Taco Bell‑Inspired Power Bowls at Home: A Family‑Friendly, Meal‑Prep Win

If you’re looking for a delicious, protein‑packed, and easy‑to‑customize lunch or dinner option for your family, this DIY Taco Bell Power Bowl is an absolute must‑try! Not only is it a fun, colorful, and kid‑friendly dish, but it’s also a budget‑friendly way to feed a hungry family — and it works beautifully for meal prep too.

Over the years, I’ve discovered that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. I love making meals that work for the whole family, taste amazing, and can be prepped in advance. These Taco Bell‑Inspired Power Bowls tick all the boxes: protein‑rich chicken, flavorful Mexican rice, creamy sauce, crisp veggies, and savory black beans, all combined into one tasty and customizable bowl.

Better yet, making them at home is much cheaper (and healthier) than grabbing them from the drive‑thru. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love These DIY Power Bowls

✅ Budget‑Friendly: Making your own version at home can save a lot compared to buying individual bowls.
✅ Customizable for the Whole Family: Everyone can pick their favorite toppings, making it ideal for picky eaters.
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep: Assemble ahead of time for lunches throughout the week.
✅ Better Ingredients: You control the quality, making it ideal for families focusing on nutrition.
✅ Full of Flavor: These bowls are inspired by the popular Taco Bell Power Bowl, so you get that crave‑worthy taste, minus the drive‑thru.

What You Need

Here’s a quick list of ingredients to make about 4–6 bowls:

- 3 Chicken Breasts (cubed)
- Taco Seasoning Mix (buy a packet or make your own)
- Mexican Rice (Knorr Fiesta Sides, Goya Mexican Rice, or any brand you like)
- Shredded Cabbage (a crisp base that doesn’t lose its texture when stored)
- Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese
- Black Beans (canned or homemade)
- Taco Bell Avocado Ranch Sauce (or any sauce you like)

How to Make These Power Bowls

1. Cook the Chicken
Cube the chicken breasts and sauté them in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the taco seasoning mix and a splash of water, cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This step is quick and adds a delicious kick of flavor.

2. Cook the Mexican Rice
While the chicken is cooking, prepare your rice. I like using Knorr Fiesta Sides or Goya Mexican Rice for convenience, but any brand works well.

Tip: The packet may call for canola oil, but you can substitute olive oil, avocado oil, or even butter for a richer flavor.

3. Assemble the Bowls
If you’re making these for a family dinner, set out the ingredients in separate bowls so everyone can build their own. If you’re meal prepping, use individual glass or plastic storage containers. Here’s how I like to layer mine:

- Mexican rice at the base
- Chicken pieces on top
- Black beans
- Shredded cabbage for crunch
- Shredded Mexican cheese
- A drizzle of sauce (Taco Bell Avocado Ranch, hot sauce, or salsa)

Tips for Making This Recipe Kid‑Friendly

If you have picky eaters, you can make small adjustments:
✅ Let your kids build their own bowls from the ingredients.
✅ Offer a mild sauce option (like plain sour cream or shredded mild cheddar).
✅ Serve tortilla chips on the side so your kids can scoop and eat.

Why This Is Perfect for Meal Prep

If you want lunches for the week, this recipe is ideal:
✅ Store each component (rice, chicken, beans, sauce, and shredded veggies) in separate containers in the fridge.
✅ Assemble bowls as needed throughout the week.
✅ Store pre‑made bowls in airtight containers for 3-4 days.
✅ Switch up the sauce to create a new flavor every day. Try hot sauce one day, creamy avocado sauce the next, or a zesty salsa!

Final Thoughts: A Win‑Win for Busy Families

Feeding a busy family doesn’t have to be a challenge. These DIY Copycat Taco Bell Power Bowls make it easy to stay on track with nutrition while enjoying bold, delicious flavors. They’re simple, customizable, and a fantastic way to save money compared to fast‑food alternatives, making them an ideal addition to any family’s routine.

Try making them for lunch, dinner, or even for the kids’ lunchboxes. They’re a delicious reminder that tasty, wholesome meals can come right from your own kitchen!

If you want to save this recipe for later, be sure to pin this post for quick access. Let us know in the comments how you customize your Power Bowl. We’d love to hear about your favorite sauce or topping ideas!

Nanny to Mommy