why make this recipe
Air Fryer Weight Watchers Chicken Burrito Bowls are a wonderful choice for anyone looking for a healthy and delicious meal. They are packed with protein from the chicken, fiber from the beans, and a variety of nutrients from the colorful vegetables. Plus, cooking them in the air fryer makes the chicken tender and full of flavor without excess oil. This recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick family dinner.
how to make Air Fryer Weight Watchers Chicken Burrito Bowls
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 15 ounces black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (use various colors for a vibrant look)
- 1 cup tomatoes (diced)
- 1/2 cup red onion (diced)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sliced avocado
- Low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage
- Shredded low-fat cheese
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is well coated with the seasoning.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Give the basket a shake halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cooked brown rice or quinoa, black beans, corn kernels, diced bell peppers, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well mixed.
- To assemble the burrito bowls, divide the rice or quinoa mixture among serving bowls. Top each bowl with the air-fried chicken pieces.
- Add your choice of optional toppings, such as sliced avocado, low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt, salsa or pico de gallo, shredded lettuce or cabbage, and shredded low-fat cheese.
how to serve Air Fryer Weight Watchers Chicken Burrito Bowls
Serve your Air Fryer Weight Watchers Chicken Burrito Bowls warm. They are great for lunch or dinner and can be easily adapted to suit personal tastes. Offer a selection of toppings on the side, so everyone can customize their bowls according to their preferences.
how to store Air Fryer Weight Watchers Chicken Burrito Bowls
If you have leftovers, store the burrito bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you separate the chicken from the rice and toppings, it will keep fresh even longer. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer until warmed through.
tips to make Air Fryer Weight Watchers Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Use cooked quinoa for a protein boost and a nutty flavor.
- Adjust the taco seasoning to your taste; add more for spiciness or use a milder variety if preferred.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer for even cooking.
- Consider pre-cooking a big batch of rice or quinoa for quick meal prep during the week.
variation
You can easily make variations by swapping in different proteins, like shrimp or turkey, or use different grains, like couscous or farro. Adding black olives or jalapeños can also spice things up.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw and cut it into pieces before marinating. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, and you can add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add more heat, include diced jalapeños or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the chicken seasoning. You can also use a spicy salsa as a topping.
Weight Watchers Chicken Burrito Bowls
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
For the Bowls
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 15 ounces black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (use various colors for a vibrant look)
- 1 cup tomatoes (diced)
- 1/2 cup red onion (diced)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 lime lime (juiced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Optional Toppings
- Sliced avocado
- Low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage
- Shredded low-fat cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is well coated with the seasoning.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.
Cooking
- Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Give the basket a shake halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Assembly
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cooked brown rice or quinoa, black beans, corn kernels, diced bell peppers, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well mixed.
- To assemble the burrito bowls, divide the rice or quinoa mixture among serving bowls. Top each bowl with the air-fried chicken pieces.
- Add your choice of optional toppings, such as sliced avocado, low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt, salsa or pico de gallo, shredded lettuce or cabbage, and shredded low-fat cheese.