The Chicken Burrito Bowl from Chipotle features tender, marinated grilled chicken served over a bed of cilantro-lime rice, black beans, fresh pico de gallo, creamy guacamole, and shredded cheese, offering a vibrant and satisfying blend of savory and zesty flavors in every bite.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Saucepan
- Rice cooker (optional)
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving bowls
- Spoon or spatula
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (for beans)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for beans)
- 2 cups fresh pico de gallo
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 large ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for guacamole)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (for guacamole)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for guacamole)
When preparing your Chicken Burrito Bowl, use boneless, skinless chicken breast marinated with a balanced mix of adobo sauce, lime juice, and a variety of spices like cumin and smoked paprika for authentic flavor. Fresh ingredients such as cilantro, ripe avocados, and fresh pico de gallo are key to achieving the vibrant, zesty taste reminiscent of Chipotle's signature bowl. Ensure the rice is cooked perfectly and tossed with lime juice and cilantro to complement the smoky, savory elements of the dish. Black beans should be seasoned with cumin and salt for an additional depth of flavor. Your Chicken Burrito Bowl copycat menu will capture the same satisfying blend of savory and fresh tastes that Chipotle is known for.
Instructions
- Marinate chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, adobo sauce, lime juice, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (preferably longer).
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken: Place marinated chicken on grill and cook until thoroughly cooked, about 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove and let rest before slicing.
- Prepare rice: Rinse long-grain white rice until water runs clear. Combine rice and water (according to package directions) in a saucepan or rice cooker. Cook until tender. Fluff with fork.
- Make cilantro-lime rice: Stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice into cooked rice. Set aside.
- Prepare black beans: In a skillet or sauté pan, combine drained black beans, ground cumin, and salt. Warm over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Make guacamole: In a mixing bowl, mash avocados with diced red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt until well combined.
- Slice grilled chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble bowls: Add a bed of cilantro-lime rice to each serving bowl.
- Top rice with black beans, sliced grilled chicken, fresh pico de gallo, shredded cheese, and a generous scoop of guacamole.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Chicken Burrito Bowl from Chipotle copycat menu captures the authentic flavors of marinated grilled chicken paired with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, and cheese. You can substitute chicken breast with boneless thighs for juicier meat and a more tender bite. If you lack a grill or grill pan, a skillet or saute pan is an excellent alternative for cooking the chicken evenly. Canned black beans can be replaced with pinto beans or homemade beans if preferred, and fresh lime juice can be swapped with bottled juice in a pinch. When making guacamole, ripe avocados are essential; if unavailable, adding a small amount of sour cream can help mimic the creamy texture.
Tips
When marinating your chicken, make sure to coat each piece evenly and allow sufficient time--at least 30 minutes--for the flavors to penetrate deeply. Use a meat thermometer to verify the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (75degC) to ensure it is safely cooked through without drying out. Rinse the long-grain white rice thoroughly until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which prevents clumping and yields a fluffier cilantro-lime rice. When assembling your bowl, adding guacamole last helps maintain its creamy texture and vibrant color on your Chicken Burrito Bowl.
Nutritions
The Chicken Burrito Bowl from Chipotle provides a balanced nutritional profile rich in protein from the marinated grilled chicken and black beans, supporting muscle repair and growth. It contains healthy fats primarily sourced from ripe avocados and olive oil, which promote heart health and satiety. The inclusion of cilantro-lime rice and fresh pico de gallo adds complex carbohydrates and vitamins like vitamin C, enhancing energy levels and immune function. Your meal also delivers essential minerals such as calcium and iron from shredded cheese and beans, contributing to bone strength and oxygen transport in the body.
Storage
Store leftover chicken burrito bowl components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Refrigerate the rice, black beans, grilled chicken, and pico de gallo for up to 3-4 days, while guacamole is best consumed within 1-2 days to avoid browning. When reheating, warm the chicken and rice thoroughly in a skillet or microwave, and add fresh guacamole before serving to preserve flavor and texture for your next meal.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap boneless chicken breasts for thighs to enhance moisture and flavor in your burrito bowl. Try cooking rice with chicken broth instead of water for a richer base. Substitute cheddar cheese with crumbled queso fresco or cotija for a tangy twist. For a spicy kick, mix jalapeno slices into the pico de gallo or add chipotle peppers in adobo to the guacamole.
Allergies
The Chicken Burrito Bowl contains common allergens such as dairy from shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese and potential cross-reactivity with spices like cumin and chili powder. Black beans and avocados may trigger mild allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially those with legume or latex allergies respectively. Review the ingredient list carefully to ensure Your allergies are considered when enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
Chipotle's Chicken Burrito Bowl stands out for its combination of tender, marinated chicken, perfectly seasoned rice, fresh beans, and vibrant, customizable toppings that create a satisfying, flavorful meal. The bowl's balanced mix of protein, grains, and vegetables appeals to health-conscious consumers without sacrificing taste. Making a copycat version allows you to control ingredient quality and seasoning, tailoring it specifically to your preferences. Your homemade bowl offers the same crave-worthy taste with the added benefit of customization and freshness.