Name: Chicken Rice and Black Bean Burritos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; Juice of half a lime; 1 tbsp chili powder; 2 tsp gluten-free flour (optional); 1½ tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp Himalayan salt; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp granulated sugar or sweetener of choice (optional); ½ tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp paprika; ¼ tsp ground black pepper; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper; 1 cup cooked cilantro lime rice (prepared separately); ½ cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped; ½ cup tomatoes, diced; ¼ cup jalapeños, diced; ¼ cup light sour cream; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; Gluten-free corn tortillas; Frank’s RedHot Original Hot Sauce, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 83 reviews

There’s something genuinely comforting and vibrant about the Chicken Rice and Black Bean Burritos Recipe that just hits all the right notes for a satisfying meal. This dish brings together tender marinated chicken, zesty cilantro lime rice, hearty black beans, and crunchy fresh veggies wrapped in warm, gluten-free corn tortillas, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends, these burritos are as wholesome as they are delicious, making them an irresistible option for lunch or dinner that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of cooked white rice mixed with chopped fresh green parsley and small pieces of purple-red onion in a silver pot. The rice grains look soft and separate, with the green parsley leaves and onion bits scattered evenly throughout, creating a fresh and colorful mix. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the right ingredients is key to capturing the essence of this Chicken Rice and Black Bean Burritos Recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding spice, freshness, or that comforting texture. Here’s a simple but essential lineup that ensures every bite bursts with flavor.

Cilantro lime rice: A bright, fragrant base that adds a fresh kick to the burritos.
Gluten-free corn tortillas: Perfect for wrapping everything up while keeping it light and gluten-free.
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The hearty protein that absorbs all the vibrant spices and marinade.
Juice of half a lime: Adds tang and helps tenderize the chicken.
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: For marinating and cooking, lending a rich mouthfeel.
1 tbsp chili powder: Introduces warm, smoky heat that defines the seasoning.
2 tsp gluten-free flour (optional): Helps the dry rub stick to the chicken beautifully.
1½ tsp ground cumin: Earthy warmth that deepens the flavor profile.
½ tsp Himalayan salt: Enhances all the other flavors subtly but powerfully.
½ tsp garlic powder: A savory punch that blends seamlessly into the seasoning.
½ tsp granulated sugar (optional): Just a touch to balance acidity and heat with a hint of sweetness.
½ tsp oregano (dried): Herbal notes that tie the spice blend together.
½ tsp paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and rich color.
¼ tsp ground black pepper: Clean heat to round out the spices.
¼ tsp cayenne pepper: Packs a subtle punch for heat lovers.
½ cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained): Adds protein, fiber, and a creamy texture contrast.
1 cup romaine lettuce (chopped): Crunch and freshness that lighten each bite.
½ cup tomatoes (diced): Juicy bursts of sweetness and acidity.
¼ cup jalapeños (diced): Adds a spicy zing that wakes up the palate.
¼ cup sour cream (light): Creamy coolness that balances spicy flavors.
½ cup cheddar cheese (shredded): Melted cheddar brings richness and a gentle tang.
Frank’s RedHot Original Hot Sauce: Optional for those who love to kick up the heat while eating.

How to Make Chicken Rice and Black Bean Burritos Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing all the dry spices into a blend that will beautifully coat the chicken. Combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and the rest, this homemade taco seasoning creates layers of vibrant flavor. Toss the chicken breasts in olive oil, lime juice, and your seasoning mix, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes, allowing the marinade to soak in and make every bite juicy and flavorful.

Step 2: Cook the Cilantro Lime Rice

While the chicken marinates, prepare the cilantro lime rice separately. This rice provides a fragrant, citrusy foundation for your burritos, enhancing both taste and color. Fresh cilantro and zesty lime juice stirred through perfectly cooked rice make it a star player in this recipe.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Heat up your grill or grill pan on medium-high and cook the marinated chicken for about 4 minutes on each side, adjusting for thickness. The goal is a nice charred exterior with tender, fully cooked meat inside that’s juicy and not dry. After grilling, let the chicken rest briefly before slicing it vertically to maintain tenderness and make it easier to wrap.

Step 4: Assemble the Burritos

If you want, warm your gluten-free corn tortillas in the oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Start layering with a bed of cilantro lime rice, then add sliced chicken, black beans, lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream, and cheese. Be mindful not to overfill — rolling a neat burrito is all about balance! Folding the tortilla from the bottom up, then tucking in the sides, and securing with a toothpick ensures a perfect, portable meal.

Step 5: Store and Enjoy Later

You can wrap any leftover burritos tightly in foil and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This way, you have a quick, flavorful meal ready whenever hunger strikes again.

How to Serve Chicken Rice and Black Bean Burritos Recipe

The image shows an open tortilla wrap with seven visible layers arranged horizontally. The bottom layer is a light brown whole wheat tortilla with a textured surface. On the far left, there is a white creamy sauce spread thinly. Next to it are pieces of cooked golden-brown chicken. Moving right, there is white rice mixed with small bits of green herbs and purple onion pieces. In the center, there is a cluster of black beans forming a dark shiny layer. To the right of the beans, there are chopped light green lettuce leaves mixed with some tomato chunks in red. Finally, on the far right side, there is shredded pale orange cheddar cheese and slices of green jalapeño peppers. The wrap is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your burritos with fresh garnishes that add texture and brightness. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro, an extra squeeze of lime, or a dollop of sour cream can transform the eating experience. For lovers of heat, Frank’s RedHot Original Hot Sauce drizzled on top brings the perfect zing that complements the spices inside.

Side Dishes

Serve your Chicken Rice and Black Bean Burritos Recipe with light and refreshing sides such as a simple maize salad, a crisp cucumber and tomato salad, or even some crisp oven-baked tortilla chips with guacamole. These sides balance the warm, hearty nature of the burritos and add some contrasting crunch and coolness.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress your guests? Slice the burritos in half diagonally to reveal the colorful layers inside. Arrange them on a platter alongside mini bowls of salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for a festive taco bar vibe. Wrapping each burrito in parchment paper or foil before serving adds rustic charm and makes them easy to grab and go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken Rice and Black Bean Burritos Recipe is perfect for meal prep. Once assembled or even separate components, store the burritos or ingredients in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for 3-4 days, making weekday lunches effortless and delicious.

Freezing

If you want to make a larger batch, wrap each burrito tightly in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen burritos can last up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness without the fuss when time is tight.

Reheating

For best results, thaw frozen burritos overnight in the fridge. Reheat wrapped in foil at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until thoroughly warmed. If refrigerated, microwaving for 1-2 minutes wrapped in a damp paper towel works well. This keeps the fillings hot and the tortilla soft.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, and they work just as well with this seasoning and cooking method. Just adjust cooking time accordingly since thighs can be thicker.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes! By using gluten-free corn tortillas and optionally gluten-free flour in the seasoning, this Chicken Rice and Black Bean Burritos Recipe is friendly for those avoiding gluten. Always double-check your spices and ingredients just to be safe.

Can I make the cilantro lime rice ahead of time?

You can, and it’s a great time saver. Prepare the rice a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just warm it up before assembling your burritos so it’s nice and cozy.

What can I substitute if I don’t like jalapeños?

If jalapeños are too spicy or not your thing, try using mild green bell peppers or omit them altogether. You can also add a dash of smoked paprika for flavor without heat.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Swap out the chicken for grilled vegetables or seasoned tofu, and increase the black beans or add other beans like pinto or kidney. The seasoning and rice will still shine, making it just as delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a delicious, colorful, and satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite, you have to try the Chicken Rice and Black Bean Burritos Recipe. It’s flexible, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion, from quick dinners to casual gatherings. Give it a go, and you might just find a new favorite to keep in your regular rotation!

Chicken Rice and Black Bean Burritos Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need