There’s something truly comforting about meals that bring everything together in one pan. No juggling multiple pots, no piles of dishes waiting at the end—just good, hearty food cooked in one go. That’s exactly why this One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl has earned a permanent spot in my weekly dinner rotation. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug after a long day: warm, filling, flavorful, and so easy to make.

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What I love most about this dish is how it blends convenience with bold, satisfying flavors. The tender, seasoned chicken, the fluffy rice, the colorful burst of corn and black beans, and the perfect mix of spices—all cooked together so the flavors really get to know each other. Every spoonful tastes like something you’d order at your favorite Tex-Mex spot, but made in your own cozy kitchen.

This is the kind of meal that comes together quickly, but never feels rushed. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or meal prep for the week ahead. Whether you serve it in a bowl with fresh toppings or wrap it up in a warm tortilla, it’s a crowd-pleaser that works for just about any occasion.

Let’s get into why this recipe is going to be your new go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

One-pan magic: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Quick & satisfying: From stovetop to table in under an hour.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, or a sprinkle of cheese.
Meal prep friendly: Make once, enjoy all week.
Kid-approved: Mild enough for picky eaters, but easy to spice up for adventurous palates.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium tomato, diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 lime, cut into wedges (optional for serving)

HOW TO MAKE ONE-PAN CHICKEN BURRITO BOWL:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Sauté the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, add your diced chicken breast. Let it cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown and is cooked through. The golden edges add flavor, so don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Add onions and garlic
Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir it all together and let it cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This is when your kitchen starts smelling amazing.

Step 3: Spice things up
Now it’s time to add your spices—cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle them in and give everything a good stir so the chicken and onions are nicely coated in all those warm, earthy spices.

Step 4: Add rice and broth
Pour in the uncooked rice and stir to combine. Then, slowly add the chicken broth. Make sure the rice is evenly distributed and fully submerged. Bring it all to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Let it simmer
Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Let it cook for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Try not to peek too much—trapping the steam is key to perfect rice.

Step 6: Stir in beans and corn
When the rice is cooked, lift the lid and gently stir in the black beans and corn. These just need a few minutes to warm through, and the mixture will start to look like a proper burrito bowl.

Step 7: Add cheese and finish
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover the pan again for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible layer. Remove from heat and top with fresh diced tomato and chopped cilantro.

Optional but highly recommended: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top just before serving—it really brightens everything up.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Want a bit more heat? Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño with the onions.
Don’t skip the rest time: After the rice finishes cooking, let the pan sit (covered) for 5 minutes to steam—this helps the texture.
For a crispy cheese topping: After adding cheese, pop the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two if your pan is oven-safe.
Serving idea: Spoon it into bowls and top with avocado slices, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Diet: Balanced, Dairy Optional

NOTES:

This dish is as versatile as it is delicious. You can use brown rice, just adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly. You can also substitute the cheddar cheese with a Mexican blend or even a dairy-free alternative. The beauty of this meal is how easy it is to make your own.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: (Per serving, approx.)

Calories: 430
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 3g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook and may need a bit more broth. Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup extra and simmer 10–15 minutes longer.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Definitely. Let the burrito bowl cool completely, then store in airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

What other toppings can I use?
Try sour cream, guacamole, sliced jalapeños, shredded lettuce, or even a fried egg on top. This dish is super customizable.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the chicken and add extra beans or some sautéed bell peppers and zucchini.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to bring back that just-cooked texture.

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CONCLUSION

There’s something so satisfying about making a delicious, hearty meal with just one pan. This One-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl checks every box—flavorful, easy, and guaranteed to make you feel like a dinner hero. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers every time.