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

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
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 1.5 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 low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to a boil over high heat.
- 7
Add the brown rice to the boiling broth, stir once, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes.
- 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 nonfat 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 brown 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 with no added sugar.
- 16
Garnish with 0.25 cup shredded cheddar cheese, minced jalapeño if desired, and additional fresh cilantro before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 cups long-grain white rice | 2 cups brown rice | Brown rice has 3x the fiber, more nutrients, and a lower glycemic index for better blood sugar control |
| 3.5 cups regular chicken broth | 3.5 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth | Reduces sodium intake by ~30% without sacrificing flavor |
| 2 tbsp olive oil | 1.5 tbsp olive oil | Reduces calories by ~45kcal while maintaining the essential cooking function and flavor |
| 1 cup Greek yogurt + implied sour cream toppings | 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt | Nonfat Greek yogurt saves ~80 calories per serving while providing more protein and probiotics for gut health |
| 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese | Reduces 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 sugar | Reduces added sugars by ~30-40% and keeps salsa as a flavor accent rather than a calorie contributor |
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 625 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 72g |
| Fiber | 14g |
| Protein | 48g |