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Easy 5-Ingredient Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe with Zesty Chipotle Lime Crema

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A quick and flavorful chicken burrito bowl recipe featuring juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a zesty chipotle lime crema. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • 12 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • Zest and juice of 2 fresh limes
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Optional: black beans or corn
  • Optional: avocado slices or guacamole

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding the pan.
  3. Cook chicken for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt with 1-2 finely chopped chipotle peppers, zest of 2 limes, and 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed. For a smoother texture, blend briefly in a food processor or blender.
  5. Warm the rice gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water for 2-3 minutes to fluff it up.
  6. Divide the warm rice evenly between 4 bowls. Top each with cooked chicken.
  7. Spoon a generous dollop of chipotle lime crema over the chicken, letting it drizzle into the rice.
  8. Optionally, garnish with chopped cilantro, black beans, corn, or avocado slices. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure browning. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Adjust chipotle peppers to control heat level. Fresh lime zest adds aromatic punch. Store crema separately if refrigerating leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken burrito bowl, chipotle lime crema, easy dinner, quick recipe, weeknight meal, Mexican-inspired, healthy chicken bowl