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Easy Calorie Deficit Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe with Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice for Quick Healthy Meals

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A quick and flavorful chicken burrito bowl featuring zesty cilantro lime rice, perfect for calorie deficit plans and busy weeknights. This healthy meal combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings for a satisfying and nutritious dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup long grain white or brown rice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups water or low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 medium avocado, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream
  • Fresh jalapeño slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rinsed rice with 2 cups water or low sodium chicken broth and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes (white rice) or about 40 minutes (brown rice). Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
  2. While rice cooks, mix cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat dry chicken breasts and rub spice blend all over each piece.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
  4. Fluff cooked rice with a fork. Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon lime zest, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Adjust salt to taste.
  5. Assemble the bowl by layering cilantro lime rice at the bottom, then add sliced chicken, black beans, cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and avocado slices. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream and jalapeño slices if desired.
  6. Squeeze fresh lime over the bowl before serving. Enjoy immediately while warm.

Notes

Use brown rice for extra fiber or white rice for quicker cooking. Frozen cilantro can substitute fresh but with less flavor. Cook chicken first and keep warm if short on time. Slice avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Season chicken well to avoid blandness. Avoid lifting rice lid during cooking to prevent chewy grains. Variations include vegetarian tofu or sweet potato swap, low-carb cauliflower rice, and adding chipotle for smoky heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken burrito bowl, cilantro lime rice, healthy meals, calorie deficit, quick dinner, meal prep, low calorie, gluten-free

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/easy-calorie-deficit-chicken-burrito-bowl-recipe-with-zesty-cilantro-lime-rice-for-quick-healthy-meals/