Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl with Cilantro Rice

With this Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl recipe, you don’t have to wait for your next trip to the restaurant to get this amazing meal! Now you can make it at home with the most delicious chicken on the planet!

My Not-so-Secret Love Affair with Chipotle

I absolutely love Chipotle burrito bowls! Being able to customize them to my liking is a game-changer. However, the price tag of around $15 per bowl adds up quickly, especially when feeding my whole family. That’s why I started making them at home, and let me tell you, they’ve become a huge hit!

So What Is In a Chipotle Bowl?

A typical Chipotle bowl usually consists of several key components:

1. Base: This can include options like cilantro lime rice, brown rice, or lettuce for a lower-carb option.
2. Protein: Customers can choose from grilled chicken, steak, carnitas (pork), barbacoa (braised beef), sofritas (tofu), or vegetarian options.
3. Beans: Black beans or pinto beans are common choices, providing additional protein and fiber.
4. Toppings: These can vary based on personal preference but options include salsa, pico de gallo, guacamole, cheese, sour cream, and lettuce.
5. Extras: Extras such as fajita veggies, cheese, and sour cream can be added.
6. Sauces: Chipotle offers various sauces and dressings, including their signature cilantro-lime vinaigrette, to add flavor and spice to the bowl.

But let’s be real, no one ever escapes without their tortilla chips and queso, am I right?

Effortless Preparation

1. Marinate the Chicken: Whip up the flavorful marinade for the chicken by blending together shallots, garlic, adobo chipotle peppers, and a mix of spices. Let the chicken soak in this deliciousness for at least 3 hours for maximum flavor.
2. Create Cilantro Rice: Chipotle bowls aren’t the same without that fragrant cilantro rice. It’s a good thing we’ve got a recipe for you!
3. Whip Up Fresh Salsa: Skip the store bought and make your own!
4. Warm Up the Beans: Heat up your favorite beans, whether black beans or pinto beans, to add even more protein and fiber to your bowl.
5. Crisp Up Lettuce: Shred some crisp lettuce to add a refreshing crunch to your bowl. It’s the perfect contrast to the bold flavors of the chipotle chicken and zesty salsa.

With these easy preparation steps, you’ll have all the components ready to assemble your homemade Chipotle-inspired burrito bowl in no time!

How to Make Your Own Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl

Now, let me break it down for you in three simple steps, and you’ll be rocking your very own copycat Chipotle chicken burrito bowl:

1. Build Your Base: Start by layering the bottom of a bowl with a generous serving of crisp shredded lettuce. This forms the foundation of your bowl, providing a refreshing crunch with every bite. Next, heap on a generous portion of your rice.
2. Add Your Protein and Beans: Now it’s time to pile on the protein on top of the lettuce. Don’t forget to add a helping of warm, protein-rich beans, such as black beans or pinto beans.
3. Top it Off with Flavor: The final step is all about adding those finishing touches that take your burrito bowl from good to downright irresistible! Spoon on generous dollops of fresh salsa, guacamole, and sour cream and veggie. And of course, no Chipotle-inspired bowl would be complete without a sprinkle of shredded cheese to tie it all together.

Variations:

1. Protein Options: Instead of traditional chicken, consider using steak, pork or grilled shrimp.
2. Grain Alternatives: While cilantro lime rice is a staple in Chipotle bowls, you can switch it up by using quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
3. Vegetarian and Vegan Options: For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, skip the animal protein and load up on beans, grilled vegetables, and plant-based protein sources like tofu or tempeh.
4. Salsa Varieties: Experiment with different salsa flavors to add variety to your bowl. Try restaurant style salsa, mango pico de gallo, or even cowyboy caviar for a burst of sweetness and heat.
5. Topping Ideas: Get creative with toppings beyond the usual cheese and sour cream. Avocado slices, pickled onions, roasted pepitas, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can add extra flavor and texture to your bowl.
6. Dressing Options: In addition to cilantro lime vinaigrette, consider other dressings like creamy avocado dressing or spicy chipotle mayo.

And that’s it, folks! Chipotle right in the comfort of your own kitchen. How awesome is that?

CHIPOTLE CHICKEN BURRITO BOWL
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