This Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep recipe is a total game-changer for busy weekdays. It’s vibrant, satisfying, and incredibly easy to pull together. Packed with juicy chicken, fluffy rice, hearty beans, and fresh veggies, it’s the kind of wholesome, flavorful meal that keeps you full and energized throughout the day. Best of all? It’s perfect for making ahead and assembling in containers, ready to grab and go when you need it most.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Meal Prep Friendly: Make it once, enjoy it all week. This is the kind of recipe that gets better as it sits, making your week smoother and more delicious.
Customizable: Whether you’re all about spice, love extra toppings, or prefer plant-based proteins, this bowl adapts easily to your cravings.
Nutritious and Balanced: With protein-packed chicken, fiber-rich beans, healthy fats, and colorful veggies, it’s a complete meal that checks every nutritional box.
Big on Flavor: Between the smoky seasonings, creamy toppings, and zesty garnishes, every bite is layered with flavor that keeps you coming back.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes these burrito bowls unbeatable—and why each ingredient matters:

Chicken Breast: Lean and high in protein, marinated or seasoned with taco or fajita seasoning for max flavor.
Cooked Rice: White, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option—acts as the hearty base of the bowl.
Black Beans: Adds creaminess and fiber; don’t skip rinsing them to reduce sodium and improve texture.
Corn Kernels: Sweet, crunchy contrast to the savory elements—fresh, frozen, or canned all work.
Bell Peppers and Onions: Sautéed or roasted for smoky depth and natural sweetness.
Cherry Tomatoes: Adds juiciness and a burst of freshness to balance the heavier ingredients.
Lettuce or Greens: Use romaine, spinach, or a mix to bring in that crisp, refreshing bite.
Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend—shredded cheese gives a creamy, salty finish.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Creamy tanginess that ties everything together beautifully.
Lime Wedges: Adds zing and brightness to balance the richness of the bowl.
Cilantro: Optional, but highly recommended for a fresh, herby pop.
Hot Sauce or Salsa: Because a burrito bowl without a little kick just isn’t the same.

Variations

Looking to switch things up? Here are a few fun ideas:

Veggie-Packed: Add roasted zucchini, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes for more texture and depth.
Low-Carb: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce.
Different Protein: Use grilled steak, shrimp, tofu, or even leftover rotisserie chicken.
Mexican Street Corn Style: Mix the corn with a little mayo, lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese before adding to the bowl.
Burrito Style: Wrap everything in a warm tortilla for a handheld version of this meal.

How to Make Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken generously with your favorite taco or fajita seasoning. Grill or pan-sear until golden brown and cooked through. Let it rest, then slice or dice.

Step 2: Prepare the Base

Cook your rice according to package instructions. If you’re using cauliflower rice, sauté it quickly in olive oil for a better texture.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In a skillet with a bit of olive oil, cook the bell peppers and onions until tender and slightly charred.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

In meal prep containers, start with a base of rice. Then add chicken, black beans, corn, sautéed peppers and onions, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

Sprinkle with shredded cheese, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a wedge of lime, and finish with fresh cilantro and your favorite salsa or hot sauce.

Step 6: Store and Chill

Seal the containers and store in the fridge. Keep any cold toppings (like sour cream or guacamole) separate until ready to eat.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Season Everything: Don’t just season the chicken—give your veggies, beans, and rice some love with a little salt, pepper, lime juice, or garlic.
Use Airtight Containers: They keep ingredients fresher and prevent any soggy textures.
Let the Chicken Rest: This keeps it juicy. Cut it too soon, and you’ll lose all that flavorful moisture.
Prep in Layers: Put heavier ingredients like rice and beans at the bottom and lighter ones on top if layering for storage.

How to Serve

You can eat these burrito bowls cold, room temperature, or heated up—whatever works for your schedule. Here are some great ways to enjoy them:

As-Is:

Spoon straight from the meal prep container for a quick lunch or dinner.

With Chips:

Pair with tortilla chips for extra crunch and scooping fun.

In a Wrap:

Turn it into a burrito by wrapping everything up in a large tortilla.

Bowl to Salad:

Skip the rice and double the greens for a hearty salad version with the same bold flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the assembled bowls in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’ve added avocado or sour cream, store those separately and add just before serving.

Freezing

Cooked chicken, rice, and beans freeze well. Store in separate freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Microwave the rice, chicken, beans, and veggies until warm. Then add the cold toppings like lettuce, sour cream, salsa, and fresh lime.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking from scratch?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time saver and tastes great in this recipe. Just shred and season it lightly before assembling your bowls.

What’s the best rice to use?
Jasmine and basmati both work beautifully for a fluffy texture. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. For a low-carb version, cauliflower rice is a fantastic option.

How do I keep my lettuce from getting soggy?
Keep the lettuce in a separate container or on top of the other ingredients, and avoid sealing it while still warm. This keeps it crisp and fresh.

Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely. Use plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or a meat alternative, skip the cheese or use vegan cheese, and swap sour cream with dairy-free yogurt.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep recipe is the answer to your weekday food rut. It’s simple, loaded with flavor, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re meal prepping for work, school, or just to stay sane during a hectic week, this bowl has your back. Give it a try—you’ll love having something this delicious and nourishing ready to go!

Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep Recipe