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Flavorful Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe Easy Homemade with Fresh Toppings

chipotle chicken burrito bowl - featured image

A smoky, spicy chipotle chicken burrito bowl with fresh toppings, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep. This recipe combines tender marinated chicken, fluffy cilantro lime rice, and vibrant fresh ingredients for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp adobo sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Optional: chopped cilantro and lime zest for garnish
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce or chopped romaine
  • 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tsp honey or agave nectar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken pieces in marinade until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for extra flavor).
  2. Rinse rice under cold water to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water or chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in chopped cilantro and lime zest if using.
  3. Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
  4. While chicken cooks, chop avocado, halve cherry tomatoes, finely chop red onion, and shred lettuce. Rinse and drain black beans and corn if canned or frozen.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust sweetness or acidity to taste.
  6. Assemble the burrito bowl: start with a base of cilantro lime rice, add sliced chipotle chicken, then arrange black beans, corn, avocado, tomatoes, onion, and lettuce around the bowl. Drizzle with lime dressing and sprinkle queso fresco and fresh cilantro leaves for garnish.

Notes

Marinate chicken at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor. Rinse rice before cooking for fluffy texture. Use medium-high heat to get a nice char on chicken without drying it out. Slice chicken against the grain for tenderness. Keep dressing fresh by making it last minute. Store leftovers separately to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: chipotle chicken, burrito bowl, Mexican, easy dinner, meal prep, healthy, spicy, smoky, fresh toppings