DIY Chicken Burrito Bowl

I am posting this recipe tonight at the request of some Facebook friends!  Apparently my status update struck a chord!  This is my recipe (if you could call it that) for  ”Do It Yourself” Burrito Bowls – a healthier, less expensive option than Chipotle’s Burrito Bowls.

You can customize them with whatever you have in the fridge or whatever you’re in the mood for, and you can make them vegetarian (hat tip to my Veggie friend, Jen S.!)   These come together in a matter of minutes and make a perfect post-gym dinner with lots of protein, veggies, and good carbs.  Here is my basic recipe – change it up to suit you!

DIY Burrito Bowls

Serves 3-4

1 package of organic boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces and seasoned with Mrs. Dash Southwest Chipotle or (our favorite) Pork Barrel BBQ Spice Rub.  Another option: Trader Joe’s Carne Asada or Pollo Asada.

Brown rice, cooked

1-2 Red, orange or yellow bell peppers, sliced

1 medium yellow or white onion, sliced

1 Avocado, sliced

Light sour cream

Salsa (less than 200 mg sodium per serving if you’re watching sodium intake)

Olive oil

1. Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet over medium high heat and cook seasoned chicken until done.  Set aside.

2. In a clean pan, saute sliced peppers and onions in a little olive oil until soft and starting to brown.   For more flavor, add 1/4 tsp. or so of Pork Barrel BBQ Spice Rub.

3. While peppers and onions are cooking, prepare brown rice.  You can make it from scratch, but I find the Trader Joe’s frozen brown rice to be a HUGE time saver.  It’s $2.99 for a box (3 bags per box) and it only takes 3 minutes to cook in the microwave.  It’s really good rice!

4. Build the base of your Burrito Bowl: I do about 1/3 c. of brown rice on the bottom, topped with lots of chicken, then the peppers and onions.  Top with salsa (I love Trader Joe’s Pineapple Salsa), a couple slices of avocado, and a dallop of light sour cream.  Secret Agent Man likes to add a tablespoon or two of shredded colby jack cheese to his!

Other recommended ingredients: corn, black beans, cilantro, tomatoes.