Easy One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls are not only delicious but also offer several health and nutritional benefits. Here are some of them:
1. High in Protein: Chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, maintaining muscle mass, and supporting a healthy immune system.
2. Balanced Macronutrients: One-pot chicken burrito bowls typically include a combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. This balance of macronutrients helps provide sustained energy and keeps you feeling satisfied.
3. Fiber-Rich: Ingredients like beans, brown rice, and vegetables in the burrito bowls provide a good amount of dietary fiber. Fiber aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
4. Vitamins and Minerals: Depending on the specific ingredients used, one-pot chicken burrito bowls can be a great source of various vitamins and minerals. For example, vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, and avocados offer vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and folate.
5. Antioxidant-Rich: Many ingredients found in burrito bowls, such as onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and chili powder, contain antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
6. Customizable and Nutrient-Dense: You can customize the toppings and ingredients to suit your preferences and nutritional needs. Adding a variety of colorful vegetables can increase the nutrient density of the dish, providing a range of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.
7. Portion Control: One-pot chicken burrito bowls allow you to control portion sizes, making it easier to maintain a healthy balance of calories and nutrients.
Remember, the specific health benefits and nutritional profile of your burrito bowls will depend on the ingredients you use and the cooking methods employed. Aim for a variety of vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
Easy One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls
This is wonderful and sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts,
diced into bite sized pieces
3 tablespoon of olive oil
1/4 cup of diced yellow onion
1 cup of uncooked extra-long grain rice
1-14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes, drained
1-15oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
1 teaspoon of cumin
2-1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups of colby jack, monterey jack or cheddar cheese
kosher salt and pepper
freshly diced tomatoes
diced green onions
sour cream
guacamole
Directions
Start by sautéing onions in 2 tablespoon of olive oil until they start to soften. Season diced chicken with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Add chicken to pan and cook over medium high heat until chicken has started to brown.
Move chicken to one side of pan, in the other side of the pan add an additional tablespoon of olive oil and sauté uncooked rice for about 2 minutes or just until some grains start to turn golden brown. Stir in black beans, canned tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic powder, chili powder and cumin.
Bring to a simmer, cover and reduce heat to low.
Cook about 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Sprinkle with cheese, recover and let set for 2-3 off heat to melt cheese. Garnish with fresh tomatoes, green onions, sour cream and guacamole.
Here are some tips for making Easy One-Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls:
1. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for a leaner option. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
2. Sauté the chicken in a small amount of oil or cooking spray until it’s cooked through and slightly browned. This will add flavor and texture to the dish.
3. Add a variety of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, corn, and tomatoes. This not only adds flavor but also provides additional nutrients and visual appeal.
4. Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients. You can also use cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative.
5. Choose healthier toppings like sliced avocado, Greek yogurt (as a substitute for sour cream), salsa, chopped cilantro, or lime wedges. These toppings add freshness and flavor without excessive calories.
6. Season the dish with spices like cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for a flavorful Mexican-inspired taste. Adjust the spices according to your preference and desired level of heat.
7. Consider adding black beans or pinto beans for additional protein and fiber. Rinse canned beans thoroughly before adding them to reduce sodium content.
8. Use low-sodium chicken broth or make your own broth to control the amount of salt in the dish. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice or a dash of vinegar to enhance the flavors.
9. To save time and effort, use a large skillet or a Dutch oven for cooking all the ingredients in one pot. This minimizes cleanup and allows the flavors to meld together.
10. Customize your burrito bowls by letting everyone add their preferred toppings at the table. This makes it a fun and interactive meal for family or guests.
Remember, these tips are just guidelines, and you can adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious one-pot chicken burrito bowls!