Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, prep all your ingredients to make the process smooth and efficient. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, chop the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out the spices. Drain and rinse the black beans and set aside the other canned and frozen ingredients.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s lightly browned on all sides. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish cooking with the rice. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 4: Toast the Rice and Add Spices

Add the uncooked rice to the pan with the onions and garlic. Stir to coat the rice in the oil and toast it for 1-2 minutes, which enhances its flavor. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper, stirring to evenly distribute the spices.

Step 5: Add the Liquids and Veggies

Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, and corn. Stir everything together to combine. Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture.

Step 6: Simmer and Cook the Rice

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes (or 30-35 minutes for brown rice), or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Avoid removing the lid during this time to ensure even cooking.

Step 7: Fluff and Serve

Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to finish steaming. Fluff the rice with a fork, mixing in the chicken and vegetables.

Step 8: Add Toppings and Enjoy

Serve the burrito bowl warm, topped with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, sour cream, and lime wedges. For added crunch, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top or serve them on the side for dipping.