heart, shredded (or mixed leaves)
  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced
  • 100g grated cheddar (or Monterey Jack if you have it)

Quick Pico (Fast Fresh Salsa)

  • 200g diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 lime, juice
  • Small handful coriander, chopped
  • Pinch of salt

Creamy Lime Sauce (Optional but Elite)

  • 4 tbsp sour cream (or Greek yoghurt)
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for extra richness)
  • 1 lime, juice
  • 1/2 tsp garlic granules
  • Pinch of salt

Suggested Pairings & Extras

  • Tortilla chips for scooping
  • Pickled jalapeños or fresh sliced chilli
  • Hot sauce (chipotle, habanero, or your favourite)
  • Roasted peppers or fajita veg

Instructions

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  1. Step 1

    The Story

  2. Step 2

    This is the “I want a burrito, but I also want to feel like I’ve made a sensible choice” bowl. The Chicken Burrito Bowl has all the best bits — smoky spiced chicken, fluffy lime rice, creamy avocado, fresh salsa, melty cheese — but you get to build it like a little edible masterpiece.

  3. Step 3

    It’s also one of those meals that makes everyone weirdly happy, because it’s customisable. Someone wants extra salsa? Done. Someone wants it spicy enough to regret it? Also done. It’s weeknight-friendly, meal-prep gold, and it tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did.

  4. Step 4

    Method

Start with the Rice (So Everything Else Feels Easy)

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  1. Step 5

    Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs mostly clear.

  2. Step 6

    Cook with salt according to packet instructions until fluffy.

  3. Step 7

    When done, fluff with a fork, then stir through lime juice and chopped coriander (if using).

  4. Step 8

    Cover and keep warm.

Marinate the Chicken in a Hurry (Still Counts)

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  1. Step 9

    In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, garlic, chilli powder, salt, pepper, and lime zest + juice.

  2. Step 10

    If you can leave it 10 minutes while you prep toppings, perfect. If not — no stress, it’ll still slap.

Cook the Chicken Until It’s Properly Golden

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  1. Step 11

    Heat a wide pan over medium-high heat.

  2. Step 12

    Add chicken in a single layer and let it sear without stirring for 2–3 minutes to get colour.

  3. Step 13

    Stir and continue cooking 6–8 minutes until cooked through and slightly caramelised at the edges.

  4. Step 14

    Taste and adjust: a pinch more salt or a squeeze more lime can take it from good to “why is this so nice?”

Make the Quick Pico (Freshness = Balance)

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  1. Step 15

    Mix diced tomatoes, red onion, lime juice, coriander, and a pinch of salt.

  2. Step 16

    Let it sit while you assemble — it softens and gets juicier in the best way.

Whip the Creamy Lime Sauce (Optional, But This Is the Cheat Code)

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  1. Step 17

    Stir sour cream (and mayo if using) with lime juice, garlic granules, and salt.

  2. Step 18

    It should be drizzle-able. Add a tiny splash of water if it’s too thick.

Warm the Beans & Corn (2 Minutes, Big Upgrade)

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  1. Step 19

    Tip black beans and sweetcorn into the chicken pan once the chicken is done (or microwave them).

  2. Step 20

    Warm through for 1–2 minutes with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime.

  3. Step 21

    This stops the bowl tasting like “cold salad and hot chicken” — everything becomes cohesive.

Assemble the Bowl Like a Takeaway Boss

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  1. Step 22

    Spoon lime rice into each bowl.

  2. Step 23

    Add chicken, black beans, sweetcorn, shredded lettuce, pico, avocado, and grated cheese.

  3. Step 24

    Drizzle with creamy lime sauce and add jalapeños/hot sauce if you want it fiery.

  4. Step 25

    Pairings & Extras

  5. Step 26

    Tortilla chips: Essential for scooping the last bits (and pretending it’s not just an excuse to eat chips).

  6. Step 27

    Fajita veg: Sauté peppers + onions with a pinch of cumin for extra bulk.

  7. Step 28

    Heat: Pickled jalapeños, chipotle hot sauce, or chilli oil.

  8. Step 29

    Meal prep tip: Keep cold toppings separate. Reheat rice + chicken + beans, then assemble fresh.

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