Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl: Simple 30-Minute Dinner That Works

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl recipes are the unsung heroes of weeknight dinners. Why? Because they’re basically the food version of a warm hug—comforting, customizable, and blessedly low-fuss. With juicy grilled chicken, fluffy rice, zesty beans, and a burst of toppings (hi, guac!), this dish walks the line between satisfying and smart.

The best part? You’re not chained to the stove. Marinate your chicken, pop it on the grill, then assemble bowls like a burrito-building boss. Whether you’ve got leftovers or you’re starting from scratch, the grilled chicken burrito bowl will have everyone at the table doing a happy dance—kids, picky eaters, even that one friend who “doesn’t like spicy food.” Spoiler: it’s as easy to scale up as it is to scarf down. And if you love a good meal prep moment, this one keeps beautifully.

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What is a Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl?

A grilled chicken burrito bowl is basically everything you love about a burrito—minus the tortilla. Think tender, smoky grilled chicken served over a bed of rice, topped with black beans, fresh salsa or pico, shredded cheese, and a dollop of guacamole. It’s a flavor-packed, nutrient-rich bowl that skips the wrap but brings all the flavor. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—you can tweak the toppings based on your mood or what’s hiding in your fridge.

It’s not just a healthier twist on a fast food favorite, it’s also super filling and family-approved. You can even let everyone build their own bowl, making dinner a choose-your-own-adventure experience. Whether you’re keeping it classic or going creative, a grilled chicken burrito bowl delivers every time.

Reasons to Try Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl

Let’s be real: weeknight dinners can be chaos. But a grilled chicken burrito bowl brings peace to the table. First, it’s quick—prep the marinade in minutes, and let your grill do the heavy lifting. Second, it’s adaptable. Watching your carbs? Go light on the rice. Vegetarian in the house? Keep the grilled chicken on the side and double up the beans.

Third, it’s straight-up delicious. That smoky, juicy chicken with bold seasonings and fresh toppings? Chef’s kiss. And hey, if you’re battling picky eaters, build-your-own bowls are the secret weapon. You set up a DIY burrito bar and everyone wins. Finally, it’s a meal prep dream. Make a batch on Sunday, and lunch is sorted for days. Honestly, once you try this bowl, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Ingredients Needed to Make Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp kosher salt (Diamond Crystal preferred)
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1.5 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 2.5 oz avocado oil (or other neutral oil)
• 1 tsp lime juice (about 1 lime)

For the Burrito Bowls:

• 4 cups cooked rice (your choice: white, brown, cauliflower)
• 4–6 grilled chicken thighs (sliced or chopped)
• 1 cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup pico de gallo (or salsa, or chopped tomatoes)
• ½ cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cotija, etc.)
• ¼–½ cup guacamole (or sliced avocado)
• Fresh chopped cilantro (optional but pretty)

Instructions to Make Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl

Ready to make a Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl that’s bursting with flavor and ridiculously easy to throw together? Follow this step by step guide that walks you through every detail—from marinating the chicken to assembling the perfect bowl. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve got dinner down to a science, these steps will make sure your burrito bowl turns out tender, tasty, and totally customizable.

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade (Flavor starts here)

Start by measuring out your spices: kosher salt, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, ground coriander, and black pepper. Toss them all into a small bowl and whisk until combined.

In a liquid measuring cup, mix your oil (we recommend avocado oil for its high smoke point) and fresh lime juice. Now, step by step, add the spice mix into the oil-lime blend and whisk until it’s a smooth marinade. This mixture is the secret to giving your chicken that deep, smoky flavor with just a hint of citrus.

Pro tip: If you’re short on spices or want to swap something out, check out our guide on spice substitutions for easy alternatives.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken (Let the flavors soak in)

Place your boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a gallon-sized sealable plastic bag or a large shallow dish with a lid. Pour the marinade over the chicken, press out as much air as possible, and seal the bag. Then, give the chicken a gentle massage to evenly coat it in the marinade.

Pop it in the fridge for 1 hour, flipping halfway through to make sure every bite gets seasoned. If you’re really tight on time, 30–45 minutes will still give great results.

While your chicken marinates, this is the perfect time to prep your rice, rinse the beans, and chop any toppings. Multitasking for the win!

Step 3: Preheat and Grill the Chicken (The smoky moment)

Take the chicken out of the fridge about 15 minutes before grilling so it can come closer to room temperature. This helps it cook more evenly.

Preheat your grill to around 375°F. Once hot, use grilling tongs to place the chicken thighs directly onto the grates. Close the lid and cook for 5 minutes on the first side. Flip the chicken, close the lid again, and cook for another 3–5 minutes.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp—it should hit 165°F. Don’t guess! A thermometer ensures juicy chicken, not dried-out disappointment.

No grill? You can also cook the chicken in a cast iron pan or bake it in the oven. Visit our oven-baked chicken guide for alternate cooking methods.

Step 4: Rest and Slice the Chicken (Lock in the juices)

Once your chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This lets the juices redistribute so every bite is tender and juicy.

After resting, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You’ll be surprised how much flavor is packed into each slice—perfect for layering into your bowl.

Step 5: Build Your Burrito Bowl (Step by step assembly)

Now comes the best part: assembly. Grab four bowls and step by step layer in the following:

• 1 cup of cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice—your call)
• 1 to 1.5 thighs’ worth of grilled chicken, chopped
• ¼ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• ¼ cup pico de gallo or salsa
• 2 tablespoons shredded cheese (try cotija or a Mexican blend)
• 1–2 tablespoons guacamole or sliced avocado
• Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro (if you like that bright, herby flavor)

Let your family or guests customize their own bowl with extras like sour cream, chopped lettuce, pickled onions, or even a drizzle of our taco skillet sauce.

Meal prep idea: Store each component separately and assemble bowls on the go throughout the week—check out our chicken meal prep ideas for more inspiration.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy (Dig in!)

Your grilled chicken burrito bowl is now ready to enjoy. Serve warm with lime wedges on the side for an extra citrusy kick. This meal hits all the right notes—savory, creamy, fresh, and a little spicy if you want it.

And hey, if you’ve got leftovers, you’re basically winning at life. Just store the components separately and follow our step-by-step storage tips to keep everything fresh for later.

What to Serve with Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl

This bowl is basically a complete meal, but if you want to go all out, you’ve got options. Serve it with crispy tortilla chips and homemade taco sauce for a tangy kick. A side of grilled corn or a crunchy cabbage slaw balances the richness of the chicken and cheese. If you’re hosting a crowd, add a batch of loaded potato taco bowls for a fun Tex-Mex spread. And don’t forget a pitcher of limeade or a sparkling agua fresca. Whether you’re going casual or trying to impress, this bowl plays well with others.

Key Tips for Making Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl

1. Use chicken thighs – They’re juicier and more forgiving than breasts. Plus, they soak up that marinade like pros.
2. Make ahead – Cook the chicken and rice in advance and store them separately for easy weeknight assembly.
3. Marinate wisely – 1 hour is ideal, but even 30 minutes can work if you’re in a rush.
4. Don’t skip the toppings – A little cheese or guac adds creaminess that ties the whole thing together.
5. Let the chicken rest – Just 5 minutes before slicing keeps all that juicy goodness inside.

Storage and Reheating Tips Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The chicken and rice can be reheated in the microwave—just splash a little water on the rice to avoid dryness. Beans do well reheated too, but keep your guac, salsa, and cheese cold and fresh. Want to freeze it? Skip the toppings and freeze the chicken and rice in single-serve containers. Perfect for future-you. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, warm it up, and add fresh toppings for a lunch that feels brand new.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Totally. Just watch the grill time—they dry out quicker.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not really. It’s flavorful, not fiery. But you can always add hot sauce or sliced jalapeños.

What kind of rice works best?
Whatever you like—white, brown, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even quinoa.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yup. Swap the chicken for grilled veggies or more beans. Try it with roasted sweet potatoes!

Final Thoughts

A grilled chicken burrito bowl is basically your weeknight dinner BFF. It’s easy, flexible, full of bold flavors, and totally family-approved. Whether you’re prepping ahead or winging it last-minute, this bowl hits the spot every single time. Plus, it keeps well and tastes just as good the next day (hello, lunch goals!). Want more recipes like this? Try our healthy turkey taco bowl or crispy garlic chicken fried rice to mix up your meal routine without the stress. Bottom line? You need this bowl in your life.

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