American dinner

Healthier Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Healthier Chipotle burrito bowl with brown rice, reduced cheese & oil. Same smoky flavors, 25% fewer calories.

Prep: 30 minCook: 50 minTotal: 80 minServes 4625 cal

Health Scores

Gut Health8/10
Anti-Inflammatory8/10
Blood Sugar Control8/10
Healthier Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1.5 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 brown rice
  • 3.5 cups low-sodium 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
  • 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (reduced from 2 cups)
  • 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 0.75 cup fresh salsa (no added sugar)
  • 2 avocados, sliced
  • 1 jalapeño, minced (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. 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. 2

    Heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

  3. 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. 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. 5

    Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into bite-sized pieces.

  6. 6

    In a medium pot, bring 3.5 cups of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to a boil over high heat.

  7. 7

    Add the brown rice to the boiling broth, stir once, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes.

  8. 8

    Remove the pot from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes to absorb any remaining liquid.

  9. 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. 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. 11

    In a small bowl, combine the nonfat Greek yogurt with the juice of half a lime and a pinch of salt to create a creamy dressing.

  12. 12

    Assemble each bowl by starting with 0.75 cup of cilantro-lime brown rice as the base.

  13. 13

    Top the rice with the sliced seasoned chicken, then add a portion of the warm bean and corn mixture.

  14. 14

    Add a handful of diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh avocado slices to each bowl.

  15. 15

    Drizzle the lime-seasoned Greek yogurt over the top and add 2-3 tablespoons of fresh salsa with no added sugar.

  16. 16

    Garnish with 0.25 cup shredded cheddar cheese, minced jalapeño if desired, and additional fresh cilantro before serving.

Variations & Substitutions

IngredientSubstituteNotes
2 cups long-grain white rice2 cups brown riceBrown rice has 3x the fiber, more nutrients, and a lower glycemic index for better blood sugar control
3.5 cups regular chicken broth3.5 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable brothReduces sodium intake by ~30% without sacrificing flavor
2 tbsp olive oil1.5 tbsp olive oilReduces calories by ~45kcal while maintaining the essential cooking function and flavor
1 cup Greek yogurt + implied sour cream toppings1 cup nonfat Greek yogurtNonfat Greek yogurt saves ~80 calories per serving while providing more protein and probiotics for gut health
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese1 cup shredded cheddar cheeseReduces saturated fat by 50% and calories by ~220 per serving while maintaining cheesy flavor in each bite
1 cup fresh salsa (unspecified sugar content)0.75 cup fresh salsa with no added sugarReduces added sugars by ~30-40% and keeps salsa as a flavor accent rather than a calorie contributor

Nutrition Information

Per serving (serves 4)

Calories625
Total Fat14g
Carbohydrates72g
Fiber14g
Protein48g