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- 2 chicken breasts, diced - 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup brown rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh - 1 avocado, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped - Juice of 1 lime - Diced red onion - Shredded cheese - Sour cream The main ingredients form the heart of your Smoky Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls. Chicken breasts are the star. They soak up the spices well. The blend of chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin gives the chicken a bold flavor that is hard to resist. Olive oil helps the chicken brown nicely. Next, we have brown rice and chicken broth as the base. The rice is hearty and healthy. Cooking it in chicken broth adds depth to the dish. Fresh ingredients add brightness and texture. Black beans and corn provide protein and sweetness. Diced avocado brings creaminess, while cherry tomatoes add a pop of color. Fresh cilantro and lime juice add a zesty kick. They brighten every bite, making the dish sing. You can also customize your bowls with optional toppings. Diced red onion adds a nice crunch. Shredded cheese gives a creamy finish. Sour cream can balance the spice and add a cooling effect. With these ingredients combined, you create a dish that is not only tasty but also colorful and inviting. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, take 2 diced chicken breasts and place them in a medium bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of chipotle chili powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. You should let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. This helps the chicken soak in all the great flavors. While the chicken is marinating, you can cook the brown rice. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of brown rice. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 40 to 45 minutes. This cooking time gives the rice a nice texture. When done, fluff the rice with a fork to keep it light and fluffy. Now it’s time to cook the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken pieces. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally, so the chicken cooks evenly and becomes lightly charred. In the last few minutes of cooking, add 1 can of rinsed and drained black beans and 1 cup of corn. Mix everything well to heat through. Once the rice is cooked, grab your serving bowls. Start with a base of brown rice. Add a generous amount of the smoky chicken mixture on top. Now for the fun part! Add diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over everything for a burst of flavor. If you like, you can also add optional toppings like diced red onion, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. To boost the taste of your Smoky Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls, you can adjust the spices. If you like heat, add more chipotle chili powder. For a milder dish, reduce the amount. You can also try adding garlic powder or onion powder for more depth. If you want a different marinade, consider using yogurt or lime juice. Both options tenderize the chicken and add zest. You can mix these with the same spices for a fresh twist. Cooking chicken perfectly takes care and timing. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes over medium heat. Make sure it reaches 165°F for safety. Use a meat thermometer for best results. For the rice, aim for a cooking time of 40 to 45 minutes. Always check if the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff it with a fork after cooking to achieve the perfect texture. Presentation matters in cooking. Start by layering the brown rice at the base of your bowl. Next, add the smoky chicken mixture on top. For garnishing, add diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. These ingredients add bright colors. Vibrant colors make the dish more appealing and enhance the overall experience. You can also sprinkle some shredded cheese or add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra flavor. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator, to enhance the smoky flavor and tenderness. Perfect Rice Every Time: Rinse the brown rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh corn and ripe avocados to elevate the taste and texture of your burrito bowls. Customize Your Bowls: Experiment with different toppings like jalapeños, olives, or a spicy salsa to create your unique flavor combinations. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for beef, shrimp, or tofu. Each option brings a unique taste. If you use beef, I recommend flank steak for a nice texture. For shrimp, cook them until they turn pink and firm. Tofu is a great choice for vegans. Press it to remove water, then marinate like the chicken. Instead of brown rice, try quinoa or cauliflower rice. Quinoa cooks quickly and adds protein. Use two cups of water for one cup of quinoa. Cauliflower rice is low in carbs. Sauté it for a few minutes until tender. If you choose white rice, reduce cooking time and watch it closely. You can add fun flavors by using different spices or sauces. Try adding chili powder or garlic for an extra kick. You can also mix in seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. They brighten your dish and add crunch. Experiment with what you love! To keep your Smoky Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store your bowls in the fridge for up to four days. To freeze, separate the chicken mix, rice, and toppings. Place each in its own container. Make sure to cool them first. When you want to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. Make sure the chicken is hot all the way through before serving. Yes, you can prepare these bowls ahead of time. Meal prep makes busy days easier. Start by cooking the chicken and rice. Then, store them separately in airtight containers. This helps keep flavors fresh. You can also pre-chop your veggies and store them in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave. Add the fresh toppings just before serving. This keeps everything crisp and tasty. If you want a different protein, consider using beef or shrimp. Both have unique flavors and pair well with the spices. For a plant-based option, try tofu or tempeh. These options absorb flavors well. You can also use beans like pinto or kidney for a vegetarian meal. Just be sure to cook them properly for the best taste. Adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose. To change the spice level, start with less chipotle chili powder. You can always add more later. If you want it milder, try using sweet paprika instead of smoked. For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or more chipotle powder. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance for you. Remember, spice can build up over time, so add a little at a time. Enjoy making the dish just how you like it! This post covered how to make Smoky Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls. You need chicken, spices, rice, and fresh toppings. We talked about marinating the chicken and cooking the rice. I shared tips for flavor, presentation, and variations. You can choose different proteins or rice types. Overall, these bowls are fun to make and tasty to eat. Feel free to mix it up and find your perfect flavor. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Smoky Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls

A flavorful and hearty burrito bowl featuring smoky chipotle chicken, brown rice, and fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
  • 1 piece avocado, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 piece Juice of 1 lime
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • optional diced red onion
  • optional shredded cheese
  • optional sour cream

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, marinate the diced chicken with chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • While the chicken is marinating, cook the brown rice. In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil, add the brown rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 40-45 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for about 6-8 minutes until fully cooked and lightly charred, stirring occasionally.
  • In the last couple of minutes of cooking, add the black beans and corn to the skillet, mixing them well with the chicken to heat through.
  • Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and prepare your bowls. Start with a base of brown rice, add a generous portion of the smoky chicken mixture on top.
  • Finish your burrito bowls by adding diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice over the top for extra brightness.
  • Add any optional toppings like diced red onion, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings.
Keyword burrito bowl, chicken, chipotle, dinner, healthy