Chipotle Burrito Bowl

These Chipotle Burrito Bowls are packed with bold, fresh flavors and everything you could want in a satisfying homemade burrito bowl. Each bowl is layered with smoky chipotle chicken, bright cilantro lime rice, sweet corn salsa, creamy guacamole, black beans, crisp romaine lettuce, Monterey Jack cheese, and sour cream. It takes a little preparation to make all the components, but the result is absolutely worth it!

Jump to Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 4

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with flavor: Smoky, spicy chicken paired with fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, and zesty rice.
• Made from scratch: Each component is simple to prepare and tastes better than store-bought.
• Easy to customize: Add your favorite burrito bowl toppings or adjust the spice level to your liking.
• Great for meal prep: Prepare the individual components ahead of time and assemble bowls throughout the week.
• Perfectly filling: Chicken, rice, beans, cheese, and guacamole make this a hearty and satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Cilantro Lime Rice

• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter
• Juice of 1/2 fresh lime
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro

Chipotle Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• Juice from 1/2 lime
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Corn Salsa

• 1 (15-ounce) can yellow sweet corn, drained
• ⅓ cup diced red onion
• 1 medium jalapeño, seeded and diced
• Juice from 1/2 lime
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup loosely packed cilantro leaves, chopped

Guacamole

• 3 large ripe avocados
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Juice of ½ lime
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon finely diced jalapeño
• ⅛ teaspoon salt, or to taste

For the Bowls

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, lightly drained
• 4 cups shredded romaine lettuce
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

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How to Make Chipotle Burrito Bowls

1) Prepare the Individual Components

Start by preparing the cilantro lime rice, chipotle chicken, corn salsa, and guacamole using the instructions below. Preparing each component separately makes assembly quick and easy.

2) Warm the Black Beans

Add the lightly drained black beans to a small saucepan. Warm over LOW heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

3) Cook the Chipotle Chicken

Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and carefully slice horizontally through the center to create two thin cutlets. Alternatively, place the chicken between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound it to about ½-inch thickness.

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, oregano, paprika, salt, cumin, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Press out as much air as possible, seal the bag, and massage the marinade into the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours.

When ready to cook, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over MEDIUM-HIGH heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4 minutes, undisturbed.

Flip the chicken and cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until well browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Slice into bite-sized pieces.

4) Assemble the Burrito Bowls

Divide the cilantro lime rice, shredded romaine, chipotle chicken, and black beans evenly between 4 bowls.

Top each bowl with Monterey Jack cheese, guacamole, corn salsa, and sour cream. Serve with fresh lime wedges and enjoy!

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Cilantro Lime Rice

1. Heat the butter in a 12-inch skillet over MEDIUM heat.
2. Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, for 4–5 minutes, until lightly toasted.
3. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to LOW, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Remove from the heat and fluff the rice with a fork.
6. Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.

Corn Salsa

Add the drained corn, diced red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, salt, and chopped cilantro to a medium bowl.

Stir until all of the ingredients are evenly combined. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to assemble the bowls.

Guacamole

Add the avocados to a medium bowl and squeeze the lemon and lime juice over the top.

Mash the avocados with a fork until you reach your preferred consistency. Add the red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and salt. Gently stir until combined.

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Pro Tips

• Don’t skip the marinade: Letting the chicken marinate for at least an hour gives it much more flavor.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken once it reaches 165°F.
• Make the components ahead of time: The rice, chicken, corn salsa, and guacamole can all be prepared ahead of assembly, making this recipe much easier for busy weeknights.
• Adjust the spice: The cayenne pepper and jalapeño provide most of the heat. Reduce or omit either one if you prefer a milder bowl.
• Customize your toppings: Add pico de gallo, fajita vegetables, tortilla strips, extra cheese, or your favorite hot sauce.

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What to Serve with Chipotle Burrito Bowls

These burrito bowls are filling enough to serve as a complete meal, but you can add:

• Tortilla chips and salsa
• Queso
• Mexican street corn
• Refried beans
• Homemade tortilla strips
• Extra guacamole
• Fresh pico de gallo
• A side of warm flour tortillas

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Final Thoughts

These Chipotle Burrito Bowls are a great way to bring your favorite restaurant-style burrito bowl home. The combination of smoky chicken, zesty cilantro lime rice, sweet and spicy corn salsa, creamy guacamole, and hearty black beans creates a bowl that’s fresh, filling, and packed with flavor. Best of all, each component can be customized to make the bowl exactly how you like it.