Red Chili Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl: A Flavorful, Easy, and Customizable Meal

Burrito bowls have become a popular choice for quick, customizable, and healthy meals. This Red Chili Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl combines some of the most loved ingredients of a burrito, but in a simple and quick bowl format. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or someone looking for a fun and easy meal, this dish is for you! Packed with juicy grilled chicken, seasoned rice, black beans, fresh peppers, and a spicy, tangy red chili sauce, this meal is not only satisfying but also packed with flavor and nutrients.

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This article will take you step by step through making a Red Chili Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl from scratch. You’ll learn how to grill the chicken perfectly, make your own delicious red chili sauce, and assemble the bowl in a way that is both visually appealing and tasty. With easy-to-follow instructions, beginner cooks will be able to recreate this dish at home with ease. Let’s dive into this exciting recipe!

Ingredients & Preparation

The first step to creating your own Red Chili Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl is to gather the ingredients. This recipe uses wholesome, easily accessible ingredients that are simple to prepare. Below, you’ll find the full list of ingredients required to make the dish, including some alternatives for greater flexibility.

Main Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): Chicken breast is lean and high in protein, making it the perfect choice for a burrito bowl. If you’re looking for a different protein, you can easily swap the chicken with beef or even grilled tofu for a vegetarian version.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any cooking oil): Olive oil adds a healthy fat and helps the chicken cook evenly. You can also use avocado oil or vegetable oil.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: This will give the dish a smoky, spicy flavor. You can adjust the amount based on how spicy you prefer the dish.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder adds depth of flavor without the hassle of chopping fresh garlic.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Cumin has a warm, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with chili powder and grilled chicken.
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness to the dish, enhancing the grilled flavors.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Seasoning is key, so adjust to your preference.
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice): Rice serves as the base for the burrito bowl. Brown rice offers more fiber and nutrients, but white rice works just as well. For a flavorful twist, you can cook the rice with some lime juice and chopped cilantro.
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed: Black beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber, adding substance to the dish.
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced: Red bell peppers are slightly sweet and crunchy, providing a fresh contrast to the warm chicken and rice.
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced: Green bell peppers are slightly tangy and add color and crunch to the bowl.
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese): A sprinkle of cheese adds creaminess and a touch of indulgence to the burrito bowl.
• 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional): Sour cream adds a cool and creamy element that balances the heat of the chili sauce. You can use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative.
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish): Fresh cilantro gives the dish a bright and fresh flavor that enhances the other ingredients.

For the Red Chili Sauce:

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce: Tomato sauce forms the base of the chili sauce. If you like your sauce more tangy, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato paste instead.
• 1 tablespoon chili powder: This adds heat and flavor to the sauce. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the chili powder or opt for a milder chili variety.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Ground cumin is essential for that earthy, smoky flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For extra flavor without the extra prep work, garlic powder works beautifully in the sauce.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder adds a savory note to the sauce, balancing out the spiciness.
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lime juice): Vinegar or lime juice provides acidity to balance the richness of the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional): A touch of sugar helps balance the acidity and heat in the sauce, but feel free to skip it if you prefer a tangier sauce.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Season to your liking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these steps to create your perfect Red Chili Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat both sides evenly with the seasoning mix. This will help the chicken absorb all those flavors while cooking.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, ensuring that both sides are golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F, ensuring it’s fully cooked through.

If you don’t have a grill pan, you can easily sauté the chicken in a regular skillet or use an outdoor grill if preferred.

Step 3: Make the Red Chili Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the red chili sauce. In a small saucepan, combine tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, apple cider vinegar (or lime juice), brown sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, sugar, or vinegar as needed to suit your taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Burrito Bowl

Once the chicken is cooked and rested, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, add a serving of rice as the base. Next, layer the rice with black beans, diced bell peppers, and the grilled chicken pieces. Drizzle the homemade red chili sauce generously over the top.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and add a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. Finish with freshly chopped cilantro to brighten the flavors. The cheese will melt slightly from the heat of the chicken and the sauce, adding a gooey and delicious layer to the dish.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Chicken browning too quickly: If the chicken is browning too quickly and not cooking through, lower the heat slightly. This will allow the chicken to cook more evenly and prevent it from burning on the outside.
• Rice drying out: If your rice is drying out while you’re assembling the bowl, try adding a little extra liquid like chicken broth or a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor and moisture.
• Too spicy? If the red chili sauce is too spicy for your taste, you can reduce the amount of chili powder or add a little extra tomato sauce or even a teaspoon of honey to balance the heat.

Kitchen Tips:

• Meal Prep Tip: You can prepare the chicken, rice, and chili sauce in advance. Store them in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days, then simply reheat when you’re ready to assemble the bowl.
• Quick rice: If you’re short on time, consider using microwaveable rice packets. They only take about 90 seconds to heat and can be a real time-saver when you’re in a rush.
• Grilling tips: For a smoky grilled flavor, you can cook the chicken on an outdoor grill. Just be sure to oil the grill grates to prevent sticking, and always check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is properly cooked.

Serving Suggestions

While the Red Chili Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl is delicious on its own, here are some ideas to elevate it further:

• Side Ideas:
  • Serve with a side of crispy tortilla chips or homemade tortilla strips to add some crunch.
  • A fresh side salad with a zesty lime dressing pairs wonderfully with the bowl and balances the richness of the ingredients.
  • Guacamole or salsa also make great additions to the meal for extra flavor.
• Sauce Ideas:
  • Drizzle extra red chili sauce over the top if you like more heat.
  • A refreshing avocado lime dressing or a creamy cilantro-lime ranch dressing can be drizzled on top for an added layer of flavor.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the rice and chili sauce separate from the chicken and vegetables. When reheating, you can use the microwave or reheat in a skillet over low heat. If the rice has dried out, add a small splash of water or broth while reheating to keep it moist.

Conclusion

This Red Chili Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowl is the perfect recipe for beginner cooks who want something flavorful, customizable, and easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and clear, straightforward instructions, you can enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. Whether you make it for a quick lunch, a weeknight dinner, or meal prep for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

I hope you give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your own twists on the recipe—cooking is all about having fun and experimenting with flavors. Happy cooking!