Fresh Cilantro Lime Chicken Burrito Bowls
A quick and easy recipe featuring juicy chicken marinated in fresh cilantro and lime, served over rice with vibrant toppings for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 2 large limes (about 3 tablespoons)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or basmati)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels (or frozen/roasted)
- 1 large avocado, sliced or diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup pickled red onions (optional)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or baby spinach
- Fresh jalapeño slices, to taste (optional)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or cotija cheese
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Extra cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
- Fresh lime wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by combining chopped cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, honey, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk until well blended.
- Place chicken breasts into the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Cook the white rice according to package instructions. Drain and rinse black beans. Prepare corn kernels, avocado, cherry tomatoes, shredded greens, pickled onions, jalapeños, and cheese.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken is golden seared.
- Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble burrito bowls by dividing rice among 4 bowls. Top with black beans, corn, cilantro lime chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, greens, pickled onions, jalapeños, and cheese.
- Drizzle sour cream or Greek yogurt on top and garnish with extra cilantro leaves and lime wedges.
- Serve immediately while chicken is warm and toppings are fresh.
Notes
Marinate chicken for at least 20 minutes for best flavor; do not marinate overnight to avoid mushy texture. Pat chicken dry before cooking to get a good sear. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan. For extra char, finish under broiler for 1-2 minutes. Swap sour cream for coconut yogurt to make dairy-free. Cauliflower rice can be used as a low-carb alternative to white rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximatel
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 8
- Protein: 38
Keywords: cilantro lime chicken, burrito bowls, quick dinner, healthy chicken recipe, easy chicken marinade, fresh toppings, meal prep