I’ve shared salads in a jar before, and I know how much you love them. This Chicken Burrito Bowl takes that same convenient idea and turns it into a colorful, filling meal that’s easy to make ahead.

If your family enjoys Mexican grill-style bowls and salads, this is a fun way to create them at home. Prepare several jars at once and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’re perfect for an easy lunch, a quick dinner, or a meal you can take with you.

Here’s the recipe

Create a Burrito Bowl Bar

You can certainly set out all the ingredients and let everyone build their own burrito bowl. It’s an easy option when you’re feeding your family or having guests over.

But layering the ingredients in Mason jars lets you prepare individual meals ahead of time. They also look so pretty with all those colorful layers!

Chicken Burrito Bowl Ingredients

Use your favorite amounts of:

• Lightened-up cilantro ranch dressing
• Lime juice, if it isn’t already in your dressing
• Avocado
• Bell peppers
• Cooked quinoa
• Cooked black beans
• Corn, canned or frozen
• Tomatoes
• Lettuce or other greens
• Cooked chicken
• Grated cheddar cheese, optional
• Crushed tortilla chips, optional

If quinoa isn’t your thing, cooked brown rice makes a great substitute. You can also use kale, spinach, or another sturdy green in place of the lettuce.

How to Layer a Burrito Bowl in a Jar

Start by spooning the cilantro ranch dressing into the bottom of your jar.

Next, add the avocado. The lime juice in the dressing will coat the avocado and help keep it from browning as quickly.

Now you’re ready to build your layers. Add the heartier ingredients first so they stay close to the dressing and don’t make your greens soggy:

1. Bell peppers 
2. Cooked quinoa or brown rice 
3. Black beans 
4. Corn 
5. Tomatoes 
6. Lettuce or other greens 
7. Cooked chicken

For an especially pretty jar, gently press the beans, corn, and tomatoes against the sides as you add them. You’ll be able to see each colorful layer through the glass.

Finish with the lettuce and chicken at the top, then seal the jar and refrigerate it.

Make-Ahead Tips

These chicken burrito bowls can be prepared up to three days ahead. When you’re ready to eat, empty everything into a bowl and toss it together so the dressing coats all the ingredients.

Another option is to cook and slice your chicken ahead of time, divide it into individual packets, and freeze it. Pull out a packet on the day you plan to assemble or serve your bowl.

For a little something extra, top your burrito bowl with grated cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips just before eating.

A Quick Meal for Busy Days

These chicken burrito bowls are colorful, satisfying, and easy to customize for different preferences. Make a few at the beginning of the week for quick meals, or prepare an extra one to share with someone who could use a ready-to-eat lunch or dinner.

Would your perfect burrito bowl include quinoa or brown rice?