There’s something about the way this high protein chicken burrito comes together that makes it a go-to on busy evenings. I remember one evening last week when I was juggling a few things at once—half listening to a podcast, half avoiding the mess I’d made in the kitchen. The smell of cumin and smoked paprika sizzling in the pan pulled me back. The kitchen was warm and smelled like something cozy but not too heavy. I wasn’t really planning to make burritos that night, but once I tasted the mix of tender chicken, sweet corn, and black beans wrapped in a soft whole wheat tortilla, I knew this would be a repeat for those nights when you want good food without fuss. I might have left a little onion hanging on the cutting board—forgot to clean up right away—but hey, sometimes the best meals come with tiny imperfections.
- Combines protein-packed chicken with fiber-rich beans and brown rice for a balanced, filling meal.
- Brightened with fresh vegetables and cilantro, it’s a fresh-tasting option that doesn’t feel heavy.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just straightforward cooking.
- Whole wheat tortillas add a nutty flavor and extra nutrition, but if you’re in a rush, standard flour tortillas work too.
Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned cook or don’t have a ton of equipment. This recipe doesn’t demand fancy gear—just a skillet and a little patience while the chicken cooks through. It’s great for meal prepping, too, since leftovers keep well and reheat easily for lunches or quick dinners during the week.
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High Protein Chicken Burrito
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A delicious and nutritious high protein chicken burrito packed with lean chicken, black beans, brown rice, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small strips
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
1/2 cup fresh corn kernels
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
4 large whole wheat tortillas (10-inch)
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add chicken strips to the skillet and season with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and no longer pink inside, about 8-10 minutes.
Stir in the black beans, corn kernels, and cooked brown rice. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in chopped cilantro.
Warm the whole wheat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 20 seconds to make them pliable.
Divide the chicken and rice mixture evenly among the tortillas, placing it in the center of each.
Sprinkle each with shredded cheddar cheese and add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt on top.
Fold in the sides of each tortilla and roll tightly to form a burrito.
Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the burrito.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Once you’ve got this burrito down, feel free to experiment a bit. I sometimes swap the cheddar for a sprinkle of pepper jack if I want a little heat, or add a spoonful of guacamole for extra creaminess. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley or even a squeeze more lime can brighten things up just as well. And if you want to keep it lighter, using just a touch of cheese or swapping the Greek yogurt for a dollop of salsa are easy tweaks. Whatever you try, the base of spiced chicken, beans, and rice is a solid, flexible foundation.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast? Absolutely. Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and juiciness but might cook a little differently, so keep an eye on them.
Is it okay to prepare everything ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the chicken and rice mixture in advance and assemble the burritos when you’re ready to eat.
What sides go well with this burrito? A simple green salad or some roasted veggies complement it nicely without stealing the show.
Ready to dive into a filling, flavorful dinner? Give this high protein chicken burrito a try tonight—you might just find your new favorite quick meal.