This high protein chicken burrito bowl is the easiest way to build a satisfying, balanced meal that actually keeps you full. Made with seasoned chicken breast, rice, beans, and a creamy high-protein cilantro lime sauce, it's perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
You can easily customize this bowl it to fit your goals: keep it classic with rice and beans, or make it low carb by swapping in cauliflower rice and sautéed zucchini without sacrificing flavor.
If you're trying to hit your protein goals without overthinking your meals, this bowl does all the work for you.
Why This Chicken Burrito Bowl Works
This isn't just another burrito bowl. It's designed to help you stay full, energized, and on track.
- High protein from chicken breast + cottage cheese + Greek yogurt
- Balanced with carbs, fiber, and healthy fats
- Meal prep friendly (stores beautifully)
- Customizable based on your goals (low carb, higher carb, etc.)
I've been eating this burrito bowl on repeat and never get bored. When I have everything prepped and ready to go it's so easy to assemble for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Taco seasoning - use this easy recipe or buy it store bought
- Cooked rice (white or brown)
- Black beans, drained and rinsed
- Corn (fiesta corn adds even more flavor!)
- Pico de gallo - you can make your own or buy it store bought. Store bought will be less fresh but it really is a time saver!
High Protein Cilantro Lime Crema:
- Cottage cheese
- Greek yogurt
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime juice
- Garlic
- Salt
How to Make a Chicken Burrito Bowl
1. Cook the chicken
Season the chicken breast with taco seasoning and bake in the oven until cooked through. This cooking method gives the juiciest chicken!
2. Make the crema
Blend the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and salt until smooth and creamy. You may need to thin the sauce with a little water so it will blend more easily.
3. Assemble the bowls
Start with a base of rice, then layer:
- Chicken
- Black beans
- Corn
- Pico de gallo
Drizzle generously with the cilantro lime crema.
How Much Protein Is in This Burrito Bowl?
This bowl can easily hit 50 grams of protein per serving, depending on your portions.
Simple ways to boost protein:
- Add extra chicken
- Use more crema (it's packed with protein and low in calories!)
- Reduce rice slightly if you want a higher protein ratio
This is an easy way to hit your 20-30g protein per meal goal from my Strong Start Challenge.
Ways to Customize Your Burrito Bowl
Make it work for your goals:
Low Carb Option:
- Swap rice for cauliflower rice - use this homemade option or buy store-bought in the freezer section of the grocery store.
- Replace the black beans with sautéed zucchini for a lower carb alternative
- Add shredded lettuce or fajita veggies
Higher Protein:
- Double the chicken
- Add shredded cheese or extra Greek yogurt as a sour cream alternative
Flavor Boost:
- Add avocado or guacamole
- Sprinkle with chili flakes or hot sauce
Meal Prep Tips
This recipe is perfect for prepping ahead:
- Store ingredients in separate containers or assembled bowls
- Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Add the crema just before serving for best results
Tips for the Best Flavor
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy
- Use fresh lime juice for the crema - it makes a big difference!
- Don't skip salt in the sauce - even though cottage cheese is salty, a little extra salt is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chicken burrito bowl low carb?
Yes! To make this a low carb chicken burrito bowl, swap the rice for cauliflower rice and replace the black beans and corn with sautéed zucchini. You can also add shredded lettuce or fajita vegetables to keep it filling and flavorful.
How much protein is in a chicken burrito bowl?
This high protein chicken burrito bowl can have almost 50 grams of protein per serving, depending on your portions. Adding extra chicken or more of the high-protein crema will increase the protein even more.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, chicken thighs work great and will give you juicier and more flavorful chicken. Chicken breast is leaner and higher in protein, so choose based on your preferences.
Is this good for meal prep?
This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Store the components in airtight containers for up to 4 days. For best results, keep the sauce separate and add it just before serving.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese in the crema?
If you don't want to use cottage cheese, you can use all Greek yogurt. The sauce will still be creamy, but slightly lower in protein.
How do I make this dairy free?
To make this dairy free, skip the crema and use guacamole or a dairy-free cilantro lime sauce instead.
More High Protein Dinner Ideas
If you liked this, you'll love:
Recipe Card
High Protein Chicken Burrito Bowl (Easy Meal Prep, Low Carb Option)
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 ⅓ cups canned corn
- 1 ⅓ cups canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
- Pico de gallo
- ½ cup 2% cottage cheese
- ½ cup plain non fat greek yogurt
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- juice of 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic
- salt to taste
- water to thin sauce
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350F and line a sheet tray with parchment paper or foil. Place the chicken breasts on the lined sheet tray and season with the taco seasoning. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
- While the Chicken is baking, make the crema. Add all ingredients to a blender jar and blend until smooth. If the mixture is struggling to blend, add a little bit of water to help it along.
- Assemble the bowls: add ½ cup cooked rice, ⅓ cup corn, and ⅓ cup black beans to a bowl. Top with ¼th of the cooked chicken. Drizzle a couple tablespoons on top. Finish with a big spoonful of pico de gallo.
Jackie says
The chicken and crema were both so good!