Why You’ll Love this Mexican Burrito Bowl
If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this Mexican Burrito Bowl is about to become your new best friend.
I’m talking protein-packed goodness with shredded chicken and beans, all nestled on a bed of crisp lettuce.
What makes it perfect? Customization. Don’t like cilantro? Skip it. Want extra guacamole? Go for it.
The beautiful blend of textures—creamy goat cheese against hearty beans—creates a satisfying mouthfeel with every bite.
And cleanup? Minimal. One bowl, zero stress. Isn’t that what weeknight cooking should be about?
What Ingredients are in Mexican Burrito Bowl?
Creating a Mexican Burrito Bowl at home is all about combining fresh, wholesome ingredients that hit every flavor note from savory to zesty.
I love this recipe because it delivers restaurant-quality taste without requiring any hard-to-find ingredients. Most of these items are probably already hanging out in your pantry or fridge, waiting to be transformed into something special.
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup kidney beans
- 1/2 cup black beans
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 2 tablespoons goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons cilantro
- 2 tablespoons guacamole or avocados
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters, especially for the protein and produce.
Try to find organic chicken if your budget allows, and ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure. For the beans, canned varieties work perfectly fine—just remember to rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
And while the recipe calls for goat cheese, which adds a wonderful tangy creaminess, you could certainly substitute with cotija or even a sharp cheddar if that’s more your style.
The beauty of burrito bowls is their flexibility, so don’t hesitate to make adjustments based on what you have available.
How to Make this Mexican Burrito Bowl
Making a Mexican Burrito Bowl couldn’t be easier—it’s basically an assembly job that even the most kitchen-challenged among us can master.
First, you’ll want to make sure your 1 cup of chicken is properly cooked and shredded. I like to season my chicken with a bit of cumin and chili powder beforehand, though this isn’t strictly necessary if you’re short on time or spices. For the most flavorful results, consider searing your chicken in a cast iron dutch oven which provides excellent heat retention and even cooking.
Once your protein is prepped, the real beauty of this recipe reveals itself: there’s no actual cooking required for assembly! Simply start with a base of 1 cup shredded lettuce in your bowl. This creates a fresh, crunchy foundation that balances the heartier ingredients.
Next, arrange your 1/2 cup kidney beans and 1/2 cup black beans (drained and rinsed, of course) on top of the lettuce. Add your shredded chicken, then spoon 1/4 cup of salsa over everything—this acts as your dressing and adds that essential Mexican flavor profile.
Finish by sprinkling 2 tablespoons of goat cheese for creaminess, 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro for that distinctive herbal note, and 2 tablespoons of guacamole or sliced avocado for richness.
And there you have it—a complete meal in a bowl that’s as nutritious as it’s delicious. Don’t you love recipes where the hardest part is just deciding which bite to take first? For a truly elevated breakfast version, try using eggs instead of chicken and prepare them using luxury breakfast appliances for restaurant-quality results at home.
Mexican Burrito Bowl Substitutions and Variations
While the classic Mexican Burrito Bowl recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, one of its greatest strengths is its flexibility.
I can’t think of a more adaptable dish.
Try swapping chicken for ground beef, tofu, or shrimp. Not a fan of kidney beans? Double up on black beans instead. Cotija or feta cheese works beautifully in place of goat cheese, and pico de gallo can stand in for salsa.
Feeling adventurous? Add corn, diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Want to go grain-free? Cauliflower rice makes a wonderful base.
What to Serve with Mexican Burrito Bowl
A burrito bowl’s self-contained nature doesn’t mean it can’t benefit from some thoughtful accompaniments.
I love pairing mine with crispy tortilla chips for scooping and dipping—they add that satisfying crunch factor that’s sometimes missing from the bowl itself.
A simple lime-infused water or Mexican horchata provides the perfect beverage pairing, cutting through the rich flavors.
And don’t forget about sides! A small corn salad with cotija cheese or some quick-pickled red onions can elevate the entire meal experience.
Need something sweet afterward? Cinnamon-dusted churros or fresh mango slices balance out the savory notes perfectly.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of Mexican burrito bowls lies in their incredible versatility and personalization potential. I can’t think of many dishes that let you express yourself quite so deliciously. Don’t like cilantro? Skip it. Prefer more beans? Pile ’em high.
The simple combination of fresh ingredients creates something that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
What I love most is how this humble bowl transforms ordinary pantry staples into something special. It’s economical, nutritious, and endlessly adaptable to whatever you have on hand.
Isn’t that what good cooking is all about? Making the most of simple ingredients in delightful ways.
