This Low Carb Burrito Bowl is a bright, satisfying meal you can make in minutes. It balances savory, creamy, and fresh flavors — warm seasoned chicken, tender cauliflower rice, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado. The bowl smells like toasted olive oil and cilantro and has a mix of soft and crisp textures. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep option.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 380 kcal
- Protein: 31 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
Why Make This Low Carb Burrito Bowl
This bowl gives you all the familiar burrito flavors without the tortilla or heavy carbs. It’s quick to make, full of protein and healthy fats, and packs fresh textures. Cauliflower rice keeps the dish light and slightly nutty. The warm chicken adds savory depth, while avocado and cilantro bring creaminess and brightness. It’s a great way to eat clean while still enjoying bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
How to Make Low Carb Burrito Bowl
Make this bowl in under 20 minutes. Prep your vegetables and heat the chicken. Layer the cauliflower rice, then pile on chicken, beans (if using), tomatoes, and avocado. Finish with cheese, salsa, and cilantro. The result is flavorful, colorful, and filling without heavy carbs.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cauliflower rice
- 1 cup cooked chicken (or ground beef/turkey)
- 1/2 cup black beans (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Prepare your ingredients first. Dice the tomatoes and avocado. Measure the cauliflower rice and shred the cheese if needed. If your chicken is cold from the fridge, let it sit a few minutes so it heats evenly. Have the black beans drained and ready if you use them.
Step 2: Mixing
Place the cauliflower rice in a serving bowl. If you prefer it warm, briefly microwave it for 30–60 seconds or sauté it for 1–2 minutes in a dry pan. This gives it a softer texture and a mild roasted scent.
Step 3: Cooking
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked chicken and season with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken until it’s heated through and slightly crisped at the edges, about 3–5 minutes. The smell should be warm and savory.
Step 4: Finishing
Top the cauliflower rice with the hot chicken, black beans (if using), diced tomatoes, and avocado. Sprinkle shredded cheese and spoon salsa over the top. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately while warm and fragrant.
How to Serve Low Carb Burrito Bowl
Serve warm in individual bowls. Add lime wedges for a bright squeeze of acid. Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a fuller meal. For parties, set up a build-your-own bowl station with extra toppings like sliced jalapeños, sour cream, or pickled onions. The contrast of warm chicken and cool avocado is especially satisfying.
How to Store Low Carb Burrito Bowl
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep salsa and avocado in separate small containers when possible to preserve texture. Reheat the chicken and cauliflower rice in a skillet over medium heat until hot, then add fresh toppings. Do not freeze avocado or assembled bowls; frozen avocado becomes mushy. You can freeze cooked chicken (without avocado or salsa) for up to 3 months.
Expert Tips for Perfect Low Carb Burrito Bowl
- Use warm chicken: Heating the chicken until slightly crisp adds texture and aroma.
- Keep avocado fresh: Toss diced avocado with a little lime juice to slow browning.
- Make cauliflower rice better: Sauté it briefly with a pinch of salt for a nuttier flavor.
- Control carbs: Omit the black beans or replace them with roasted bell peppers for fewer carbs.
- Season boldly: Taste and add extra salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime to brighten flavors.
- Cheese choice: Use Monterey Jack or cheddar for melting; cotija adds salty crumble.
- Meal prep: Store components separately (rice, protein, toppings) for best texture through the week.
Delicious Variations
- Beef or Turkey: Swap chicken for seasoned ground beef or turkey for a richer bowl.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or chipotle in adobo for heat.
- Mexican Street Corn Twist: Stir in a little mayo, lime, and chili powder to the cauliflower rice.
- Dairy-Free: Skip cheese or use a dairy-free shredded cheese and a squeeze of lime.
- Shrimp Bowl: Sear shrimp in garlic and chili flakes for a lighter seafood version.
- Sheet-Pan Style: Roast cauliflower rice and protein together with spices for one-pan ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make this bowl completely keto?
Yes. To make it keto, omit the black beans and use extra avocado or a higher-fat cheese. Keep cauliflower rice, protein, and healthy fats. This lowers net carbs while keeping fullness. -
Is canned black beans okay to use?
Yes, but rinse them well under cold water to remove excess sodium. For lower carbs, skip them or use a smaller amount. Canned beans add convenience and fiber. -
Can I use raw chicken?
If you use raw chicken, cook it fully in the skillet until no pink remains and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cut raw chicken into small pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly. -
How do I keep the cauliflower rice from being watery?
If using fresh cauliflower rice, squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel or paper towels before cooking. Lightly sautéing it also evaporates extra water and improves texture. -
What’s the best way to reheat this bowl?
Reheat the cauliflower rice and chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add fresh avocado and salsa after reheating. Avoid microwaving avocado whole; it changes texture. -
Can I meal prep this for the week?
Yes. Store cauliflower rice and protein in separate airtight containers. Keep fresh toppings like avocado and salsa in small containers and add them just before eating for best texture. -
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes. Leave out spicy elements and dice ingredients smaller. Kids often enjoy the cheese and mild seasoned chicken with rice.
Conclusion
This Low Carb Burrito Bowl is quick, flavorful, and easy to adapt. It delivers savory chicken, fresh tomatoes, creamy avocado, and bright cilantro in every bite. Try it for a fast weeknight dinner or batch cook for lunch prep. For another excellent low-carb twist and extra inspiration, check out That Low Carb Life’s keto burrito bowl. Give this bowl a try — it’s simple, tasty, and ready in minutes.
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Low Carb Burrito Bowl
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- Author: alicia
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A bright, satisfying meal with warm seasoned chicken, tender cauliflower rice, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or healthy meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cauliflower rice
- 1 cup cooked chicken (or ground beef/turkey)
- 1/2 cup black beans (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients first. Dice the tomatoes and avocado. Measure the cauliflower rice and shred the cheese if needed. If your chicken is cold from the fridge, let it sit a few minutes so it heats evenly. Have the black beans drained and ready if you use them.
- Place the cauliflower rice in a serving bowl. If you prefer it warm, briefly microwave it for 30–60 seconds or sauté it for 1–2 minutes in a dry pan.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked chicken and season with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken until it’s heated through and slightly crisped at the edges, about 3–5 minutes.
- Top the cauliflower rice with the hot chicken, black beans (if using), diced tomatoes, and avocado. Sprinkle shredded cheese and spoon salsa over the top. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately while warm and fragrant.
Notes
Add lime wedges for a bright squeeze of acid. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Do not freeze avocado or assembled bowls.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 70mg





