One-Pot BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one-pot wonder simplifies meal prep without compromising on flavor. The BBQ chicken adds a smoky, tangy kick, while the rice absorbs the rich tomato and broth base, creating a flavorful foundation for the whole dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – it’s quick to make, requires minimal cleanup, and can be personalized with a variety of toppings like cheese, avocado, or sour cream. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or entertaining guests, these BBQ chicken burrito bowls are sure to please.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Roma tomatoes (about 3), cored and coarsely chopped
• 2 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1/2 medium onion, coarsely chopped
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into
• 1-inch chunks
• 1/4 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for serving
• 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsedOptional toppings:
• Shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, diced avocado, salsa, hot sauce, diced green onions, shredded
• lettuce, crushed tortilla chips, tortillas

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the tomato mixture: Place the tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic, onion, and 2 teaspoons of salt in a blender. Blend on high speed until smooth. Measure the amount of purée; you should have about 5 1/2 cups. If you don’t have enough, add more chicken broth or water to reach the right volume.

2. Cook the rice: Heat the vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the rice, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and chili powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is fragrant and starts to crackle, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the tomato mixture and bay leaf. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any stuck rice.

3. Simmer the rice: Spread the rice mixture into an even layer and bring to a simmer. While the rice is simmering, season the chicken with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of cumin. Drizzle with the barbecue sauce and toss to coat.

4. Add the chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken over the rice in an even layer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, stir the mixture, cover again, and continue cooking until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 10 to 15 minutes more.

5. Finish the dish: Remove the pot from the heat. Sprinkle the corn and black beans over the top. Cover the pot and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the corn and beans to heat through and the rice to finish steaming.

6. Serve: Gently fold the chicken, rice, corn, and beans together. Taste and season with more salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the dish drizzled with additional barbecue sauce and your choice of toppings.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 to 6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

• Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowls: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the chicken marinade for extra heat.

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, and a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.

• Rice Alternatives: Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a different texture or to make the dish a bit healthier.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover burrito bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a covered dish in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent the rice from drying out. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months, though the texture of the rice may change slightly upon reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and will provide a slightly juicier texture.

2. How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, include some diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce when mixing the chicken with the barbecue sauce.

3. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the barbecue sauce you use is gluten-free.

5. Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can prepare the tomato mixture and chicken in advance, but the rice is best cooked fresh. Alternatively, you can prepare the entire dish and store it in the fridge to reheat when needed.

6. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the rice, broth, and tomato mixture in a slow cooker on low for about 3 hours, adding the chicken halfway through.

7. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

While fresh chicken is ideal for even cooking, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly, and it may require slightly longer cooking time.

8. How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

Skip the chicken and use a variety of veggies like bell peppers, corn, and black beans. You could also substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh.

9. What toppings can I add to the bowls?

Toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, salsa, and crushed tortilla chips add extra flavor and texture to the bowls.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled. Just make sure your Dutch oven or pot is large enough to hold the increased quantity.

Conclusion

These One-Pot BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowls are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender BBQ chicken, seasoned rice, and an array of tasty toppings, it’s a dish that brings comfort and convenience in one. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal cleanup!