Easy Taco Bowl Recipe

Serves 4

Try out this flavorful veggie and protein-packed taco bowl recipe for your next family meal, and get your kids to help. When kids are a part of mealtime prep and decisions, they are more likely to try the food offered.

Based on your child's age and skill level, get them involved by letting them:

  • Pour and mix the homemade taco seasoning spices together.
  • Mix the beans and salsa before warming.
  • Create their own bowl by scooping up the foods they want to try.
  • Chop the bell peppers (supervised, with a child-safe knife).

Download a print-friendly version of the easy taco bowl recipe.

In this article:

Graphic illustration of our easy chicken taco bowl with ingredients falling into the bowl

Taco bowl ingredients

Serves 4

  • 1 packet of reduced-sodium taco seasoning, or try our homemade taco seasoning
  • 1/4 cup lime juice or water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 16-oz. uncooked chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 medium onion, sliced into strips
  • 1 bell pepper (color of choice), sliced into strips
  • 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3/4 cup of your favorite salsa
  • 4 cups mixed lettuce greens
  • 2 cups rice, cooked
  • 1 cup corn, cooked
  • Optional toppings: avocado, cheese, tomatoes, salsa, plain Greek yogurt (in place of sour cream)

Safety note: If serving grape or cherry tomatoes to children younger than 4 years of age cut them in quarters to reduce choking risk.

Taco bowl cooking directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together taco seasoning, lime juice and olive oil. Add chicken, onions and peppers. Stir until coated.
  3. Arrange seasoned chicken, onion and peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350° F for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the black beans and salsa. Heat in the microwave* for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
  5. Remove chicken, onions and peppers from the oven.
  6. Build your bowl:
    • 1 cup lettuce greens
    • 1/2 cup warmed rice
    • 1/4 cup warmed bean mixture
    • 1/2 cup chicken mixture
    • 1/4 cup corn sprinkled on top with any additional toppings of choice

* You can also warm the beans and salsa on the stovetop instead of in a microwave. If you heat on the stovetop, add 1/2 to 3/4 cup water to account for evaporation.

Taco seasoning ingredients and directions

This taco seasoning recipe makes the equivalent of about 5 packets of store-bought taco seasoning.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 3 tablespoons cumin
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons ground smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander (or oregano)
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper

Directions

  • Combine ingredients.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months in the pantry.

Taco bowl nutrition facts

See below for the nutrition facts for 1 serving of the taco bowl (toppings and taco seasoning not included).

1 serving (about 1 1/2 cups):

Calories: 485
Protein: 37 grams
Carbohydrates: 60 grams
Fiber: 12 grams
Fat: 11 grams

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