Go Back
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced - 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 cup brown rice - 2 cups chicken broth (or water) The heart of the Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl is the chicken. I use diced chicken breast, as it cooks quickly and stays juicy. Marinating it in chipotle sauce, ground cumin, and garlic powder gives it a smoky kick. The brown rice adds a hearty base, and using chicken broth instead of water enhances the flavor. - 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 avocado, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped I love to load my burrito bowls with fresh toppings. Black beans and corn add protein and sweetness. Red bell pepper gives a nice crunch, while cherry tomatoes bring juiciness. Diced avocado adds creaminess, and fresh cilantro brightens the dish. - Shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños - Olive oil for cooking - Salt and pepper to taste - Juice of 1 lime For those who want extra flavor, I recommend adding shredded cheese and sour cream. Sliced jalapeños can bring heat. A splash of lime juice ties everything together, while a drizzle of olive oil enhances the cooking process. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper! To start, take 1 pound of diced chicken breast. In a medium bowl, mix the chicken with 2 tablespoons of chipotle sauce, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir well so each piece is coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Chill for at least 30 minutes. This marination makes the chicken flavorful and tender. Next, let's cook the rice. Boil 2 cups of chicken broth or water in a medium saucepan. Once it reaches a rapid boil, stir in 1 cup of brown rice. Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 30-35 minutes. When the rice is done, remove it from heat. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently. This will give it a nice texture. Now, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the pan, making sure it spreads out. Cook for 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the chicken is golden and cooked through. In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté 1 diced red bell pepper for 3-4 minutes. If you have corn, toss it in now to warm it up. It's time to build your burrito bowls! In individual serving bowls, start with a base of fluffy brown rice. Layer on the sautéed chicken, black beans, bell pepper, and corn. Add halved cherry tomatoes and diced avocado on top. This creates a colorful and tasty dish. To finish, squeeze fresh lime juice over each bowl. This adds a zesty kick. You can also sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for freshness. For extra flavor, offer optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or spicy sliced jalapeños. These small additions can make a big difference! For the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, try to let it sit longer. This helps the spices soak in well. When cooking, use medium-high heat to get a nice sear. This gives the chicken a golden color. Stir it a few times to cook evenly. Aim for 7 to 10 minutes until it is fully cooked and juicy. To avoid mushy rice, start with boiling chicken broth or water. Once it boils, add the brown rice and lower the heat. Cover the pot tightly and let it simmer. Cooking for 30 to 35 minutes gets the rice tender. After cooking, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. If you want alternatives, consider quinoa or cauliflower rice. Both options add unique flavors and textures. Quinoa is high in protein, while cauliflower rice is low in carbs. For extra taste, try adding spices like smoked paprika or chili powder. You can also mix in some fresh herbs like oregano or thyme. Adjust the spice levels to your liking. If you enjoy heat, add more chipotle sauce or diced jalapeños. Customizing ingredient ratios can make your burrito bowl unique. If you love avocado, add more. If you prefer less rice, reduce the amount. This way, every bowl will suit your taste perfectly. {{image_4}} For a vegetarian version, you can swap out the chicken for hearty substitutes. Try using grilled tofu, tempeh, or even jackfruit. These plant-based proteins soak up flavors well. You can marinate them just like the chicken. This keeps the dish packed with flavor. Want to lower carbs? Use cauliflower rice instead of brown rice. Just pulse cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice. Sauté it with olive oil for a tasty base. You can also use vegan cheese or skip cheese for a dairy-free option. These swaps help keep it light. Add different sauces to change the taste. Try salsa verde for a zesty kick or a creamy chipotle sauce for more heat. You can also add fruits for sweetness. Diced mango or pineapple brighten up your bowl. Mix and match to find your favorite combination. To keep your Chipotle chicken burrito bowls fresh, choose good storage containers. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work best. Make sure they have tight lids to keep air out. Let the food cool down before sealing it. This step helps avoid condensation, which can make your food soggy. I usually let the bowls sit out for about 30 minutes before storing them. When it's time to eat again, use the microwave for quick reheating. Place the bowl in the microwave and cover it with a damp paper towel. This method keeps the food moist. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot. You can also reheat on the stove. Just add a bit of olive oil to a pan and cook over medium heat. Stir gently to warm all parts evenly. To keep ingredients fresh, separate the toppings. Store items like avocado and tomatoes in separate containers. This way, they won’t get mushy or lose their crunch. Yes, you can freeze burrito bowl components! Cooked chicken, rice, and beans freeze well. Just make sure they cool completely before freezing. Use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to use them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. Just be sure not to overheat, as this can dry them out. Once thawed, reheat as mentioned before and add fresh toppings for a delicious meal! It takes about 40 minutes to prep and cook these bowls. You will spend 30 minutes marinating the chicken. The rice cooks for about 30-35 minutes. Overall, from start to finish, you can enjoy these flavorful bowls in about an hour. Yes! You can add any toppings you like. Try using shredded cheese or sour cream. You can also include spicy jalapeños or fresh herbs. Personalize your burrito bowl to match your taste. Mix and match your favorite flavors for a unique meal. Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and rice a day before. Store them in the fridge in airtight containers. When ready to eat, simply reheat and assemble your bowls. This makes for an easy meal prep option that saves time. Pair these bowls with tortilla chips and salsa for a fun crunch. You might also enjoy a fresh side salad for extra veggies. A zesty corn salad can complement the flavors too. These sides enhance the meal and make it more filling. You can find similar burrito bowls at many fast-casual restaurants. Look for places that specialize in Mexican or Tex-Mex food. Some popular chains offer burrito bowls with customizable options. Check local eateries for fresh and tasty versions too. In this post, we explored how to make delicious Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. You can customize your bowl with fresh toppings or even make a vegetarian version. Remember, storing and reheating leftovers properly will keep them tasting great. Enjoy crafting these tasty meals that fit your taste and lifestyle. Start your cooking journey today and impress your family and friends!

Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls

Get ready to enjoy delicious Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls that are bursting with flavor! This easy recipe features tender marinated chicken, fluffy brown rice, and fresh veggies like avocado and cherry tomatoes, all topped with a zesty lime finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, these bowls are customizable to suit your taste. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and elevate your meal game today!

Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken breast, diced

2 tablespoons chipotle sauce

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup brown rice

2 cups chicken broth (or water)

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 avocado, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 lime, juiced

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil for cooking

Optional Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken breast with chipotle sauce, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure each piece of chicken is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

    Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth (or water) to a rapid boil. Stir in the brown rice, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover with a lid and let cook for 30-35 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Once done, remove from the heat and fluff the rice with a fork.

      Sauté the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the pan, ensuring it’s spread out evenly. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.

        Prepare Vegetables: In the same skillet used for the chicken (or a separate one if you prefer), add a touch more olive oil and sauté the diced red bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften. If using corn, add it to the skillet at this stage, allowing it to warm through while you stir.

          Assemble the Bowls: In individual serving bowls, create a base layer with the fluffy brown rice. Top it generously with the sautéed chicken, black beans, bell pepper, and corn mixture, followed by halved cherry tomatoes and diced avocado.

            Finish and Serve: Squeeze fresh lime juice over each bowl for a zesty finish and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for added freshness. Offer optional toppings like shredded cheese, creamy sour cream, or spicy sliced jalapeños for those who enjoy extra flavor.

              Prep Time: 40 min | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the bowls in colorful dinnerware for a vibrant look, and garnish with extra lime wedges and cilantro on the side to elevate the dish visually. Enjoy!