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Easy Copycat Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe Perfect for Quick Healthy Meals

copycat chipotle chicken burrito bowl - featured image

A quick and easy copycat recipe that replicates the smoky, tangy flavor of Chipotle’s chicken burrito bowl, perfect for healthy weeknight meals and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce or mixed greens
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
  • Salsa or pico de gallo to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine minced chipotle peppers, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until blended.
  2. Add the chicken thighs, turning to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (overnight for deeper flavor).
  3. Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil.
  4. Add rice and a pinch of salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  5. Fluff rice with a fork, stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Set aside.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
  7. Place marinated chicken thighs in the hot skillet, searing 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Do in batches if needed.
  8. Transfer seared chicken to an oven-safe dish or keep in skillet if ovenproof.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  10. Assemble bowls by layering cilantro-lime rice, black beans, corn, shredded lettuce, and sliced chicken.
  11. Add avocado slices, cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and salsa or pico de gallo as desired.

Notes

Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor. Rinse rice to improve fluffiness. Rest chicken after baking to keep it juicy. Adjust chipotle peppers to control spice level. Use dairy-free alternatives for sour cream to make recipe dairy-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: chipotle chicken, burrito bowl, copycat recipe, healthy meals, quick dinner, meal prep, Mexican-inspired