The Ultimate Chicken Burrito Bowl | Meal Mia

The Ultimate Chicken Burrito Bowl (That My 7-Year-Old Builds Himself!)

Around here, taco night has evolved into something even better – build-your-own burrito bowl night! Of course, watching Jack take charge of creating his own dinner brings a whole new level of joy to our family meals.

Why This Recipe Works

In reality, getting kids excited about healthy dinner options can feel like an uphill battle. But these burrito bowls have become our family’s favorite way to make everyone happy. The best burrito bowl nights are when Aliana proudly shows off her colorful creation to John, while Jack carefully arranges each ingredient in its own special spot!

Key Components Breakdown

Essential Ingredients

  • Chicken breast – Georgia’s lime-garlic marinade makes it extra special
  • Rice – Emily taught me the perfect fluffy rice technique
  • Black beans – Catrine’s quick-seasoning method is genius
  • Fresh vegetables – A rainbow of options
  • Toppings galore – The key to customization!

Equipment Needed

Must-haves:

  • Large skillet
  • Rice cooker or pot
  • Cutting board
  • Meal prep containers

Nice-to-haves:

  • Food processor for prep
  • Multiple small serving bowls
  • Taco bowl holders
  • Lime squeezer

The Technique Section

Critical Steps

  1. Marinate chicken properly
  2. Cook rice to perfection
  3. Prep all components separately
  4. Create an organized assembly station
  5. Let kids build their own bowls

The most common mistake? Not having enough topping options! After one particularly picky evening, I learned that variety is the key to success.

Temperature and Timing

  • Chicken cooking time: 12-15 minutes
  • Rice cooking time: 20 minutes
  • Prep time: 30 minutes
  • Assembly time: As long as they need!

Troubleshooting Guide

Common Issues

Rice too sticky? Emily’s solution: rinse it well and let it rest after cooking. When Jack helped me measure the water last week, we finally got it perfect!

Chicken too dry? Georgia taught me to brine it first and not overcook. Now even Aliana says it’s “juicy like the restaurants!”

Variations and Adaptations

Seasonal Options

  • Spring: Fresh corn and spring onions
  • Summer: Grilled vegetables
  • Fall: Roasted sweet potatoes
  • Winter: Warm seasoned vegetables

Dietary Modifications

  • Lower carb: Cauliflower rice base
  • Extra protein: Double chicken or add eggs
  • Vegetarian: Extra beans and grilled vegetables

Storage and Make-Ahead

  • Components store 4-5 days separately
  • Prep all ingredients in advance
  • Keep toppings fresh in separate containers
  • Rice reheats beautifully with a splash of water

FAQ

Q: Can I meal prep this? A: Absolutely! Keep components separate and assemble daily.

Q: How do I keep avocados fresh? A: Slice just before serving or use lime juice to prevent browning.

Q: Best way to warm tortillas? A: Quick char on the stovetop or wrap in damp paper towels and microwave.

Closing Thoughts

You know what makes my heart absolutely melt? Watching Jack meticulously create his “perfect” burrito bowl, making sure each ingredient has its own special spot. Or seeing Aliana’s proud smile when she adds that extra sprinkle of cheese “just like Mommy does!” These moments remind me that dinner isn’t just about eating – it’s about giving our kids confidence in the kitchen and letting them explore new flavors their own way.

Since sharing this recipe on my Pinterest, I’ve received so many messages from parents amazed at how their kids suddenly become interested in dinner when they get to be the “chef.” Some families have even started weekly “burrito bowl bars” where everyone gets to showcase their creative combinations!

Remember, your first burrito bowl station might not look Instagram-perfect (like our infamous “too many toppings” night that had John laughing at our overcrowded table!), but that’s part of the fun. For more family-friendly recipes and kid-empowering dinner ideas, follow me on Pinterest @mealmia – where I share all our kitchen adventures, successful or otherwise!

Print
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Ultimate Chicken Burrito Bowl

Build-Your-Own Chicken Burrito Bowls


Description

A customizable dinner that lets kids take charge of their meal!

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 pounds chicken breast, cut into cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Base:

  • 2 cups white rice
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Beans:

  • 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste

For the Toppings Bar:

 

  • Diced tomatoes
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Grated cheese
  • Diced avocado
  • Sour cream
  • Pico de gallo
  • Corn kernels
  • Diced bell peppers
  • Lime wedges
  • Extra cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños (for adults)

Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken: Combine chicken with olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and seasonings. Let sit while preparing other components. (Jack loves measuring the spices!)
  2. Cook rice: Rinse rice until water runs clear. Cook with water, butter, and salt. When done, fluff with fork and stir in lime juice and cilantro.
  3. Prepare beans: Heat in saucepan with seasonings until warm. (Aliana’s job is to stir carefully!)
  4. Cook chicken: Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through (165°F).
  5. Prep all toppings and arrange in separate bowls. (The kids love creating the “topping station”!)
  6. Set up assembly line and let everyone build their own bowls!

Notes:

  • Prep all toppings before starting assembly
  • Let kids arrange their own topping station
  • Georgia’s tip: warm the beans with cumin
  • Catrine’s secret: make extra for lunch tomorrow

Storage Tips:

  • Store components separately
  • Keep cold items cold
  • Prep fresh toppings daily
  • Label containers for easy assembly

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 425
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbs: 42g
  • Fiber: 8g
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