This homemade Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl copycat recipe with Cilantro Lime Rice is a delicious and healthier alternative to fast food and captures all the flavors of Chipotle’s signature dish.
Packed with marinated chicken, vibrant veggies, and zesty salsa, it’s a weekly family favorite that’s easy to prepare and tastes just like the one from Chipotle.
After moving to Philadelphia and discovering a Chipotle nearby, it became our go-to place for “fast food”. It’s so much healthier, tastier, and fresher than any other fast food place I can think of. Once you try it you seriously become hooked!
After eating like a million burrito bowls I decided to start making it at home. It soon became a family favorite and now I find myself making it every week. This Chipotle chicken burrito bowl recipe works well for any cut of meat you have. I love veggies so I add a whole bunch of just about everything. I used red, yellow, and orange-red bell peppers, tomato, red onion, romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, cilantro, and scallions, but you can add whatever veggies suit your tastes.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Tastes Like Chipotle: Nails the yummy Chipotle Chicken Bowl flavor.
- Good for You: A healthier option than regular fast food.
- Make it Your Own: Change ingredients based on what you like.
- Prep Ahead: Prepare parts of the meal in advance for quick cooking.
- Filling and Tasty: A satisfying and hearty meal.
Ingredients Needed
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Main protein for the bowl.
- Lime: Adds a zesty kick to both the chicken marinade and rice.
- Olive Oil: Helps marinate and cook the chicken.
- Taco Seasoning: Gives the chicken a flavorful, Mexican-inspired taste.
- Long Grain Rice (preferably jasmine): The base of the dish, flavored with cilantro and lime for a fresh taste.
- Butter: Adds richness to the rice.
- Cilantro: Enhances the flavor of both the rice and the tomato salsa.
- Plum Tomatoes: Used in the fresh tomato salsa for a juicy texture.
- Red Onion: Adds a sharp and crunchy element to the salsa.
- Bell Peppers (various colors): Sliced and sautéed for a colorful and crunchy topping.
- Romaine Lettuce: Fresh greens for added texture and a hint of crunch.
- Black Beans: A protein and fiber-rich addition to the bowl.
- Corn: Sweet and slightly crunchy, contributing to the bowl’s texture.
- Sour Cream: To balance out the flavors.
How to make this Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe
Wash the rice thoroughly under cold water and soak it for at least 5 minutes. Boil 3.5 cups of water, add the rice, and simmer on low heat until the rice is soft.
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter on the rice just before serving, and mix in minced cilantro and lime juice.
Combine boneless, skinless chicken breasts with olive oil, lime, and taco seasoning. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. Heat a grill and cook the marinated chicken for 5 minutes on each side.
In the same pan, sauté sliced bell peppers and onions until they are slightly softened.
In a bowl, mix together finely diced plum tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to create a fresh tomato salsa.
Slice or dice the cooked chicken and assemble the bowl by layering rice, chicken, grilled veggies, tomato salsa, romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, and a dollop of sour cream.
Expert Tips
- Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance its flavor, but if possible, marinate it for up to 24 hours for a more robust taste.
- Even Chicken Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures uniform cooking, preventing some parts from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
- Efficient Rice Washing: Wash the rice until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky during cooking.
- Prep Ahead for Convenience: Consider preparing a larger batch of marinated chicken, cooked rice, and diced salad components to keep in the fridge. This makes it convenient to assemble a quick, healthy meal whenever needed.
Storage Tips
Recently I started preparing a big batch of everything (marinated chicken, cooked rice, diced salad) and leaving it in the fridge. Whenever we are hungry I just throw some chicken on the grill and arrange it on some rice and top with the salad. It’s a great way for moms to prepare a healthier meal.
If you’ve prepared a batch of marinated chicken, cooked rice, or diced salad components for future use, store them separately in airtight containers. Eat within 3-4 days, reheating or assembling as needed.
What to serve with Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls
This is really a complete meal in a bowl! If you’re looking for more toppings, you can make a batch of Avocado and Tomato Salsa or Chunky Guacamole.
Recipe FAQs
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes for good flavor. For a more intense taste, you can marinate it for up to 24 hours.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Thaw frozen chicken breasts before marinating to ensure even flavor distribution. Allow them to reach room temperature before grilling.
Is it necessary to soak the rice?
Soaking rice helps in achieving a fluffier texture. Soaking for at least 5 minutes before boiling is recommended.
Looking for more Chicken Tex-Mex recipes?
- Chicken Tacos
- Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Chicken Quesadillas
- Cilantro Lime Chicken Burrito Bowls
- One Bowl Chicken Burrito Bowls
Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 4 (about 6 oz each) Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, pounded down to even thickness
- 1/2 Lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
For the Rice
- 2 cups long grain rice, preferably jasmine rice
- 3.5 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 lime
- 1 bunch cilantro
Tomato salsa
- 2-3 plum tomatoes, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- salt and pepper, to taste
To Assemble
- 1 onion, sliced into strips
- 1 bell peppers, sliced into strips
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup black beans, canned
- 1 cup corn, canned
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
To Cook Rice
- Wash rice in a large bowl under cold water for 2-5 minutes until the water runs clear. Soak for at least 5 minutes. Boil 3.5 cups of water in a large saucepan, pour rice and cover immediately. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes or until the water has dried into the rice and the rice is soft. Place 2 tablespoons of butter on the rice to melt with the heat off. Just before serving, add the minced cilantro and lime juice and gently mix to combine.
To Make Chicken
- In a medium bow combine the chicken breasts, olive oil, lime and taco seasoning. Cover the chicken and allow to marinate in the fridge for anywhere from 15 minutes to 24 hours.
- Heat a grill, griddle or pan over medium-high heat. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 5 minutes on each side; remove from heat and set aside. To the same pan, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sautee for 1-2 minutes or until slightly softened and charred.
Make Tomato Salsa
- In a medium bowl, combine the tomato, onion, cilantro, lime and a generous pinch of salt & pepper. Cover and place in the fridge until ready to serve.
To Assemble
- Slice or dice chicken breasts into bite-size pieces. Spoon the rice into serving bowls. Top with about 1/2 cup of chicken and some grilled onion and bell pepper. Top each bowl with tomato salsa, romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, and a dollop of sour cream.
Equipment
Notes
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes; if you can, go for up to 24 hours for a tastier result.
- Make the chicken breasts an even thickness by pounding them. This helps avoid uneven cooking.
- Wash the rice until the water is clear to remove extra starch, preventing it from getting too sticky when cooked.
- Make extra marinated chicken, cooked rice, and salad components. Store them in the fridge for quick and healthy meals later on.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This looks delicious and light. I’m all about light meals. Interesting that you wash and rinse your rice. I’ve never done that except for sushi rice. Does it do anything to the texture of the rice?
It helps the rice cook fast if you soak it but other than that it removes all dirt and anything else from the rice. I never cooked un-washed rice and I do notice that it tastes “dirty” unwashed.
Sorry but I think you are confusing fresh fast food with Healthy. Here is an excerpt about Chipotle;
“Unfortunately, a new study in The New York Times found that the “typical” Chipotle order (a meat burrito with cheese, salsa, lettuce, sour cream, rice, and beans) has a little more than 1,000 calories, includes almost a full day’s worth of sodium, and 75 percent of your daily recommended amount of saturated fat.”
Nutrition Facts: the Chicken Burrito Bowl (Brown Rice, Chicken, Tomatillo Salsa, Corn Salsa, Cheese) is slightly better with only
Calories 540 Sodium 1,620 mg
Total Fat 21 g
But as you can see more than a days worth of salt.
Also white rice is not the healthy choice. You should opt for at least brown if you have to have rice.
So maybe you would like to rethink your version of healthy and not give false info to your readers. If you husband is in the medical profession he should know this and should have advised you accordingly.
Yes, you are right, certain foods are packed with calories but you can still easily have a healthy meal at chipotle. If you’re trying to eat healthily, order brown rice, salad, salsa, meats and avoid the tortilla and chips! I hope that helps 🙂
STAY HEALTHY MY FRIENDS sounds like a real know-it-all that doesn’t know a thing… and maybe YOU should be better informed about the information YOU are sharing… and you make one silly mistake that calories without nutrition is an even playing field. Case and point: which would you assume is healthier? 3 apples or 1 McDonald’s cheeseburger? Well, it turns out an apple has about 95 calories, and the cheeseburger has 320, so by your logic it’s a wash and the apple farmers are spreading false information… Oy…
P.S. I’m a nutritionist… and you’re wrong.
Layla you’re a good sport but you shouldn’t have to respond to that kind of nonsense.
Thanks, Jeff! I appreciate your feedback 🙂
Jeff…I agree! Seriously…..I feel bad when people get on a persons blog or post and bash them…it is mean. Layla….thank you so much for the recipe and info! We are doing both steak and chicken bowls for Super Bowl Sunday! I will let ya know how it goes but I’m excited it will be a huge hit!
Thanks for the support!<3
i would like to support “stay healthy my friends” in his/her statements about the healthfulness of the ingredients in the burrito bowl specifically and of the food at chipotle generally. i don’t think it is fair to criticize “stay healthy my friends” because his/her tone was a little critical. he/she is rightly concerned that readers be skeptical of the healthfulness of this recipe. before i learned about keto/paleo, i assumed that anything that was low-fat was healthy. but that is just not true. some fats are healthy and some carbs are unhealthy. white rice is not healthy, just as wheat and sugar are not healthy ingredients. some ingredients, like salsa, are very high in sodium. i agree that “stay healthy my friends” could have used a friendlier tone, but the essence of what he/she said is true. i think he/she was trying to get people to consider all the ingredients in the recipe together and how those ingredients would affect our bodies.
These are studies which say brown rice is unhealthy because some people react poorly to the phytic acid it contains. Our perception of what is ‘healthy,’ and what isn’t is evolving all the time. It’s best for all of us to keep an open mind, and refrain from judging others. Qualified nutritionists may give constructive support, but otherwise… lots of people just spout out their beliefs with no evidence to support, and make other people feel awful for no good reason. Sorry for the people on the receiving end.
Love this recipe, but I can’t get the rice right either. Is it supposed to be covered while simmering?
I’ve made this recipe three times and I love it, but I always have trouble with the rice. I’m following your directions exactly, and after 30 mins it’s still a pot almost full of water! What am I doing wrong??
I’m so grateful for these recipe!!!!
Every time we go to USA going to Chipotle is a must, even that we are from Mexico these kind of Tex-Mex combination is not popular on our country but we love it!
I just made your recipe for my kids and husband and they think is delicious!!
Thank you
I’m very happy you and your family are able to enjoy this recipe, Claudia! Where are you from?
YOU FORGOT THE MOST IMPORTANT INGREDIENT!
THE CHIPOTLE CHILI PEPPER!
If you supposedly care about your health you wouldn’t be eating meat and dairy. Healthiest group of people are vegan. Educate yourself. Steak and chicken isn’t healthy.
stop it
Oh give me a break. Stop shoving your vegan opinions down other people’s throats.
stalk someone else, you are offending me with your veganism……I cry every time I think of those poor defenseless vegetables being heartlessly ripped from the ground and from unsuspecting plants. And just so you know, not everyone has the same nutrition requirements. I ended up in the ER with heart failure after following a “healthy” vegan diet……now, if you will excuse me, my steak is medium rare and ready to eat!
@damian: I respect everyone’s dietary choices and as someone who entertains personally and professionally, I pay a lot of attention to ingredients and labeling to ensure all preferences are met. That said, your definitive statement about veganism being healthier is not accurate. Read the “Omnivore’s Dilemma” for some facts on what our bodies were designed to consume. I would say the average American eats too much meat and processed food; and for the sustainability of the planet and our bodies, we would be well-served to eat a more plant-based diet, but everyone’s health needs are different and veganism does not create the healthiest outcome for all.
@damian: I’ll believe that the day I see a vegan who has been following it for 20+ years without the help of supplements. If they aren’t a bag of bones that look 15 years older than they actually are then I’ll consider it.
Mmmmmmmmmmm!!! I LOVE burrito bowls!! 🙂
Very helpful recipe. Try it tonight and hope my children will love it!
Thanks for posting but what about the dressing????
I knew somthing was missing…
That’s what I was thinking. It would be pretty dry without a dressing. I think it works without dressing at Chipotle because their proteins are in sauce when they are scooped out into the bowl.
Hi,
Here in Holland we don’t have a Chipotle, but after seeing it in a video I started searching for a recipe. I combined some of your tips with another recipe, but this is just amazing! I love the combined taste of it all and it is so healthy with all veggies. I also homemade cornsalsa, some guac and I used greak yoghurt as topping. Yummie! I feel like this is a new favorite ! With love from Holland. Chantal
Made this for dinner tonight for me and my grandson with homemade salsa & guac. It was amazing and my grandson says it is better then Chipotle. Thank you for the recipe.
Does anyone know the recipe of chipotle medium sauce? For mild they give diced tomatoes and for medium a brown color sauce. What is it actually? I wanted to try making chipotle burrito at home. Someone help please
Thanks
im a chipolte die hard, but also i am a 20 year old college student on a budget! this gives me a way to stick to my iron man training diet eat amazing food and not break the bank and now i know how to cook amazing food for if i ever get a date thank you! thank you very much!
We love Chipotle, so these are definitely going on the meal list for next week, and I’ll be blogging about them here http://myadventuresindinnertime.wordpress.com 🙂 Can’t wait to try them!!!
I’d like to serve this hot, but I worry about the peppers and onions being raw and too cold/crunchy for a hot rice/chicken dish. How would you suggest cooking these so it was primarily a HOT dish? Thank you!!
Looks amazing! Question, when adding the rice to the boiling water do you add the water it was soaking in as well? Also, should the rice have a cover while simmering?
Thanks for posting!
Might be a stupid question but do you have to cook the beans or use them right out of the can?
Just rinse the beans form the can.
This is a great recipe. I really enjoyed the taste, the variety of colors and I used brown long grain rice in it to make it a little more healthy. Do you happen to have the nutrition information for this recipe?
I made this for dinner tonight and it was absolutely delicious! It’s not only healthy but also easy to prepare/cook. This is definitely going into my personal recipe book archive! Not sure if this “Chipotle authenic”, but when I make this again I’ll probably add a bit of cheese on top of the rice as I’m assembling. Because as my husbands says, everything’s better with cheese. 🙂
I made this recipe tonight. It is FREAKIN’ AWESOME!!! I don’t eat “Chipotle’s” enough to judge whether it is authentic tasting to their recipe. However, it is absolutely fantastic. The marinade is amazing. I marinated for about 45 min in the fridge and then grilled the chicken. So flavorful! I will be making this again and again for my family. My boys couldn’t get enough of it. Thank you!
We tried this recipe today and it was soo good! Thanks for sharing!
I made this but replaced the chicken with tofu. It was delicious!!!
Oh my this is perfect. I love Chipotle but can’t afford it often. This recipe looks yummy. I see something new on the lunch menu for this mommy!
We made this tonight and loved it–thanks for the recipe! Chipotle is my “thing” right now, and I want to go there ALL THE TIME. I’m so glad that now I can make it at home! 🙂
This recipe looks absolutely delicious. The problem is I’m finding I’m having to look up translation for a lot of the ingredients being from the UK! For example I had never heard of cilantro but having looked it up I see it’s what we call coriander. Same for scallions, I’d never heard of this word before but now know they are what we call spring onions, and I’m not familiar with tacos so I’m not sure what’s in a taco spice mix although I think they might sell some in the supermarkets over here.
I think the reasons for the differences is the Spanish influence in the US, whereas over here we often use the French word after the Norman invasion many many years ago. An interesting language lesson for me anyway!
Thank you Kate, I understand how you feel! At times when I am in the middle east and go shopping they have different names for everything!
Here in the states, Coriander is the dry (seeds) version of cilantro; I don’t know if by coriander you are referring to the green herb or the seed, but cilantro is the green herb. Scallions are the long green onions. Last but not least here is a homemade taco mix just in-case you can’t find it there.
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Do let me know how it works out or if you need any additional information! 🙂
Great to see the taco seasoning recipe. How much of this would use for this chicken burrito bowl recipe? All of it for the four chicken breasts?
I love the burrito bowls from Chipotles. Your homemade version looks fantastic, Layla! YUM!
Thank you Julie!
well this makes me drool! I seriously love mexican food and living in Switzerland, there is none in sight. You can’t even buy canned black beans! Just dry. I’ve been making my own tacos, but I forgot about the burrito bowl! pinning now for later 🙂
I did not know they don’t have beans in Switzerland! I have always assumed that beans can be found anywhere in the world. Well you can still make this bowl without the beans! 😀
Oh my gosh I LOVE Chipotle and I love making burrito bowls – it’s one of my family’s favorite meals. Your version looks awesome, too!
Pinning!
Thanks for the Pin Abbie!
My husband loves Chipotle and these burrito bowls look amazing Layla! Love that I can make it at home for him now, thanks for sharing 🙂
I’m sure your husband is going to love your much better than Chipotle’s bowls! After all, homemade is always better!
Yes!! I can’t get enough of Chipotle’s chicken burrito bowl and this looks amazing! Can’t wait to make it at home!
A chipotle opened up right in town, and I seriously go twice a month. It is so good! Burrito bowls are my go to as well. Making them at home would sure save us a lot of money : )
It sure does save a ton of money making it at home! If I’m not mistaken, I believe it’s about $2 a bowl, which is great considering how healthy the dish is.
I don’t get to say this a lot but….I’m making this tonight! I pulled out chicken and I was trying to figure out what to make that a) wasn’t the same as last week and b)wouldn’t require a grocery shop! Thank you so much – this is healthy, delicious, beautiful…and will help keep me sane today! Happy Monday Layla!
I’m glad I was able to help you make a decision. I do the same thing everyday, I take out the meat from the fridge and leave it there until I decide what I’m going to make. Let me know if the family likes it!
Oh my heck this looks good! I love burrito bowls and cilantro lime rice is my favorite! What a great creation! Pinned!
Chelsea, Thank you for pinning!
Thank you so much for the recipe. My children have asked for this chicken bowl everyday this week.
OMG I feel so touched that your children enjoyed it! I have a 2 and 6 year old of my own and I know how great it feels when they enjoy something. xoxo Layla 🙂
yes yes yes! Love this. My wife and I love the burrito bowls at Chipotle also and it’s something we try to make a few times a month at home. We haven’t had it in awhile actually… thanks for reminding me! Now I know what to make for dinner this week!
What a yummy meal. All those colors make it look so fresh and healthy! Yours looks infinitely better than Chipotles.
Thanks Christin!! I’m sure your going to love it!
LOVE THIS! My hubby is kinda obsessed with Chipotle, so I love that I can make it at home for him…and it’ll be a whole lot healthier! Love those colors girl!
My husband is obsessed with it as well. Trust me, It’s so much better at home!
Beautiful colors, a very well balanced meal. Plus there’s chipotle… I love this!
Thanks Daniela!
This burrito bowl is calling my name!