Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls
If your family loves Chipotle but you love not spending $15 a bowl, this recipe is for you. Smoky chipotle marinated chicken cooked until juicy and slightly caramelized, chopped and served over cilantro lime rice with pinto beans, charred corn, sautéed peppers and onions, guacamole, pico de gallo, and cheese. Everything you want from a burrito bowl, made at home in about 30 minutes once the chicken has marinated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Greek yogurt chipotle marinade produces noticeably juicier, more tender chicken than a standard oil-based marinade and the flavor runs all the way through every piece.
Every component stores separately for up to 4 days which makes this one of the most practical meal prep recipes for a full week of easy lunches or dinners.
It is completely customizable. Every topping is optional so everyone at the table can build exactly the bowl they want without any separate cooking required.
– Lyuda
Ingredients Needed to Make Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls
The Chipotle Chicken
Boneless skinless chicken thighs are the recommended cut for their juiciness and bold flavor that holds up to the chipotle marinade. Chicken breasts work well for a leaner option. The marinade of chipotle peppers in adobo, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, and paprika produces a smoky, deeply flavored, tenderized chicken in as little as one hour.
The Rice Base
Cilantro lime rice is the classic burrito bowl foundation. The recipe links to the Grace Filled Kitchen cilantro lime rice for the full recipe.
The Toppings
Pinto beans and charred corn add hearty, slightly sweet elements. Sautéed bell peppers and onions add a classic fajita-style component. Diced avocado and guacamole add creaminess. Fresh pico de gallo adds brightness and acidity. Shredded cheese adds a rich, melty finish. Fresh cilantro and lime wedges complete every bowl.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
How to Make Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Whisk together the olive oil, Greek yogurt, chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, cumin, and paprika in a large bowl until smooth. Add the chicken and toss until every surface is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. Remove 15 minutes before cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Cook using your preferred method to an internal temperature of 165°F. Air fryer at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes flipping halfway. Oven at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes for thighs or 20 to 25 minutes for breasts. Grill over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes per side. Rest for 5 to 10 minutes then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
While the chicken cooks, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly charred at the edges.
Step 4: Assemble
Divide the cilantro lime rice between four bowls. Arrange the chopped chipotle chicken, pinto beans, charred corn, sautéed peppers and onions, diced avocado, guacamole, pico de gallo, and cheese over the rice. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Storing and Reheating
Store the chicken, rice, beans, corn, and sautéed vegetables in separate sealed airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the fresh toppings like pico, avocado, and cheese separate and add them cold after reheating. Reheat the chicken and rice together in the microwave on medium power in 60-second intervals or in a skillet over medium heat. Assemble fresh bowls at serving time for the best texture across all components.
More Bowl Recipes to Check Out
Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately after assembling with extra lime wedges and hot sauce on the side. Set all the toppings out in small bowls and let everyone build their own for a fun, family-style dinner that works for picky eaters and adventurous ones alike. For the cilantro lime rice base, Cilantro Lime Rice is the specifically recommended recipe that uses the same lime and cilantro flavor profile as the chicken marinade and makes the entire bowl taste cohesive. For the guacamole, fresh pico de gallo is the natural fresh topping that ties the bowl together with the same bright, citrusy character running through the whole dish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls
If you make this, I’d love to hear how it turned out – a star rating or a note in the comments helps others find the recipe and helps me know what’s working in your kitchen. Tag me @gracefilledkitchen in your photos on social media so I can see your creations.
Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Greek yogurt, chipotle peppers, lime juice, garlic, salt, cumin, and paprika. Add the chicken and toss until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat to 400°F. Cook in a single layer for 15 to 18 minutes flipping halfway until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Bake at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes for thighs or 20 to 25 minutes for breasts until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Preheat to medium-high heat. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest for 5 to 10 minutes then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- While the chicken cooks, sauté the sliced bell peppers and onions in a skillet over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes until tender and lightly charred.
- Divide the cilantro lime rice between four bowls. Top with chopped chipotle chicken, pinto beans, corn, sautéed peppers and onions, guacamole, pico de gallo, cheese, and diced avocado. Finish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Notes
- Don’t skip the marinating time. Even one hour adds significantly more flavor and helps keep the chicken juicy.
- Chicken thighs tend to stay more tender and flavorful, but chicken breasts work well if you prefer a leaner option.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to make the chicken milder or spicier.
- For extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of baking or air frying.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you make this, I’d love to hear how it turned out.
Leave a comment and star rating below!
If you make this, I’d love to hear how it turned out.
Leave a comment and star rating below!