Craving a delicious and satisfying meal but short on time? These Frozen Chicken Burrito Bowls are your answer! Packed with flavor and protein, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a healthy meal, easily customizable, and surprisingly simple to make, even using frozen chicken. Ditch the takeout and embrace the ease of homemade cooking with this fantastic recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked rice (brown or white)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup salsa
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
- Avocado slices (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cooking the Chicken
Start by cooking the frozen chicken. You can either thaw it completely overnight or cook it frozen. If cooking frozen, add a little extra time to the cooking process. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the frozen chicken breasts and cook, breaking them into smaller pieces with a spatula, until fully cooked through (about 10-15 minutes). Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 2: Sautéing Vegetables
Once the chicken is cooked, add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened.
Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Stir in the black beans, corn, taco seasoning, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This creates a delicious and flavorful base for your burrito bowls.
Step 4: Assembling the Bowls
Divide the cooked rice among bowls. Top with the chicken and vegetable mixture, shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), avocado slices, and fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Burrito Bowls:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the skillet for extra heat.
- Veggie boost: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Make it your own: Experiment with different cheeses, toppings, and salsas to create your perfect burrito bowl. This is a fantastic way to use leftover cooked chicken or vegetables.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Burrito Bowls: Omit the chicken and add extra beans, vegetables, or crumbled tofu for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Slow Cooker Version: Brown the chicken in a skillet then transfer everything to a slow cooker for a hands-off cooking experience. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 (depending on ingredients and portion size) Protein: 30-35g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 50-60g
This recipe offers a healthy and delicious dinner option, perfect for meal prepping or a quick weeknight meal. The versatility allows for easy customization, making it a fantastic choice for families and individuals alike. The use of frozen chicken significantly reduces prep time, making it one of the best recipes for busy schedules. Enjoy your easy and flavorful frozen chicken burrito bowls!