Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Burrito Bowls
A quick, protein-packed meal featuring tender chicken, spicy black beans, and fluffy rice, all served in a vibrant bowl. This mexican-inspired chicken (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs (6-ounce) breasts chicken breast, (15-ounce) can, drained black beans, cooked brown rice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 (6-ounce) breasts chicken breast
- 1 (15-ounce) can, drained black beans
- 1 cup, cooked brown rice
- 4 large, warmed tortillas
- 1, sliced avocado
- 1, cut into wedges lime
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
Instructions
- Step 1: Season chicken with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; cook chicken 6-8 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 2: Toss black beans with 1 tsp chili powder and 1/2 tsp cumin. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Step 3: Assemble bowls with rice, shredded chicken, black beans, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime. Top with warmed tortillas for a handheld option.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Burrito Bowls take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Burrito Bowls?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cooked brown rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Burrito Bowls?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Burrito Bowls for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Burrito Bowls vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
