Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients—not just fresh, but ingredients that bring out the depth of flavor without overpowering the dish. I always lean on fresh vegetables and quality chicken breasts or thighs, depending on what’s available. Using fresh garlic and a good lime adds a brightness that lifts the whole bowl. I also love the combination of black beans and corn for texture and color, which reminds me of those summer evenings when my mom would make something similar for family dinners.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen or fresh corn kernels
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced avocado, salsa
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoned with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through.
- Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the pan. Sauté together with the chicken for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, black beans, corn, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid.
- Simmer gently for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Avoid lifting the lid too often to keep the steam trapped inside.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover again for a couple of minutes to let the cheese melt.
- Finish by squeezing fresh lime juice over the dish and garnishing with chopped cilantro.
- Serve warm with optional toppings like sour cream, avocado slices, or your favorite salsa.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl, recipe, cooking, food
