Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl
Make restaurant-quality Chipotle burrito bowls at home with this copycat recipe. Spiced chicken, cilantro-lime rice, and fresh toppings in 70 minutes.
Health Scores
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1.5 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups long-grain white rice or brown rice
- 3.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 3 limes, juiced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, finely diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup fresh salsa
- 2 avocados, sliced
- 1 jalapeño, minced (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper, making sure to coat evenly.
- 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- 3
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving them, allowing them to develop a golden crust.
- 4
Flip the chicken and cook for another 6-7 minutes on the second side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.
- 5
Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into bite-sized pieces.
- 6
In a medium pot, bring 3.5 cups of chicken or vegetable broth to a boil over high heat.
- 7
Add the rice to the boiling broth, stir once, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes for white rice or 40 minutes for brown rice.
- 8
Remove the pot from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes to absorb any remaining liquid.
- 9
Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in 1 cup of chopped cilantro and the juice of 3 limes until well combined.
- 10
In a separate pot, combine the drained black beans, pinto beans, corn, and red bell pepper, heating over medium heat for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- 11
In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt with the juice of half a lime and a pinch of salt to create a creamy dressing.
- 12
Assemble each bowl by starting with 0.75 cup of cilantro-lime rice as the base.
- 13
Top the rice with the sliced seasoned chicken, then add a portion of the warm bean and corn mixture.
- 14
Add a handful of diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh avocado slices to each bowl.
- 15
Drizzle the lime-seasoned Greek yogurt over the top and add 2-3 tablespoons of fresh salsa.
- 16
Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, minced jalapeño if desired, and additional fresh cilantro before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White rice | Brown rice or quinoa | Brown rice and quinoa provide more fiber and a lower glycemic index, helping stabilize blood sugar levels throughout the day. |
| Sour cream | Greek yogurt | Greek yogurt contains more protein, probiotics for gut health, and lower fat content while providing the same creamy texture and tangy flavor. |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | Cotija cheese or nutritional yeast | Cotija provides authentic flavor with less saturated fat, while nutritional yeast offers a cheesy umami taste with added B vitamins and reduced calories. |
| Canned beans | Dried beans cooked from scratch | Home-cooked dried beans have significantly lower sodium content and allow control over cooking liquid, reducing bloating and improving digestion. |
| Regular salsa | Fresh pico de gallo or homemade salsa | Fresh versions contain no added sugars or preservatives and provide more enzymes and nutrients for better digestion and inflammation reduction. |
| Corn kernels | Roasted cauliflower or additional bell peppers | This reduces overall carbohydrate load and glycemic impact while maintaining volume and sweetness with fewer blood sugar effects. |
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 710 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 840mg |
| Carbohydrates | 85g |
| Fiber | 11g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Protein | 46g |