Chicken Burrito Skillet

Busy nights call for simple, satisfying dinners that the whole family can agree on, and this chicken burrito skillet checks all the boxes. It’s a family-friendly one-pan meal where tender pieces of chicken, fluffy rice and black beans simmer together with warming spices and a cheesy topping for a bold Tex-Mex flavor and easy cleanup.

The best part? Everyone can customize their own bowl with their favorite toppings. Whether you stick with classics like salsa, guacamole or sour cream, or get adventurous with pickled onions and jalapenos, this chicken burrito skillet makes a fun build-your-own dinner that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Chicken Burrito Skillet Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean and tender, chicken breasts provide the main protein for the burrito skillet. If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, lightly pound them before cutting them into pieces so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Rice: Long-grain rice cooks up fluffy with a slight chew and absorbs flavor from the tomatoes and broth. You can use brown rice for extra fiber, but it needs to simmer for longer, so time it carefully to avoid overcooking the chicken.
• Black beans: Canned beans are convenient and add a creamy texture, plus good-for-you protein and fiber. Drain and then rinse them well to reduce sodium and remove that metallic canned flavor. Feel free to swap in a can of pinto beans or kidney beans for a slightly different texture.
• Diced tomatoes: Canned tomatoes provide acidity and moisture that help keep the rice and beans tender. For a deeper, smokier depth, use a can of fire-roasted tomatoes.
• Spices: Cumin, onion powder, garlic powder and chili powder give the skillet a warm, slightly smoky Mexican-inspired flavor. For a stronger kick, increase the chili powder or add cayenne pepper.
• Chicken broth: Instead of cooking the rice in water, we use chicken broth to infuse extra savory flavor. To control the sodium content, use reduced-sodium or homemade broth.
• Shredded cheese: Mexican blend cheese adds a mild, melty finish that ties the flavors together. For a bolder flavor, try sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack.
• Fresh toppings: Top the dish with chopped tomato and sliced green onions for brightness and color. You could also include diced avocado, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapenos or a squeeze of lime for extra zing.

Directions

Step 1: Brown the chicken

Toss the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large cast-iron or heavy skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and saute until golden brown, about two minutes total. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t worry about cooking the chicken all the way through at this stage—you just want it to get a nice golden color to build flavor. It’ll finish cooking as the rice simmers.

Step 2: Build the rice and bean base

In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the rice and saute for one to two minutes, just until lightly browned.

Stir in the beans, diced tomatoes, seasonings and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 3: Cook the rice

Nestle the browned chicken on top of the rice mixture, but don’t stir it in. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 4: Add toppings and serve

Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, then cover it again and let it stand until the cheese has melted. Top with diced tomato and sliced green onions before serving.​

Editor’s Tip: For extra flavor, squeeze a little fresh lime over the top or add shredded lettuce, jalapenos, or a dollop of sour cream or homemade guacamole.

Chicken Burrito Skillet Variations

• Try a different protein: Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat, or stir in shredded or diced rotisserie chicken toward the end of cooking for a shortcut. You can also brown ground beef, turkey or chorizo for a different meaty flavor.
• Play with the seasoning: For an all-in-one convenient option, replace the individual spices with fajita or taco seasoning.
• Swap legumes: Although black beans are traditional in Tex-Mex dishes, they’re not your only option. Pinto beans, kidney beans and even great northern beans can all work here. You can even substitute the beans with cooked lentils for added bulk.
• Go vegetarian: Leave out the chicken and include an extra can of beans, cubed tofu, tempeh or roasted vegetables for a hearty meatless burrito bowl.
• Make it creamy: Stir a dollop of cream cheese, sour cream or a splash of evaporated milk into the rice and bean mixture for a rich, creamy texture.
• Mix in vegetables: Saute diced bell peppers, onions, zucchini, sweet potatoes or mushrooms with the rice for added texture and nutrition. You can also stir in canned or frozen corn, or toss in a few handfuls of spinach or kale toward the end of cooking.
• Change the cheese: Replace the Mexican blend cheese with pepper jack for extra spice, sharp cheddar for tang or use a blend.
• Experiment with toppings: The sky’s the limit here! Besides tomatoes and green onions, customize your chicken burrito bowl with crunchy sliced radishes, shredded lettuce, salsa, diced avocado or guacamole, pickled red onions, sour cream, spicy mayo, crushed tortilla chips or french-fried onions.

How to Store Chicken Burrito Skillet

Let the chicken burrito skillet cool slightly, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. For the best texture, store fresh toppings like tomatoes and green onions separately and add them after reheating.

Can you freeze this chicken burrito skillet?

Yes, you can freeze this chicken burrito skillet with one small tweak. Cook the chicken, rice and beans according to the recipe, but hold off on adding the cheese and fresh toppings until serving. Let the mixture cool slightly, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to three months.

Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Once warmed through, sprinkle on the cheese and let the residual heat melt it, then add fresh toppings just before serving.

How do you reheat a chicken burrito bowl?

To reheat a leftover chicken burrito bowl, gently warm the rice, bean and chicken mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave it, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the rice looks a little dry, then finish with the cheese and fresh toppings.

Chicken Burrito Skillet Tips

Why is my chicken dry?

Dry chicken is usually the result of overcooking. In this recipe, the chicken is briefly browned at the beginning, then finishes cooking as the rice simmers. If the chicken cooks for too long or at too high a temperature, it can lose moisture and become tough and dry.

To prevent this, brown the chicken only until golden in Step 1; there’s no need to cook it through at that point. Then, nestle it on top of the rice mixture, keep the skillet covered, and maintain a gentle simmer so the chicken cooks through slowly and stays tender.

Can I use pinto beans in this chicken burrito skillet?

Yes! Pinto beans, or any other type of bean you have in your pantry, will work just as well as black beans in this recipe. Pinto beans have a slightly creamier texture and mild flavor that pairs nicely with the seasoned chicken and rice. Simply drain and rinse them before adding to the skillet, just as you would with black beans.

What do I serve with a chicken burrito skillet?

A chicken burrito skillet is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it truly shines paired with lots of fresh toppings and a Mexican-inspired side dish or two. Popular add-ons include diced avocado, guacamole, sour cream or Greek yogurt, salsa or pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, jalapenos, shredded lettuce, crumbled Cotija cheese, a squeeze of fresh lime and hot sauce.

For sides, try warm homemade tortillas or chips for scooping, or serve the skillet with Mexican street corn salad or a simple green salad with cilantro lime dressing. Chips and queso are always a welcome addition to Tex-Mex night.

Watch How to Make Chicken Burrito Skillet

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