Chipotle Burrito Bowl (Copycat Recipe)

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Craving a Chipotle burrito bowl but don’t want to leave home? You can make your own tasty version right in your kitchen! This copycat recipe lets you enjoy all the yummy flavors of Chipotle’s famous burrito bowls without the trip or cost.

The recipe includes steps to make tender chipotle chicken, zesty black beans, fresh pico de gallo, and more. You can mix and match your favorite toppings just like at the restaurant. It takes about 90 minutes total to prep and cook, but the result is four delicious burrito bowls packed with flavor.

Exact Ingredients List

This Chipotle burrito bowl recipe needs several components. Each part has its own set of ingredients to create the full flavor profile.

For the Chipotle Chicken

You’ll need:

• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1-2 chipotle chiles in adobo
• 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1-1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts or thighs

These ingredients make a flavorful marinade for your chicken. The chipotle chiles and adobo sauce give it a smoky kick.

For the Black Beans

Gather these items:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15.5 ounces) black beans, undrained
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

These spices will make your beans taste just like Chipotle’s. The bay leaf adds a subtle flavor, so don’t skip it!

For the Tomato Salsa (Pico de Gallo)

You’ll need:

• 3 roma tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 medium red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, diced
• 1-2 jalapeño peppers, diced
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

This fresh salsa adds a zesty crunch to your bowl. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño.

For the Burrito Bowls

To complete your bowls, you’ll want:

• 1 recipe Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
• 1 recipe Chipotle Corn Salsa
• 1 recipe Chipotle Guacamole
• 4 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Lime wedges for serving

These toppings let you customize your bowl. Feel free to add more of your favorites or skip any you don’t like.

Instructions

Start by making the chicken. Blend the marinade ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Cut chicken breasts in half if using, then pat dry. Place chicken in a zip-top bag and pour marinade over it. Let sit for 30 minutes at room temp or 1-8 hours in the fridge.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 3-6 minutes per side until it reaches 165°F inside. Let rest 5 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

For the beans, sauté onions in oil for 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in beans and spices. Simmer 15-20 minutes, stirring often. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Mix tomato salsa ingredients in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill until ready to use.

Prepare rice, corn salsa, and guacamole as desired. Shred lettuce and cheese.

To assemble, divide rice between 4 bowls. Top with chicken, beans, salsas, guac, lettuce, cheese, and sour cream. Squeeze fresh lime juice over top. Enjoy your homemade Chipotle bowl!

Possible Substitutes List

Can’t find all the ingredients? No worries! Here are some easy swaps you can make:

• Chicken: Try grilled steak, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Black beans: Pinto beans work great too.
• Rice: Brown rice or quinoa are tasty alternatives.
• Monterey Jack cheese: Cheddar or queso fresco are yummy choices.

For the veggies:
• Roma tomatoes: Any ripe tomatoes will do.
• Red onion: Yellow or white onions are fine.
• Jalapeños: Bell peppers for less heat, or serrano for more kick.

Sauce substitutes:
• Sour cream: Greek yogurt or cashew cream for a dairy-free option.
• Guacamole: Sliced avocado if you’re short on time.

Don’t have chipotle peppers? Try smoked paprika or a mix of regular paprika and cayenne for a similar smoky flavor. Remember, it’s your bowl – feel free to mix and match!

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

You can enjoy a tasty Chipotle burrito bowl while managing your blood sugar. Here are some easy tweaks:

1. 
   

   Swap the rice: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. It’s low in carbs and adds extra veggies to your meal.

   
   
2. 
   

   Go easy on the beans: Beans are healthy but high in carbs. Use half the amount or skip them if you prefer.

   
   
3. 
   

   Load up on veggies: Add extra lettuce and tomatoes. These are low in carbs and high in fiber.

   
   
4. 
   

   Choose lean protein: Stick with grilled chicken or opt for tofu if you want a plant-based option.

   
   

5. Be smart with toppings:

   • Use guacamole in moderation (it’s healthy but calorie-dense)
   • Skip the cheese and sour cream
   • Add extra salsa for flavor without many calories

Remember to watch your portion sizes. You can make a smaller bowl or save half for later. This way, you get to enjoy your favorite meal while keeping your blood sugar in check.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Make your burrito bowls even better with these handy tips:

Marinate the chicken overnight for extra flavor. This gives the spices time to really soak in.

Cook extra chicken and freeze it. You’ll have a quick meal ready when you’re short on time.

Try grilling the chicken for a smoky taste. It adds a nice touch to your bowl.

For easy meal prep, make components ahead:

1. Cook rice and beans
2. Chop veggies
3. Mix salsas

Store each item separately in airtight containers. They’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Want to save time? Buy pre-shredded cheese and lettuce. You can also use canned corn instead of making corn salsa from scratch.

To keep leftovers fresh, pack wet and dry ingredients separately. This stops your lettuce from getting soggy. When you’re ready to eat, just combine and enjoy!