One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

If you’re looking for a fuss-free, flavor-packed meal that comes together with minimal cleanup, you’re going to love this One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe. It’s the kind of dish I turn to when I want hearty comfort food without juggling a million pots and pans. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll see why it quickly became a family favorite at my house!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is how these simple, everyday ingredients team up to create an irresistible Mexican-style dish with minimal effort. Using cooked chicken and canned goods means you can throw this together anytime, so I recommend stocking these staples.

• Oil: Helps soften the veggies and toast the rice for extra flavor—any neutral oil works great.
• Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and a pop of color—chop it finely so it cooks evenly.
• Sweet yellow onion: Provides a mellow base flavor—don’t skip this, it balances the spices nicely.
• White rice: Use long grain rice for fluffy results; it absorbs all the tasty broth and salsa.
• Cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to—it’s flavorful and saves time, but leftover grilled chicken works beautifully too.
• Salsa: Adds zest and a little spice—feel free to adjust based on your heat preference.
• Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the rice with savory goodness.
• Black beans: Protein-packed and creamy, rinsed canned beans keep this recipe easy.
• Corn: Sweet corn kernels add subtle sweetness and texture—frozen works as well, just thaw first.
• Green chilies: Mildly spicy and smoky, these give a nice kick without overpowering.
• Taco seasoning: The flavor backbone—use your favorite brand or homemade mix for best results.
• Cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly over the hot dish for richness—you can also try a Mexican cheese blend.

Variations

The best part about this One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your taste or whatever’s in your fridge. I love swapping in different beans or trying a spicier salsa when I want a little extra heat. Feel free to experiment—it’s impossible to go wrong here!

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and double the beans for a hearty plant-based bowl that even meat-eaters love.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce—my family goes crazy for this extra spice.
• Mexican Rice Twist: Stir in a handful of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime just before serving to brighten flavors.
• Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative—still delicious and creamy without the dairy.

How to Make One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Toast the Rice

Start by heating a tablespoon of oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped red bell pepper, onion, and white rice. I like to cook this mixture for about 2-5 minutes until the veggies soften and the rice gets a hint of golden color on the edges. This step adds so much depth to the final dish, so don’t rush it. Watching the rice toast a bit is one of those secrets to brilliant flavor.

Step 2: Combine Chicken and Key Ingredients

Next, stir in the chopped cooked chicken, salsa, chicken broth, drained black beans, corn, green chilies, and taco seasoning. I find that starting with cooked chicken like rotisserie cuts the time dramatically while still soaking up all those lovely spices. Give everything a good mix so it’s well combined.

Step 3: Simmer Until the Rice is Perfectly Cooked

Bring the mix to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes. I usually start checking around the 17-minute mark by peeking under the lid to make sure the rice isn’t sticking—and to see if it’s tender. You want the rice cooked through but not mushy, so be patient and keep an eye on it.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Serve

Once the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Stir it in so it melts into the warm mixture, creating a creamy, cheesy finish that I absolutely adore. From here, all that’s left is plating and adding your favorite toppings. Yum!

How to Serve One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this bowl with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice—these fresh accents brighten up the rich flavors and add a cool contrast that my family always raves about. Of course, feel free to add sliced jalapeños or a few shakes of hot sauce if you like it spicy.

Side Dishes

This One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is filling on its own, but I often pair it with a simple green salad or some crunchy tortilla chips on the side for texture and variety. A side of refried beans or a scoop of guacamole plays well if you’re going all out for taco night.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or when I want to impress guests, I serve this dish in individual clear glass bowls layered with sour cream and salsa on the side, kind of like a deconstructed burrito bowl. It looks colorful and inviting, and everyone gets their own customized version topped exactly how they like it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Because it’s a one-pot dish, flavors actually meld and taste even better the next day. Just keep the cheese mixed in when storing to save reheating steps later.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this recipe, do so before adding cheese and garnishes. Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh cheese or toppings after reheating. I’ve found this keeps the texture and flavor surprisingly intact.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, either microwave in short bursts stirring in between or warm gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to loosen things up. Adding a bit of fresh cheese on top at the end gives it that melty, freshly made feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe gives me big, bold flavors with such little effort—and the minimal cleanup feels like a gift after a busy day. When I first tried it, I wasn’t prepared for how quickly it’d become a weekly staple at my house, especially with my picky eaters asking for seconds. If you’re looking for an easy, customizable dinner that keeps everyone happy, I can’t recommend giving this one a try enough. I promise, it’ll become your go-to too!

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