Chipotle Burrito Bowl Recipe

This hearty, vibrant Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl Recipe is made with marinated chicken, cilantro lime rice, and black beans, and ready in 35 minutes. Slicing the juicy, charred chicken and laying it over the steaming rice brings the whole meal together naturally. I always look forward to building these custom bowls for dinner.

Restaurant-Quality At Home

I used to spend a fortune ordering these bowls every week. Recreating the signature marinades at home was surprisingly easy once I figured out the secret ingredient.

My biggest mistake early on was skipping the fresh citrus juice in the rice. Adding a generous squeeze of fresh lime completely transformed the base.

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Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl Recipe Ingredients

Chicken

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Rice & Beans

• 1 cup white rice, cooked
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 15 oz can black beans, rinsed

Toppings

• 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
• 1/2 cup pico de gallo
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream

How To Make Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl Recipe

1. Marinate the chicken: Combine chicken thighs, olive oil, adobo sauce, cumin, and oregano in a bowl, letting it sit for 15 minutes.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
3. Prepare the rice: Toss the warm cooked rice with freshly chopped cilantro and lime juice until well combined.
4. Warm the beans: Heat the black beans in a small saucepan over medium heat for 5 minutes until heated through.
5. Assemble the bowls: Divide the rice and beans among four bowls, top with sliced chicken, lettuce, pico de gallo, cheese, and sour cream.

Recipe Tips

• Marinate longer: Leaving the chicken in the fridge for up to four hours deepens the smoky flavor significantly.
• Rinse the rice: Washing your white rice before cooking prevents a gummy texture in your finished bowl.
• Rest the meat: Let the cooked chicken sit for five minutes before slicing to keep the juices locked inside.

What To Serve With Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Serve these hearty bowls with a side of crispy tortilla chips and homemade guacamole for dipping. A cold glass of sparkling water or a classic margarita cuts through the rich, spicy flavors perfectly.

How To Store

Keep the warm ingredients and cold toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat the chicken, rice, and beans in the microwave before adding your fresh lettuce and salsa.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs stay juicier when cooked at higher heat. If using breasts, watch closely to prevent drying out.

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the chicken for fajita veggies or extra beans, and add a scoop of fresh guacamole.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken and rice?

You can freeze the chicken and rice in airtight containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition

• Calories: 650 kcal
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 125mg
• Sodium: 950mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 55g
• Protein: 38g