Chicken Burrito Bowl with Guac & Lime

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Some nights I just want something easy, vibrant, and loaded with flavor—and that’s exactly what this Chicken Burrito Bowl with Guac & Lime delivers. I love how it balances hearty protein, creamy avocado, and fresh toppings in a way that feels both nourishing and exciting. It’s a build-your-own kind of meal, but with a few upgrades to make it extra special.

Whether I’m meal-prepping for the week or pulling together a quick dinner, this burrito bowl never disappoints. It’s also wonderfully customizable, making it a perfect dish for feeding a crowd with different tastes. Let’s dig into why this recipe earns a top spot in my weekly rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Burrito Bowl with Guac & Lime

This dish combines bold flavors, great textures, and fresh ingredients in one bowl. From the zesty lime and creamy guacamole to the well-seasoned chicken and black beans, every bite packs something delightful. It’s naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free or vegetarian with ease, making it a flexible and satisfying option for a variety of diets.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For this burrito bowl, I usually go with boneless, skinless chicken breast because it cooks quickly and stays lean. However, chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative if you prefer a juicier, richer flavor. The key is to season the chicken generously—smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder make a bold, slightly smoky blend that works beautifully with the other ingredients.

Grilled, pan-seared, or even air-fried chicken all work here. If you’re short on time, you can even use store-bought rotisserie chicken and toss it in your favorite Tex-Mex seasoning for a shortcut that still delivers.

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Options for Substitutions

This burrito bowl welcomes swaps and tweaks depending on what you have on hand or your dietary needs:

• Protein: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, ground beef, tofu, or even chickpeas for a plant-based version.
• Beans: Pinto beans or refried beans are equally delicious alternatives to black beans.
• Grains: Use brown rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or a blend of greens instead of white rice.
• Dairy-Free: Skip the sour cream or sub in a vegan version made with cashews or coconut.
• Low-Carb: Omit the rice and double up on lettuce and veggies for a burrito bowl salad.
• Spice Level: Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce if you want more heat.

These options make it easy to tailor the dish for weeknight cravings, meal prep, or any dietary preference.

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Ingredients for this Chicken Burrito Bowl with Guac & Lime

Each ingredient in this bowl plays a role in building bold, satisfying flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Chicken Breast: The star protein—lean, flavorful, and quick to cook. I season it generously for that smoky, spicy punch.
• Black Beans: They add fiber, plant-based protein, and earthiness that balances the dish.
• Corn Kernels: Sweet and juicy, they bring a pop of freshness and color.
• Cooked Rice: A comforting base that absorbs all the flavors—white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice works beautifully.
• Guacamole: Creamy, rich, and citrusy—it ties the whole bowl together with its smooth texture and zing.
• Fresh Tomato: Adds juicy brightness and slight acidity that keeps the bowl from feeling too heavy.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: This dollop adds cool creaminess that offsets the spiced chicken.
• Fresh Cilantro: For garnish and a fresh herbal note.
• Lime Wedge: A final squeeze of lime juice brightens the entire bowl and enhances every flavor.

Each component brings something unique—texture, color, or taste—that helps make this bowl more than just another meal.

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Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes. Toss them with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.

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Step 2: Prepare the Base

While the chicken cooks, warm up your rice and black beans. You can use freshly cooked rice or leftovers—just make sure it’s fluffy and warm. Rinse and heat canned black beans with a pinch of salt if needed.

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Step 3: Make the Guacamole

Mash ripe avocados with a little lime juice, salt, and a touch of garlic or onion powder. If you like it chunky, keep it simple. For more flavor, stir in diced red onion, jalapeño, or chopped tomato.

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Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

Start with a base of rice in each bowl. Layer on the black beans, corn, seasoned chicken, and diced tomato. Add a generous spoonful of guacamole and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt in the center.

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Step 5: Finish with Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top and tuck in a fresh lime wedge. Give it a squeeze right before eating to bring all the flavors to life.

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How Long to Cook the Chicken Burrito Bowl

The beauty of this recipe is how quickly it comes together. Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Chicken: Takes about 6–8 minutes to cook in a hot skillet once chopped and seasoned.
• Rice & Beans: If already prepped or using leftovers, just 3–5 minutes to reheat.
• Guacamole & Toppings: Around 5 minutes to mash and chop.

Total Time: You can have this entire burrito bowl ready in 20–25 minutes, especially if you’re multitasking while the chicken cooks.

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Tips for Perfect Chicken Burrito Bowls

• Cut chicken evenly: Bite-sized, uniform pieces cook faster and stay juicy without drying out.
• Use a hot pan: A preheated skillet gives the chicken a great sear and locks in flavor.
• Warm your base: Warm rice and beans create a comforting contrast with the cool toppings.
• Customize to taste: Set up a toppings bar if you’re feeding a group—everyone can build their bowl how they like.
• Add crunch: A sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips or shredded lettuce adds texture.
• Squeeze lime last: That citrusy brightness is best added right before you dig in—it wakes up all the flavors.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the chicken: It’s easy to go from juicy to dry in a minute—watch closely and remove it from heat once cooked through.
• Skipping seasoning: Under-seasoned chicken makes the whole bowl taste flat. Be generous with your spices.
• Using cold ingredients: Warm rice and beans enhance flavor and texture—don’t skip the reheating step.
• Guac too early: Guacamole turns brown quickly. Make it last or store it with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to prevent oxidation.
• Imbalanced portions: Too much rice or too little protein throws off the bowl. Keep your layers even.
• Forgetting the lime: The final squeeze ties everything together—don’t miss it!

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What to Serve With Chicken Burrito Bowl with Guac & Lime?

Tortilla Chips & Salsa

Crunchy chips and a tangy tomato salsa are perfect for scooping bites of guac or eating on the side.

Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Grilled corn slathered in mayo, chili, lime, and cotija adds a smoky, creamy complement to the bowl.

Simple Mixed Greens Salad

A light salad with lime vinaigrette balances the heartiness of the burrito bowl.

Hibiscus Iced Tea or Agua Fresca

Refreshing and lightly sweet, these drinks cool down the spices in the bowl.

Queso Dip

Creamy melted cheese with jalapeños or chorizo served with chips is indulgent but great for gatherings.

Pickled Jalapeños or Onions

Add a tangy kick to the bowl or serve on the side for spice lovers.

Refried Beans

Creamy and rich, they’re a warm and comforting side option if you want more than black beans.

Warm Tortillas

Soft flour or corn tortillas are ideal if someone wants to turn their bowl into a wrap.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, store each component separately to keep everything fresh and easy to reheat:

• Chicken: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
• Rice and Beans: These can be refrigerated for 3–4 days. Add a splash of water when reheating to prevent drying out.
• Guacamole: Best eaten fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface to limit browning for up to 1 day.
• Fresh Toppings: Tomatoes, corn, and cilantro should be kept separate and used within 2 days.
• Freezing: Only the cooked chicken and rice freeze well—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of this Chicken Burrito Bowl with Guac & Lime:

• Calories: ~550–600 kcal
• Protein: ~35g
• Carbohydrates: ~40g
• Fat: ~25g
• Fiber: ~10g
• Sugar: ~3g
• Sodium: ~700mg

These values can vary depending on portion sizes, additional toppings, and whether you choose to use full-fat sour cream, brown rice, or extra guac.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to make this dish ahead of time?

Cook the chicken, rice, and beans in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Chop toppings fresh and make guac just before serving.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Yes! It’s a great shortcut. Just shred it and toss with some taco seasoning or lime juice for extra flavor.

How can I make it spicier?

Add sliced jalapeños, chipotle sauce, or a few dashes of hot sauce either during cooking or as toppings.

Is this burrito bowl gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just double-check your seasoning mixes and sour cream.

Can I meal prep this for the week?

Absolutely. Prepare everything and store in separate containers, then assemble fresh bowls throughout the week.

What type of rice works best?

White rice is classic, but brown rice or cilantro-lime rice add extra texture and flavor. Quinoa is a great swap too.

How do I keep guacamole from turning brown?

Use lime juice and press plastic wrap directly against the surface of the guac before sealing the container.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Swap chicken for grilled tofu, tempeh, or just load up on black beans and corn.

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Conclusion

The Chicken Burrito Bowl with Guac & Lime is one of those go-to meals that checks every box—easy, flavorful, nutritious, and endlessly adaptable. It brings the heartiness of a burrito without the wrap, and every ingredient complements the next, from the smoky chicken to the cool, creamy guac. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for yourself, this bowl never gets boring. Customize it, spice it up, or keep it classic—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it.

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