The Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl is smoky, bold, and layered with fresh, zesty ingredients—everything you love about a burrito, just without the wrap. Loaded with juicy grilled chipotle-marinated chicken, cilantro-lime rice, black beans, grilled corn, and a mix of fresh toppings, it’s the perfect dinner that’s fast, customizable, and great for meal prep too.
Main Ingredient: Chicken Thighs or Breasts (Smoky & Tender)
Chicken thighs are ideal for that juicy, charred flavor, but chicken breasts work great if you want a leaner cut. Either way, the marinade is key for that signature smoky chipotle flavor.
Ingredients Breakdown
Protein
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into large chunks
Fresh Produce
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or grilled)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced or roasted
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño (optional, sliced)
Base
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- Salt to taste
Beans
- 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
- Optional: season with cumin, garlic, and lime
Chipotle Chicken Marinade
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Extras (Optional)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Tortilla chips on the side
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Grill pan or outdoor grill
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Skillet (if sautéing corn or beans)
- Pot or rice cooker
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Marinate time (optional): 30 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 40–50 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine chopped chipotle peppers, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken and toss until well coated.
- Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 75°C).
- Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
3. Make Cilantro Lime Rice
- Stir together cooked rice with lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt.
- Keep warm until serving.
4. Warm the Beans and Corn
- Heat the black beans in a skillet or microwave with a little garlic, cumin, and lime if desired.
- If using frozen corn, sauté briefly in a dry pan for a grilled effect.
5. Assemble the Burrito Bowl
- In each bowl, start with a base of cilantro-lime rice.
- Add a portion of sliced chipotle chicken.
- Layer on corn, black beans, bell peppers, red onion, avocado, and any other toppings you like.
- Garnish with lime wedges, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream or salsa.
What to Serve With It
- Tortilla chips with guacamole
- Mexican street corn (elote)
- Fresh mango salsa
- A chilled lime agua fresca or iced tea
Tips and Variations
- Swap rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb version
- Use grilled shrimp or steak instead of chicken
- Make it dairy-free by skipping cheese and sour cream
- Add hot sauce or extra chipotle adobo if you like more heat
- Prep all toppings ahead for a quick assemble-and-go meal
Storage and Meal Prep
- Store all components separately in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days
- Reheat chicken and rice before serving, and keep toppings fresh and cold
- Great for lunchboxes or make-ahead dinners
Plating and Presentation Ideas
- Use wide bowls to layer ingredients in clean, colorful sections
- Drizzle sour cream or chipotle sauce in a zig-zag over the top
- Finish with a cilantro sprig and lime wedge for brightness
- For Instagram-worthy pics, sprinkle black sesame or microgreens for contrast
Final Thoughts
The Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl is a flavor-packed, filling, and fun-to-make dish that brings a taste of your favorite Mexican-inspired meal home. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping lunches for the week, this bowl is all about bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and total satisfaction—minus the takeout guilt.
