Metabolic Health Chipotle Bowl with Cauliflower Rice & Fermented Toppings
Metabolic health burrito bowl with cauliflower rice, probiotics, turmeric & ginger. Blood sugar stable, gut-healing copycat recipe.
Health Scores

Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tbsp avocado 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 turmeric powder
- 0.5 tsp ground ginger
- 0.5 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 head cauliflower, riced (about 4 cups raw)
- 1 cup organic vegetable or bone broth
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 3 limes, juiced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups raw broccoli florets
- 1 cup raw Brussels sprouts, shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.5 red onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp white miso paste
- 1 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup unsweetened plain Greek yogurt
- 0.5 cup fermented kimchi, chopped
- 2 avocados, sliced
- 3 tbsp raw sauerkraut (unpasteurized)
- 2 tbsp raw pumpkin seeds
- 2 tbsp raw sunflower seeds
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1 jalapeño, minced (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1 tsp raw tahini
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, 2 tbsp lime juice, raw apple cider vinegar, tahini, and 2 tbsp water to create a probiotic-rich dressing. Set aside.
- 2
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, turmeric, ginger, oregano, salt, and black pepper, coating evenly.
- 3
Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- 4
Place seasoned chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving, developing a golden crust.
- 5
Flip chicken and cook for another 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board, rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- 6
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté riced cauliflower in 1 tbsp avocado oil for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to soften and lighten in color.
- 7
Add 1 cup broth to the cauliflower rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until tender but not mushy.
- 8
Fluff with a fork and stir in 0.75 cup fresh cilantro and juice of 2 limes until well combined. Season with sea salt to taste.
- 9
In a separate pot, gently warm the black beans over medium-low heat with the diced red bell pepper for 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally but do not boil, as heat can damage probiotics.
- 10
Divide cauliflower rice base (approximately 1 cup per bowl) among four bowls.
- 11
Top each bowl with 3-4 oz sliced seasoned chicken breast.
- 12
Add a portion of warmed black beans and red bell pepper mixture to each bowl.
- 13
Add a small handful of raw broccoli florets and shredded Brussels sprouts to each bowl for additional fiber and glucosinolates.
- 14
Top with diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh avocado slices.
- 15
Drizzle 3 tbsp of the miso-tahini dressing over each bowl.
- 16
Add 2 tbsp fermented kimchi and 1.5 tbsp raw sauerkraut to each bowl for live probiotics and digestive enzymes.
- 17
Sprinkle 1.5 tsp each of pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds, plus 0.25 tsp ground flaxseed, over the top for omega-3 fatty acids and additional fiber.
- 18
Garnish with minced jalapeño if desired and fresh cilantro before serving. Serve immediately while cauliflower rice is warm and fermented toppings are fresh.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 cups long-grain white rice or brown rice | 1 head cauliflower, riced (about 4 cups raw) | Cauliflower rice is 95% lower in carbs, provides prebiotic fiber, supports blood sugar stability, and reduces glycemic load while maintaining satiety |
| 3.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth | 1 cup organic vegetable or bone broth | Reduced volume needed for cauliflower rice; bone broth provides collagen and amino acids that support gut barrier integrity and reduce inflammation |
| 2 cups corn kernels | 2 cups raw broccoli florets + 1 cup raw Brussels sprouts, shredded | Broccoli and Brussels sprouts provide glucosinolates (anti-inflammatory compounds), higher fiber, lower sugar content, and prebiotic compounds that feed beneficial gut bacteria |
| 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese | 2 tbsp white miso paste mixed into dressing | Miso provides probiotics, enzymes, and umami depth while reducing saturated fat and providing gut-health benefits; eliminates dairy bloating for many |
| 1 cup Greek yogurt plain + 1 cup fresh salsa separate | 1 cup unsweetened Greek yogurt mixed with miso, tahini, lime juice, and apple cider vinegar | Creates a probiotic-rich dressing with healthy fats (tahini), enzymes (ACV), and beneficial bacteria; tahini adds omega-3s and mineral density |
| 1 cup fresh salsa (often high in added sugars) | 3 tbsp raw sauerkraut + 2 tbsp fermented kimchi | Provides live lactobacillus cultures that support gut dysbiosis reversal, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and enhance nutrient bioavailability without added sugars |
| 2 tbsp olive oil (standard) | 2 tbsp avocado oil | Higher smoke point prevents oxidation during cooking; contains lutein and zeaxanthin for additional anti-inflammatory benefits |
| Original spice blend without turmeric and ginger | Added 0.5 tsp turmeric and 0.5 tsp ground ginger to spice blend | Turmeric's curcumin and ginger's gingerols are potent anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce systemic inflammation and support metabolic health |
| No seeds or nuts | 2 tbsp raw pumpkin seeds + 2 tbsp raw sunflower seeds + 1 tbsp ground flaxseed | Provide omega-3 fatty acids (especially flaxseed), zinc, magnesium, and fiber; support hormone production and reduce inflammation |
| 1 can pinto beans | Removed, replaced with raw vegetables | Reduces overall carb load and lectins; raw vegetables provide more bioavailable nutrients and preserve enzyme activity for digestive health |
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 385 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fiber | 12g |
| Protein | 38g |