The Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep is a vibrant, wholesome, and satisfying meal that packs all the flavors of a classic burrito in a convenient bowl format. This recipe features seasoned ground chicken, brown rice, black beans, corn, and pico de gallo, all topped with a smoky chipotle cream sauce. Perfect for a busy week, this meal prep bowl is both nutritious and easy to assemble.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers bold, southwest-inspired flavors while offering a well-balanced combination of protein, whole grains, and vegetables. It’s ideal for meal prepping, staying fresh in the refrigerator and easy to reheat throughout the week. The chipotle cream sauce adds a zesty and slightly spicy finish, elevating the entire dish. Whether you’re aiming for a healthier eating plan or simply want a delicious, hassle-free lunch or dinner, this burrito bowl is a great choice.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Main Components:

• 1 cup brown rice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1½ pounds ground chicken

• ½ teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon oregano

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon paprika

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15.25 oz) whole kernel corn, drained

• ½ cup pico de gallo (homemade or store-bought)

For the Chipotle Cream Sauce:

• ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt

• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, minced chipotle pepper, garlic, and lime juice. Set the sauce aside.

2. Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the brown rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and season with chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–5 minutes, breaking up the chicken as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.

4. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among your meal prep containers. Top each portion with the ground chicken mixture, followed by black beans, corn, and pico de gallo. Drizzle each bowl with the chipotle cream sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Use ground turkey or beef: Swap the ground chicken for turkey or lean ground beef for a different flavor profile.

• Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and double the beans or add sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms.

• Spice it up: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chipotle cream for extra heat.

• Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the top for a richer bowl.

• Serve with toppings: Include avocado slices, cilantro, or lime wedges for added freshness.

Storage/Reheating

Store each assembled burrito bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, store the chipotle cream sauce separately and drizzle it over just before serving. To reheat, remove the sauce and microwave the bowl for 1–2 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, white rice can be used as a substitute. Adjust cooking time and water ratio based on the package instructions.

Is this recipe spicy?

The chipotle cream sauce adds a mild heat, but the spice level can be adjusted by using more or fewer chipotle peppers.

Can I freeze these burrito bowls?

It’s best to freeze the chicken and rice components separately. Avoid freezing pico de gallo and the yogurt-based sauce for best texture.

What type of beans work best?

Black beans are traditional, but pinto beans or refried beans can also be used based on preference.

Can I make the chipotle cream sauce ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How do I keep the rice from drying out?

Ensure it’s stored with a bit of moisture (a splash of water or lime juice) and reheat with a cover to retain steam.

What other vegetables can I add?

You can include sautéed bell peppers, red onions, or even roasted sweet potatoes for extra variety.

Is this meal prep bowl gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just verify that the chipotle peppers and seasonings used are certified gluten-free.

Can I add lettuce?

Yes, shredded lettuce can be added just before serving for a crunchy, fresh element.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled for a larger batch of meals. Make sure to cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Conclusion

The Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep is a delicious and practical way to enjoy the bold flavors of a burrito in a balanced and nutritious bowl. With lean protein, fiber-rich beans, whole grains, and a creamy chipotle sauce, it checks all the boxes for a fulfilling meal. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or looking for a quick dinner idea, this burrito bowl delivers in both flavor and convenience.