1. Gather Ingredients
This zesty Italian Chicken Burrito Bowl is filled with protein-rich goodness! You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs, white rice, red onion, canned black beans, canned sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, olive oil, oregano, basil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. For the dressing, get Greek yogurt, lime juice, and honey.
Now let’s go over each ingredient in more detail:
Chicken
Chop one boneless, skinless chicken breast into small cubes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet with two tablespoons of olive oil on medium-high. Put in the chicken cubes. Stir occasionally for around seven minutes. Until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Place the cooked cubes onto a plate.
Now you can prepare the other ingredients!
Olive oil
For this Zesty Italian Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe, light or mild olive oil is the oil of choice. Extra-virgin olive oil is usually preferred, but this time it’s light or mild. Olive oil adds flavor, richness and helps keep the ingredients moist. Use enough olive oil to lightly coat all the ingredients without going overboard on the fat.
Garlic
Garlic is a flavor-booster used in many cultures. It tastes pungent, savory and sharp. Raw garlic is milder than cooked. Fry, roast or cook it in hot oil for 2-3 minutes to bring out its sweeter, nuttier flavor. Or puree it with herbs like parsley or cilantro to make dips or dressings.
Garlic is great added to recipes like this Zesty Italian Chicken Burrito Bowl. It enhances the other ingredients like tomatoes, onion, chicken breasts and bell pepper. Plus, when mixed with spices such as oregano and ground mustard, it creates an Italian flavor profile that makes the dish even more delicious!
Red onion
Red onion is also known as purple onion. It has a sweet and mild onion taste, when cooked. It’s an important part of the Zesty Italian Chicken Burrito Bowl. It adds color, flavor and crunch. You can find red onions at grocery stores or farmer’s markets, all year round. You can eat red onion raw or cooked in many dishes.
When buying red onions, look for bulbs that are firm. Check for dry skin, no soft spots, bruises or splits. To ready it for cooking, briefly rinse under cool water. Pat down with a paper towel. Peel off the topmost layer of skin (optional). Cut into thin slices or cubes to add to your dish!
Bell pepper
Bell peppers can be eaten raw or cooked in many dishes. They’re available all year and come in green, red, yellow and orange. These are an amazing source of vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin B6 and folate.
When buying, get peppers that are firm and brightly coloured. Avoid any that have soft spots or blemishes. Store them in a cool, dry place for up to 5 days for crispness. If you plan to use them in a day, keep them in the fridge, either loosely wrapped or in a bag. Otherwise, they’ll soften fast.
Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning is a mix of dried herbs that adds flavor to dishes like pizza, pasta, and casseroles. Typical ingredients are oregano, basil, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, and sage. It can be bought pre-mixed or made at home.
When combining herbs, remember some are more flavorful than others. Garlic is intense, so some cooks avoid it. But it gives a boost to certain recipes.
Salt
Salt is a must in the Zesty Italian Chicken Burrito Bowl! It maximizes the natural tastes of the other ingredients. But, be careful with the salt! Too much can be bad. It’s best to use no more than ¼ teaspoon of salt per serving. That’s up to ½ to 1 teaspoon total for 4 servings.
Black beans
Black beans are packed with protein, folate, magnesium and potassium! They also have benefits like reducing the risk of heart and cancer diseases, improving digestion and boosting your immune system – plus they’re full of dietary fiber.
For the Zesty Italian Chicken Burrito Bowl, black beans bring a delicious flavor. Cook ’em with garlic and olive oil and add oregano, thyme or basil for extra zest. For more nutrition, throw in diced tomatoes or bell peppers while cooking.
Corn
Corn is a must-have in the Zesty Italian Chicken Burrito Bowl. The sweetness of charred corn pairs perfectly with the rosemary-garlic chicken. It adds a crunch to each bite and more texture to the dish. Plus, the dish has fresh Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes for flavor.
To add corn, preheat the grill to 375°F (medium-high heat). Place the ears of corn on paper towel. Rub lightly with olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Grill the ears over medium-high heat until lightly charred, 10–12 minutes. Take off heat, cool, then cut the kernels into a bowl. Now you’re ready to add this awesome ingredient to your burrito bowl!
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are great for zesty Italian chicken burrito bowls. This plant grows in Central and South America and has been eaten for centuries. It has lots of antioxidants and health benefits.
Tomatoes come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. From cherry tomatoes to beefsteak tomatoes. They add color and cut down cooking time. You can use canned or fresh tomatoes. Cooked down, roasted, diced, or crushed. Tomatoes add an Italian flavor and lots of vitamins and minerals.
Avocado
Avocado is a key ingredient in the Zesty Italian Chicken Burrito Bowl. This veggie is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Plus, it adds texture.
To prepare, peel and discard the skin, then dice it into small cubes. Use ripe avocados for their creamy taste and texture. Once diced, add to your burrito bowl ingredients. Mash slightly with a fork or spoon, if desired. This will add more flavor while still keeping the crunchy texture.
Cilantro
Cilantro is an herb with a vibrant, distinctive flavor. It’s perfect for Mexican and Asian dishes, and adds a zesty touch to the Zesty Italian Chicken Burrito Bowl. It’s easy to find in most supermarkets as cut leaves or dried flakes.
Cilantro is great as a garnish on salads or tacos. It also works in sauces, salsas, chutneys and pestos. The herb pairs well with garlic, onions, tomatoes, peppers, olive oil, lime juice and vinegar – all ingredients in the Zesty Italian Chicken Burrito Bowl!
2. Preparation
Prepare a zesty Italian Chicken Burrito Bowl in no time! Gather these ingredients: boneless skinless chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, parsley, olive oil, rice, and burrito seasoning.
- Cut the chicken into small cubes and slice the tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, and parsley.
- You now have a delicious meal ready in under an hour!
Preheat oven to 375°F
Crank your oven to 375°F! It’s essential – your chicken, rice, and veggies need a hot oven to cook properly. So, preheat the oven before you start prepping. That way, you can slide your cooked ingredients in the oven as soon as they’re ready.
Don’t forget to turn it on at least 20 minutes before baking – that way it’ll be hot and ready when you start cooking.
Cut chicken into cubes
Gather the marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix. Cut chicken into cubes or strips, season with salt and pepper. Put in the marinade, then refrigerate for 1-8 hours.
Heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken cubes until golden, 8-10 minutes. Do this in batches if needed.
Serve with cilantro, green onions, tomatoes, cheese, and tortillas. Enjoy!
Heat olive oil in a skillet
Heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet on medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breast. Fry it until both sides are golden and cooked through.
Take it off the heat and let it cool. Then slice the chicken into thin strips, about ½ inch thick.
Add garlic, onion, bell pepper and Italian seasoning
Once the chicken is cooked, add garlic, onion and bell pepper. Fry until they’re soft and lightly golden. Mix in Italian seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste. Let this combo cook for a few minutes. The Italian seasoning gives an amazing flavor that turns this dinner from normal to out of this world!
Cook chicken until golden brown
For the perfect Chicken Burrito Bowl, brown the chicken. Coat with Italian herbs and spices. Salt and pepper it. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add oil, butter, or cooking spray. Place chicken in single layer. Let cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes. A golden-brown crust should form. Flip and turn down heat to medium. Internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F. Use a thermometer to check. Now you’re ready to assemble your burrito bowl!
Add salt and black beans
Once you have added all the ingredients to the chicken and tomato mix, it’s salt and black bean time. Add 2 teaspoons of sea salt to the mix, stir it through. Then, 1 can of drained and rinsed black beans. This will give extra flavor to the Zesty Italian Chicken Burrito Bowls. Mix everything together good.
Split into single serve bowls for your family. Enjoy!
Add corn and tomatoes
Cook the chicken and bell peppers. Then add corn and tomatoes. Cook ’til warm. Tomatoes should be soft but still in shape. Corn needs to be heated. If needed, add a teaspoon of water to steam the vegetables rather than fry.
Once done, turn off heat. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer to a baking dish
Cook the chicken, onions and garlic. Place them in a baking dish. Dot butter around the chicken. Sprinkle with Italian-style breadcrumbs. Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25 minutes, until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. Before serving, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 15 minutes
Get the ingredients in a bowl and mix ’em up. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Cover the bowl with aluminum foil and place it in the middle of the oven. Bake for 15 minutes. If you’re using frozen chicken, it might take 20-25 minutes. Check if it’s done by cutting into one piece. If it’s not pink inside, it’s cooked!
3. Assembly
This zesty Italian chicken burrito bowl is bursting with flavor! Veggies, a speedy dressing, and chili oil make this dish tasty and satisfying. Prep the ingredients to make it fast.
Here’s how: Break down the assembly process.
Place chicken and vegetables in a bowl
Ready to assemble your Zesty Italian Chicken Burrito Bowl? Start by prepping the ingredients. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet. Cook 1-1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (cubed or shredded) until fully cooked. Set aside.
Chop or prep veg. Place the cooked chicken in a bowl. Add:
- Bell pepper
- Cucumber
- Cherry tomatoes
- Corn
- Olives
- Parmesan cheese
- Feta cheese
Add other desired toppings like onions or jalapeño peppers. You’re now ready to dress up your burrito bowl!
Top with avocado and cilantro
Spice up your bowl! Top it with diced avocado and chopped cilantro. The avocado’s creaminess and flavor balances the Italian chicken’s zest. Cilantro adds a hint of aroma and earthiness, making it even more delicious. For extra kick, add your favorite hot sauce. Enjoy!
Serve and enjoy!
Grab a bowl and fill it with cooked farro. Then, sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese.
Top it with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, Italian greens, and diced rotisserie chicken.
Spoon equal amounts of prepared pesto over the dish.
For extra flavor, add freshly ground black pepper, crumbled feta cheese or diced avocado.
Add cooked shrimp or grilled veggies for texture and flavor.
Serve in bowls or wrap in warm tortillas for burrito wraps.
Enjoy a delicious, zesty Italian-inspired meal!
