How to Make the Perfect BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowl
Tex-Mex · Medium · 40 min · 4 servings
This hearty burrito bowl is loaded with smoky BBQ chicken, cilantro lime rice, and all your favorite Tex-Mex toppings. It is a crowd-pleasing meal that comes together quickly and can be customized with whatever toppings you have on hand.
Why this recipe works
This BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 640 calories with 42g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 600 g boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups cooked long grain white rice
- 0.5 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the BBQ Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper then cook in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 6 minutes per side until cooked through. Brush generously with BBQ sauce in the final 2 minutes of cooking.
Step 2: Rest and Slice the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute so the chicken stays moist.
Step 3: Warm the Toppings
In the same skillet, warm the black beans and corn together over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with a pinch of cumin and salt to enhance the flavors.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the rice among four bowls then top with sliced BBQ chicken, the black bean and corn mixture, and shredded cheddar cheese. Add sour cream, salsa, or fresh cilantro as desired before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- chicken breasts → pulled pork or grilled portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version
- cheddar cheese → pepper jack cheese for added spice
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Cutting the chicken immediately after cooking which causes all the juices to run out
- Using too much BBQ sauce during cooking which causes burning due to the sugar content
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 640 calories, 42g protein, 72g carbs, 16g fat, 8g fiber.
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