Easy Chicken & Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl Recipe

I love meals that are simple, filling, and packed with flavor—and this Chicken & Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl checks all the boxes.

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It’s hearty enough to keep me satisfied through the busiest days but still light enough to fit perfectly into a keto or low-carb lifestyle.

I enjoy making this burrito bowl for lunch because it’s quick to prepare and easy to pack up for work or meal prep. You can also try these keto lunch recipes for busy work days.

If you’re looking for a healthy, protein-packed bowl that’s low in carbs but big on taste, this is definitely a recipe you’ll want to try.

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Quick Recipe Info

Feature	Details
Calories	~310 per serving
Protein	~28g
Carbs	~8g (net carbs ~6g)
Fat	~18g
Gluten-Free	✅ Yes
Keto-Friendly	✅ Yes
High-Protein	✅ Yes
Vegan	❌ No (contains chicken & cheese)
Dairy-Free	❌ No (can be made dairy-free by skipping cheese)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

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• Low-carb and keto-friendly while still hearty and filling
• Packed with lean protein from chicken for lasting energy
• Cauliflower rice keeps it light but still satisfying
• Quick to make—ready in about 25 minutes
• Perfect for meal prep and work lunches
• Colorful, fresh, and loaded with flavor
• Customizable with your favorite toppings and garnishes

Ingredients to Make Chicken & Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl

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To make this burrito bowl, you only need a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one brings flavor, texture, and nutrition to the dish, making it both satisfying and healthy. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
  Chicken breast is lean, high in protein, and the star of this recipe. You can cook it fresh or use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• 2 cups cauliflower rice
  Cauliflower rice is the low-carb base that keeps this burrito bowl keto-friendly. It has a mild flavor and soaks up seasonings beautifully.
• ½ cup bell peppers, chopped
  Bell peppers add crunch, sweetness, and color. They’re also rich in vitamin C and make the dish more vibrant.
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  These add freshness and juiciness to balance the hearty chicken and cauliflower rice.
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  A sprinkle of cheese brings creamy richness and a comforting burrito-style flavor.
• 1 tbsp olive oil
  Used for cooking the chicken and cauliflower rice, olive oil adds healthy fats and keeps everything tender.
• 1 tsp chili powder or taco seasoning
  This gives the dish its signature Tex-Mex flavor. Adjust the spice level to your liking.
• 1 avocado, sliced
  Avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats that make the bowl more filling and satisfying.
• Salt and pepper to taste
  Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Optional garnish: fresh cilantro, lime wedges
  These bright garnishes add freshness and a burst of flavor that makes the burrito bowl taste complete.

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Steps to Make Chicken & Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl

This burrito bowl comes together in just a few easy steps. Each component is simple to prepare, and once combined, you’ll have a colorful, flavorful meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

If you don’t already have cooked chicken, season fresh chicken breast with chili powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, dice or shred it into bite-sized pieces. Cooking it this way ensures juicy, flavorful chicken that forms the protein-rich base of your burrito bowl.

Step 2: Cook the Cauliflower Rice and Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, then toss in the cauliflower rice. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender but not mushy. Add the chopped bell peppers and cook for another 2–3 minutes. This step not only gives you a light, fluffy rice substitute but also infuses it with sweet, colorful peppers for extra crunch and nutrition.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked chicken and halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet with the cauliflower rice mixture. Stir gently so all the flavors mix while keeping the vegetables fresh and vibrant. Heating everything together for a minute or two ensures the dish is warm and well blended.

Step 4: Assemble the Burrito Bowl

Transfer the mixture into a serving bowl or meal prep container. Top it with shredded cheddar cheese so it melts slightly over the warm ingredients. Add sliced avocado for creaminess, then finish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if you like. This final step gives the bowl its burrito-style appeal—colorful, hearty, and ready to eat.

Serving Suggestions

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The beauty of this Chicken & Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl is how versatile it is—you can enjoy it in so many ways depending on your mood or occasion. Here are a few tasty serving ideas:

• As a lunch or dinner bowl – Enjoy it as a hearty, stand-alone meal that’s satisfying and balanced with protein, healthy fats, and fresh veggies.
• With low-carb sides – Pair it with keto-friendly extras like guacamole, salsa, or cauliflower chips for a Tex-Mex–style feast.
• Make it a burrito wrap – If you’re not strictly keto, you can spoon the mixture into a whole-wheat or low-carb tortilla for a handheld option.
• Turn it into a party platter – Serve the chicken, cauliflower rice, veggies, and toppings separately so everyone can build their own burrito bowl at a family dinner or gathering.
• Top it with extras – Add jalapeños, sour cream, or hot sauce for more flavor and spice, depending on your taste.

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Meal Prep Tips: Can We Make Chicken & Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl in Advance?

Yes, this burrito bowl is perfect for meal prep, which makes it an excellent choice for busy weekdays. Preparing it in advance ensures you always have a healthy, protein-packed meal ready to go. Here’s how you can do it:

• Cook the chicken ahead of time – Grill, bake, or pan-sear your chicken breasts, then dice or shred them. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Prepare the cauliflower rice mixture – Cook the cauliflower rice and bell peppers, then let them cool before refrigerating. This keeps the texture firm and prevents sogginess.
• Keep toppings separate – Store avocado slices, shredded cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges in small containers and add them fresh when assembling to keep everything vibrant and flavorful.
• Assemble daily or portion into containers – You can either store all components separately and combine right before eating or portion complete bowls into meal prep containers (adding avocado and cheese just before serving).
• Freezer option – The chicken and cauliflower rice can be frozen in portions for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when ready.

This way, you can meal prep the whole week in about 35–40 minutes, and daily packing will only take 2–3 minutes.

Tips and Tricks

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Getting the most flavor and best texture out of this dish is all about small details. Here are some simple but effective tips:

• Use leftover chicken – If you have cooked chicken from another meal, shred it and use it here to save time. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
• Dry the cauliflower rice – If using frozen cauliflower rice, let it thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water. This keeps the “rice” fluffy.
• Season generously – Don’t be afraid to add extra spices like cumin, paprika, or garlic powder. This gives the dish a bolder, Tex-Mex flavor.
• Cook veggies briefly – Keep the bell peppers slightly crisp by sautéing them only for a few minutes. This adds texture and freshness.
• Top just before serving – Add avocado, cheese, and fresh herbs right before eating so they stay vibrant and creamy.
• Meal prep smartly – Store wet ingredients (like tomatoes and avocado) separately from the rice and chicken to avoid sogginess.

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Variations of Chicken & Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl

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One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can tweak it to match your diet, taste preferences, or whatever you have on hand. Try these fun variations:

Spicy kick – Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder for a spicier version.

Cheese lovers – Use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or queso fresco for a gooey, rich topping.

Veggie-loaded – Toss in extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for more nutrients and color.

Seafood swap – Replace chicken with shrimp or grilled fish for a lighter but equally delicious protein option.

Vegetarian twist – Skip the chicken and add black beans, tofu, or tempeh while keeping the same seasonings.

Breakfast burrito bowl – Add scrambled eggs and a sprinkle of crumbled bacon to turn this into a hearty low-carb breakfast.

Creamy upgrade – Stir in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and tang.

Storage Instructions

This burrito bowl stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerator – Store the chicken and cauliflower rice mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep fresh toppings like avocado, cheese, and cilantro separate to add just before serving.
• Freezer – The chicken and cauliflower rice base can be frozen in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing avocado or fresh tomatoes, as their texture won’t hold up well.
• Avocado tip – To prevent avocado from browning, slice it fresh before eating or toss it lightly with lime juice if prepping ahead.

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Can We Reheat Chicken & Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl?

Yes, you can easily reheat this burrito bowl, but only the cooked parts. Here’s how:

• Stovetop – Reheat the chicken and cauliflower rice mixture in a skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Microwave – Place the mixture in a microwave-safe bowl, cover lightly, and heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Important – Always add toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, cilantro, and lime juice fresh after reheating. This keeps the textures crisp and flavors bright.

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Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower rice?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture.

2. What’s the best chicken to use?
Grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken all work. Leftovers are perfect for saving time.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

5. Can I add beans?
If you’re not strict keto, black beans or pinto beans can be a tasty, filling addition.

6. How do I keep the avocado fresh?
Slice just before eating, or toss in lime juice to slow browning.

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Conclusion

This Chicken & Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowl is the kind of recipe that makes healthy eating exciting.

It’s colorful, packed with protein, low in carbs, and full of Tex-Mex flavors that never get boring.

Whether you enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, it’s a quick and nourishing option that fits perfectly into keto, low-carb, and gluten-free lifestyles, just like Cauliflower Fried Rice.

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy days, this burrito bowl is the answer. Try it once, and it might just become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. 🌯🥑