How to Make the Perfect Chipotle Burrito Bowl
Mexican-American · Medium · 50 min · 4 servings
This homemade Chipotle burrito bowl brings together perfectly seasoned cilantro lime rice, smoky black beans, and juicy grilled chicken all topped with fresh pico de gallo. Every component is made from scratch to match the bold, fresh flavors of the beloved fast-casual chain.
Why this recipe works
This Chipotle Burrito Bowl recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 50 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 710 calories with 42g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs marinated in chipotle peppers and adobo sauce
- 2 cups long grain white rice
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 4 tbsp fresh lime juice divided
- 0.5 cup fresh cilantro chopped divided
- 2 cups fresh pico de gallo
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Cilantro Lime Rice
Cook white rice according to package directions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in 2 tablespoons of lime juice, half the chopped cilantro, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 2: Grill the Chipotle Chicken
Remove chicken thighs from the chipotle marinade and grill over medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes per side until charred and cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes then slice or chop into bite sized pieces.
Step 3: Warm the Black Beans
Combine black beans with a pinch of cumin, garlic powder, salt, and remaining lime juice in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat for 5 minutes until warmed through and fragrant.
Step 4: Build the Bowl
Layer cilantro lime rice in each bowl as the base. Add portions of chipotle chicken and black beans side by side. Top generously with pico de gallo and finish with remaining fresh cilantro, sour cream, or guacamole if desired.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- chicken thighs → steak or sofritas for different protein options
- white rice → cauliflower rice for a lower carbohydrate option
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the resting time after grilling the chicken which causes all the juices to run out when cut
- Under-seasoning the rice since it needs adequate salt and lime juice to taste like the restaurant version
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 710 calories, 42g protein, 82g carbs, 18g fat, 12g fiber.
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