Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl

There’s something truly special about a Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl. Whenever I think of comfort food, my mind drifts to that magnificent bowl filled with vibrant colors and bold flavors. It all started on a busy weeknight when I craved the indulgence of my favorite burrito bowl but didn’t want to venture out. Instead, I took a leap of faith and decided to recreate it at home. The first bite was a game changer; it was like a fiesta in my mouth! The smoky notes of the spices combined with tender chicken and fresh toppings create a symphony that dances on your taste buds. Plus, I love that I can customize it to my liking, making it a fun meal for the family. There’s something about assembling this dish that brings everyone together, with everyone pitching in to add their favorite toppings.

Ingredients for Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl

When it comes to the Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl, the beauty lies in its fresh ingredients. The balance of flavors and textures is truly remarkable, from the aromatic spices to the crunchy vegetables. Each ingredient works in harmony to create a dish that’s not only delicious but visually appealing.

• 1/2 medium yellow onion – roughly diced for a mild sweetness and flavor.
• 4 cloves garlic – roughly chopped, adding depth and aroma.
• Juice of 1 lime – for that zesty, fresh kick.
• Zest of 1 lime – enhances the lime flavor with aromatic oils.
• 1 tablespoon chili powder – brings warmth and richness to the dish.
• 1 jalapeno pepper – diced for a touch of heat.
• 1 red chili pepper – diced, contributing vibrant color and flavor.
• 1 chipotle pepper – for that smoky flavor.
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce – adds a spicy, tangy note.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil – used for cooking and added richness.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin – for earthy undertones.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – lending a mild sweetness and color.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – adds an aromatic herb flavor.
• 1 tablespoon salt – enhances all other flavors.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper – for mild heat.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth – keeps the chicken moist.
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro – fresh herbiness.
• 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs – or 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, the star protein.
• 4 cups cooked rice – white or brown, forming the base of the bowl.
• 1 cup cooked black beans – for protein and fiber.
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese – for creaminess.
• 1 cup salsa – adds moisture and flavor.
• 1 cup sour cream – for creaminess and tang.
• 1 cup guacamole – a must for creaminess and flavor.
• 2 cups shredded lettuce – for crunch and freshness.
• Sliced jalapeno pepper – as a garnish for those who want extra heat.
• Chopped cilantro – for garnish and added flavor.
• 1 cup sweet corn – for a touch of sweetness.
• Lime wedges – on the side for extra zest.

Cooking Instructions for Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl

Let’s dive right into it! Cooking the Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl is a breeze, and I promise you’ll enjoy every step. Follow these detailed instructions to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and satisfaction.

1. In a blender, combine the 1/2 medium yellow onion, 4 cloves garlic, Juice of 1 lime, Zest of 1 lime, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 jalapeno pepper, 1 red chili pepper, 1 chipotle pepper, and 1 tablespoon adobo sauce until completely smooth. This marinade is what elevates the chicken!
2. Heat a grill pan on high heat and drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Make sure the pan is hot enough that the oil shimmers. Once it’s ready, add the marinated 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs. Sear them on both sides until they’re golden brown. You want that beautiful char to lock in flavors.
3. Cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), about 6 to 8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the meat. This ensures that the chicken is juicy and perfectly cooked.
4. Once done, place the chicken on a cutting board and allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes. This step is crucial, as it lets the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
5. After resting, chop or slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to mix into your burrito bowl.
6. To assemble the bowl, start with a base of 4 cups cooked rice in your favorite bowl. You can use white or brown rice, depending on your preference.
7. Top the rice with the chopped chicken, and then add 1 cup cooked black beans for added protein and fiber.
8. Next, sprinkle on 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese for that creamy texture.
9. Now, it’s time to bring in the freshness! Add 1 cup salsa, 1 cup sour cream, and 1 cup guacamole on top of the chicken.
10. Finally, finish with 2 cups shredded lettuce, 1 cup sweet corn, and garnish with sliced jalapeno peppers and chopped cilantro. Don’t forget lime wedges on the side for that refreshing squeeze!

Things Worth Knowing

Change It Up

Every cook loves a little variation, right? With the Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl, you can easily switch things up to keep it exciting. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or enjoy cold.
• Freezing: You can freeze the chicken and beans separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve this bowl with tortilla chips for a crunch, or pair it with a simple side salad for a lighter meal.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with grilled veggies or tofu to make it plant-based.
• Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of jalapenos and chili powder to control the heat.

Serving Ideas for Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl

Serving the Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl is all about presentation and customization. Here are some ideas to make your meal shine:

• Buffet Style: Present all the ingredients in bowls so everyone can create their own perfect burrito bowl at gatherings.
• Lunch Boxes: Pack the ingredients separately for a fun lunch option at work or school.
• Family Dinners: This dish is perfect for family gatherings where everyone can customize their bowls and enjoy a meal together.
• Seasonal Variations: In the summer, add grilled corn and fresh pico de gallo. In the winter, consider roasted veggies for a heartier bowl.
• Garnish Options: Don’t forget to add fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions on top for a pop of color and flavor.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl is truly a showstopper, bringing together bold flavors and fresh ingredients for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a casual get-together, this dish is sure to impress. I encourage you to give it a try and discover just how easy it is to create this vibrant and delicious bowl at home!

Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl

The ultimate comfort food, this Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl is packed with smoky flavors, fresh ingredients, and hearty goodness. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun family gathering, this dish makes every meal feel special. Try it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 680

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 medium yellow onion roughly diced
• 4 cloves garlic roughly chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Zest of 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 jalapeno pepper diced
• 1 red chili pepper diced
• 1 chipotle pepper
• 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs or 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups cooked rice white or brown
• 1 cup cooked black beans
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup guacamole
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• Sliced jalapeno pepper
• Chopped cilantro
• 1 cup sweet corn
• Lime wedges on the side

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Frying pan
• Cutting Board
• Blender

Method

 

1. In a blender, combine all of the marinade ingredients until completely smooth.
2. Heat the grill pan on high heat and sear the chicken on both sides, cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 F.
3. Place chicken on a cutting board and allow to rest for at least 5 minutes, after that chop or slice.
4. Serve it on top of the rice with the burrito toppings of your choice.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or enjoy cold.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the chicken and beans separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Tip 3: Serve this bowl with tortilla chips for a crunch, or pair it with a simple side salad for a lighter meal.
• Tip 4: Substitute chicken with grilled veggies or tofu to make it plant-based.
• Tip 5: Adjust the amount of jalapenos and chili powder to control the heat.

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Meet Hailey Anderson

My passion is creating food that nourishes your body without sacrificing flavor. I’m our main recipe developer for vibrant salads, smoothies, and feel-good breakfasts. When I’m not blending or chopping, I’m right alongside Brooke and Jenna, helping to cook and test our new dinner and dessert recipes. I’m a firm believer in balance!