If you’re craving a vibrant and satisfying meal packed with fresh flavors and a little kick, you’re going to adore this Ground Chicken Burrito Bowls with Corn and Black Bean Salsa and Chili Lime Crema Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of juicy spiced ground chicken, bright salsa, and a creamy zesty drizzle that makes every bite a fiesta for your taste buds.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bursting with Fresh Flavors: The combination of corn, black beans, and fresh lime gives this dish a wonderfully bright and refreshing profile.
  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner: Ready from start to finish in just over half an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings.
  • Customizable and Versatile: Easily tweak ingredients or toppings to suit your mood or dietary needs.
  • Balanced and Nutritious: With protein-packed chicken and wholesome beans, you get a filling, healthy meal in one bowl.
Ground Chicken Burrito Bowls with Corn and Black Bean Salsa and Chili Lime Crema Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a lot of punch. Each contributes to the texture or flavor — from the hearty ground chicken base to the tangy crema that ties it all together.

  • Corn Kernels: Adds sweetness and a satisfying crunch; fresh or frozen works great.
  • Red Onion: Provides a sharp, slightly sweet bite that complements the beans and chicken.
  • Black Beans: A protein and fiber powerhouse, they create a perfect veggie-packed salsa.
  • Fresh Cilantro & Lime Juice: These brighten everything up with zesty, herbaceous notes.
  • Sour Cream & Chili Powder: For making the creamy chili lime crema that adds a cool spiciness.
  • Ground Chicken: Lean and tender, serving as a lighter alternative to beef or pork.
  • Spices like Chili Powder, Cumin, and Garlic Powder: Essential for warming, smoky taco-seasoning flavors.
  • Cooking Oil, Salsa & Water: To cook the chicken evenly and impart that comforting saucy texture.
  • Cooked Rice & Optional Toppings: Like avocado, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips to round out each bowl.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Don’t be shy about putting your own twist on this recipe! Ground Chicken Burrito Bowls with Corn and Black Bean Salsa and Chili Lime Crema Recipe is wonderfully adaptable based on what you have in your kitchen or your personal taste preferences.

  • Vegetarian Version: Swap ground chicken for seasoned tofu crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free bowl just as flavorful.
  • Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the salsa or crema for some extra heat.
  • Grain Alternatives: Use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or farro instead of white rice for varied textures and nutritional boosts.
  • Dairy-Free Crema: Substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt or a cashew cream for a dairy-free option without losing creaminess.

How to Make Ground Chicken Burrito Bowls with Corn and Black Bean Salsa and Chili Lime Crema Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Corn and Black Bean Salsa

Start by combining fresh or thawed corn kernels with finely chopped red onion, rinsed black beans, chopped fresh cilantro, and a good squeeze of lime juice. Add a pinch of salt to make the flavors pop, then set this vibrant salsa aside to let those ingredients meld together beautifully.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Chili Lime Crema

In a small bowl, mix sour cream with lime juice, chili powder, and a touch of honey for sweetness. This creamy, tangy topping is what brings the whole dish together, balancing spice with cool creaminess. Refrigerate it while you cook the rest.

Step 3: Mix Your Taco Seasoning

Combine chili powder, ground cumin, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a seasoning blend. This spice mix will coat the ground chicken, giving it that signature bold and smoky taco flavor that makes these burrito bowls irresistible.

Step 4: Cook the Ground Chicken

Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s just cooked through — about 6 to 8 minutes. Sprinkle your seasoning mix evenly over the chicken, stirring well to coat each bit with flavor.

Step 5: Simmer with Salsa and Water

Pour in water and your choice of salsa, then stir everything to combine. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and continue cooking until all the extra liquid evaporates, leaving behind tender, juicy, well-seasoned chicken.

Step 6: Assemble Your Burrito Bowls

Start with a hearty scoop of cooked rice, top it generously with the spicy ground chicken, and then spoon over the colorful corn and black bean salsa. Finish off with any favorite toppings like avocado slices, fresh tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a good drizzle of that luscious chili lime crema. Don’t forget some crunchy tortilla chips for that satisfying crunch!

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Pro Tips for Making Ground Chicken Burrito Bowls with Corn and Black Bean Salsa and Chili Lime Crema Recipe

  • Even Cooking: Make sure the ground chicken is cooked evenly by breaking it apart gently and stirring frequently to avoid clumps.
  • Seasoning Balance: Adjust the chili powder and lime juice quantities based on your heat and tang preferences — tasting as you go is key.
  • Rest Time for Salsa: Let the corn and black bean salsa sit for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to deepen and meld perfectly.
  • Prevent Soggy Rice: Keep your rice fluffy by fluffing it with a fork before assembling your bowl, so it won’t get mushy under the salsa and chicken.

How to Serve Ground Chicken Burrito Bowls with Corn and Black Bean Salsa and Chili Lime Crema Recipe

Ground Chicken Burrito Bowls with Corn and Black Bean Salsa and Chili Lime Crema Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes elevate this dish — think bright avocado slices for creaminess, chopped tomatoes for juiciness, and shredded cheese melting into every bite. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds color and herbal freshness, while crumbled tortilla chips bring welcome texture and crunch.

Side Dishes

This bowl shines on its own but pairs beautifully with sides like crispy tortilla chips and guacamole or a simple Mexican street corn salad. A light leafy green salad with a lime vinaigrette can also complement the rich, spicy flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve everything family-style with the components in separate bowls and let everyone build their own. Or, use large lettuce leaves or tortillas to wrap the chicken, salsa, and crema for a handheld version. Presentation with colorful bowls and bright garnishes always ups the appetite appeal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover ground chicken, salsa, and crema separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps each component fresh and allows you to quickly assemble bowls for next-day meals without sogginess.

Freezing

Freeze the cooked chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. It’s best not to freeze the salsa or crema since fresh lime juice and sour cream don’t freeze well, but the chicken reheats beautifully.

Reheating

Reheat the frozen or refrigerated chicken on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water to keep it moist, stirring occasionally. Warm rice separately and add fresh salsa and crema when serving for the best flavor experience.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Absolutely! The Ground Chicken Burrito Bowls with Corn and Black Bean Salsa and Chili Lime Crema Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free salsa and check that your spices don’t contain any additives with gluten. It’s a fantastic gluten-free meal option.

  2. Can I use dark meat chicken instead of ground chicken breast?

    Yes! Ground dark meat chicken can be juicier and more flavorful due to higher fat content. Just keep an eye on cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked but still moist.

  3. Is it okay to use canned corn for the salsa?

    Using canned corn works just fine; just drain it well to avoid adding extra liquid that could water down your salsa. Fresh or frozen corn is preferred for texture but canned is a convenient shortcut.

  4. Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

    Definitely! The salsa and chili lime crema can be made a day in advance to let the flavors deepen. The cooked chicken can be made earlier too, making your mealtime stress-free and quick.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Ground Chicken Burrito Bowls with Corn and Black Bean Salsa and Chili Lime Crema Recipe enough when you want a fresh, flavorful, and comforting meal that’s quick to whip up. It’s perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends with minimal effort but maximum taste. Give it a try—you’ll be coming back for seconds!

Print

Ground Chicken Burrito Bowls with Corn and Black Bean Salsa and Chili Lime Crema Recipe

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4.7 from 256 reviews

A flavorful and easy Ground Chicken Burrito Bowl featuring spicy taco-seasoned chicken, a fresh corn and black bean salsa, and a tangy chili lime crema, perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal.

  • Author: Lena
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Units Scale

Corn and Black Bean Salsa

  • 1 cup Corn Kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 Tablespoons finely chopped Red Onion
  • 1 can Black Beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 teaspoons chopped Fresh Cilantro
  • 2 teaspoons Lime Juice
  • Salt to taste

Chili Lime Crema

  • 1 cup Sour Cream
  • 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Honey

Taco Meat

  • 2 teaspoons Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons Cooking Oil
  • 1 pound Ground Chicken
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1/4 cup Salsa (any type)

Serve With

  • Cooked Rice
  • Avocado Slices
  • Chopped Tomatoes
  • Chopped Red Onion
  • Shredded Cheese
  • Tortilla Chips (for crumbling or scooping)

Instructions

  1. Make Corn and Black Bean Salsa: Combine the corn kernels, finely chopped red onion, drained and rinsed black beans, chopped cilantro, and 2 teaspoons of lime juice in a bowl. Add salt to taste and mix well. Set aside to let flavors meld.
  2. Prepare Chili Lime Crema: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, 1 tablespoon lime juice, chili powder, and honey until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Mix Taco Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, ground cumin, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to blend evenly.
  4. Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add cooking oil. When the oil shimmers, add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until just cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  5. Season Chicken: Sprinkle the prepared taco seasoning over the cooked chicken and stir thoroughly, ensuring no dry seasoning remains, about 1 minute.
  6. Simmer Chicken: Pour the water and salsa over the seasoned chicken, stirring well. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the chicken to stay moist.
  7. Finish Cooking: Remove the lid and continue cooking until any excess liquid evaporates, stirring occasionally.
  8. Assemble Bowls: Layer cooked rice in bowls, top with the seasoned chicken and corn-black bean salsa. Add desired toppings like avocado slices, chopped tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips for crunch.
  9. Serve: Drizzle each bowl with the chili lime crema and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn kernels in the salsa depending on availability.
  • Feel free to swap sour cream in the crema with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • Adjust the level of chili powder according to your spice preference.
  • For added freshness, squeeze extra lime juice over the finished bowls before serving.
  • This recipe can be made ahead by preparing components separately and assembling just before serving.

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