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Looking for a hearty yet delicious meal that's perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings? These chicken taco bowls packed with pinto beans and rice are just what you need! Follow our detailed steps to create these flavorful and nutritious meals.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 3 cans (15 oz each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Sour cream, diced tomatoes, lettuce
#### Tools:
- Large skillet or deep saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or fork
- Cutting board and knife
- Taco shells or bowls for serving
### Step-by-Step Guide:
#### 1. **Preparation (5 minutes)**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
#### 2. **Cooking the Chicken (10 minutes)**
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook until fully cooked through and no longer pink inside, about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and let it cool slightly. Then, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
#### 3. **Cooking Beans and Vegetables (10 minutes)**
- In the same skillet, add diced onions and red bell pepper to the remaining oil.
- Cook until the vegetables are soft and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the pinto beans and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
#### 4. **Assembling the Bowls (10 minutes)**
- Warm the tortillas on a skillet or microwave.
- Divide the cooked rice into each bowl or taco shell.
- Top the rice with shredded chicken, pinto beans, and diced vegetables mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
#### 5. **Baking (10 minutes)**
- Place the bowls in a preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
#### 6. **Serving Suggestions**
- Garnish with diced tomatoes, lettuce, or sour cream if desired.
- Serve immediately while everything stays warm!
### Tips for Perfect Chicken Taco Bowls:
- For a spicier flavor, increase the chili powder to taste.
- To save time, use pre-cooked rice and pre-shredded chicken.
- Experiment with other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms if you want to add variety.
By following these steps, you can easily prepare a nutritious and flavorful meal that's both satisfying and impressive. Enjoy your homemade chicken taco bowls!