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Easy Freezer-Friendly Chicken Burrito Bowls: Best Make-Ahead Meal!

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These freezer-friendly chicken burrito bowls are the ultimate make-ahead meal, ready in minutes from the freezer with perfectly reheated rice, juicy chicken, and bold flavors. Perfect for busy nights, they’re simple, customizable, and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (jasmine recommended)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)
  • Optional toppings: sour cream or Greek yogurt, diced avocado, hot sauce, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Cook the rice according to package directions, but undercook it by 2-3 minutes (just shy of fully tender). Fluff with a fork and let cool slightly.
  2. Pat the chicken dry. In a small bowl, mix cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest 5 minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces. Toss with lime juice.
  4. While chicken rests, drain and rinse black beans. Drain corn if using canned. Chop cilantro if using now.
  5. Assemble bowls in freezer-safe containers in this order: bottom layer rice (1/2 cup), black beans (1/4 cup), corn (2 tablespoons), diced chicken (1/2 cup), salsa (2 tablespoons), shredded cheese (1/4 cup, if using). Leave 1/2 inch space at top.
  6. Seal containers tightly. Label with date and contents. Cool completely in fridge before freezing flat. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  7. To reheat: Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway. Add 1 tablespoon water or extra salsa before microwaving for best texture. Alternatively, bake at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 20-25 minutes.
  8. Serve topped with fresh cilantro, lime wedge, and optional toppings like sour cream, avocado, hot sauce, or crushed tortilla chips.

Notes

Under-cook the rice slightly to prevent mushiness when reheating. Don’t add extra liquid; salsa provides enough moisture. For best texture, let ingredients cool to room temperature before assembling. Flavors improve after a week in the freezer.

Nutrition

Keywords: freezer meal, burrito bowl, chicken burrito bowl, meal prep, make-ahead, freezer-friendly, chicken and rice, black beans, easy dinner

Find it online: https://livelybite.com/easy-freezer-friendly-chicken-burrito-bowls-best-make-ahead-meal/