Name: Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican/Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 cup uncooked long grain rice; 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 2-1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend; 1 medium tomato, chopped; 3 green onions, chopped

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 14 reviews

There is nothing quite like the comforting satisfaction of a Chicken Burrito Skillet to brighten up any weeknight dinner. This dish is a vibrant celebration of flavors, colors, and textures, where tender chicken pieces mingle with hearty rice, beans, and a blend of warm spices—all cooked together in one skillet for maximum ease and deliciousness. Whether you’re craving something cozy or looking for a crowd-pleaser, this Chicken Burrito Skillet brings that perfect balance of smoky, cheesy, and fresh tastes in every bite.

Chicken Burrito Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Chicken Burrito Skillet plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that will make your taste buds sing. The simplicity of wholesome staples like chicken, rice, and beans combines with spices and fresh veggies to keep the dish vibrant and satisfying.

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-1/2 inch pieces for quick and even cooking.
1/8 teaspoon salt: A pinch to enhance all the other flavors.
1/8 teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overpowering.
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Helps brown the chicken and toast the rice, creating an irresistible aroma.
1 cup uncooked long grain rice: Provides a fluffy, tender base that soaks up all the delicious juices.
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained: Offers a creamy texture and a boost of protein and fiber.
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained: Adds a tangy burst and vibrant color to the skillet.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Infuses a smoky warmth essential for that classic burrito flavor.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a subtle sweetness that deepens the flavor profile.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A perfect punch of savory goodness without the fuss.
1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a mild heat, rounding out the spice blend beautifully.
2-1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist while enhancing richness without excess salt.
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melted on top for gooey, melty indulgence.
1 medium tomato, chopped: Freshness to finish and brighten each serving.
3 green onions, chopped: Adds a crisp, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.

How to Make Chicken Burrito Skillet

Step 1: Prep and Brown the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken pieces with salt and pepper to season them evenly. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat, and sauté the chicken until browned on all sides—this should take about two minutes. Browning seals in the juices and builds flavor, so don’t skip this step. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to keep warm.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Using the same skillet, pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toast the uncooked rice over medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes. This toasting step brings out the rice’s nutty aroma and adds a wonderful depth that will shine through in the final dish.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Now stir in the rinsed black beans, drained diced tomatoes, and the aromatics—cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and chili powder. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. The mix of spices and broth creates that signature Chicken Burrito Skillet flavor, simmering to a perfectly seasoned base.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook Through

Carefully place the browned chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture—don’t stir them in just yet. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer gently for about 20 to 25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. This quiet simmer lets flavors meld beautifully without overcooking.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese and Add Fresh Toppings

Remove the skillet from the heat, sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top, then cover again and let it stand until the cheese melts into gooey goodness. Finally, finish the dish with fresh chopped tomatoes and green onions for a refreshing, colorful contrast that really brings this Chicken Burrito Skillet to life.

How to Serve Chicken Burrito Skillet

Garnishes

Adding the right garnishes can elevate this dish from simple to spectacular. Fresh cilantro leaves, a dollop of sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice perfectly complement the smoky and cheesy base. These toppings add brightness and balance that awaken every bite.

Side Dishes

Keep sides light and complementary to let the Chicken Burrito Skillet shine. A crisp green salad with avocado slices or a side of crunchy tortilla chips with salsa can add texture and contrast, turning your meal into a festive feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this skillet with warm tortillas on the side, allowing everyone to scoop their favorite combination and roll it up burrito-style. Alternatively, offer a build-your-own burrito bowl experience by plating the skillet over lettuce and inviting guests to add toppings as they please.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Chicken Burrito Skillet, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor upon reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your Chicken Burrito Skillet gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If it looks a bit dry, splash in a little chicken broth to restore moisture and keep the rice fluffy and tender.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of long grain white rice?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to increase the simmering time and possibly add a bit more broth to ensure it cooks through.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra black beans or cooked vegetables like bell peppers and corn. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavors balanced.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this skillet?

Using pre-cooked chicken can save time, but add it towards the end of cooking just to warm through so it doesn’t become dry.

How spicy is the Chicken Burrito Skillet?

This recipe uses mild chili powder, so it has a gentle warming kick but isn’t too spicy. You can adjust the heat level up or down according to your preference by adding more or less chili powder or including fresh jalapeños.

What type of skillet is best for making this dish?

A cast-iron skillet is ideal because it distributes heat evenly and retains warmth well, but any heavy-bottomed skillet will work perfectly fine for this recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Burrito Skillet is one of those heartwarming dishes that feels like a big cozy hug after a busy day. It brings together simple ingredients into a colorful and flavorful meal that’s easy to make and hard to resist. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try and find it as delicious and satisfying as I do—it quickly becomes a favorite around the table. Happy cooking and even happier eating!