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This Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe is a must-try for Chipotle burrito bowl lovers. The dish features grilled chicken that’s marinated in a delicious blend of spices, fluffy cilantro lime rice, hearty black beans, and fresh pico de gallo and corn salsa.

With its bold and zesty flavors, creamy avocado slices, and tangy lime wedges, this dish is not only mouthwatering but also nutritious. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also ready in just 30 minutes, making them the perfect weeknight meal!

A chicken burrito bowl on a white table with another bowl in the background styled with a bowl of whole avocados and a lime sliced in half.


If you’re a fan of Chipotle, chances are you’ve tried their famous chicken burrito bowl. I remember the first time I had one; I was hooked. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, black beans, and fresh toppings was just too good to resist.

But as much as I love getting my burrito bowl fix from Chipotle, I also enjoy making it at home. Not only is it more affordable, but it can also be customized to your liking, and you can add all your favorite toppings! You can even add extra toppings if you want (I won’t tell).

That’s why I’m excited to share this Mexican chicken burrito bowl recipe with you. It’s a great way to recreate the Chipotle experience in your own kitchen. With simple ingredients like chicken, rice, beans, and spices, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredient Notes

A labeled image of ingredients needed for chicken burrito bowls.
  • Cooked rice: You can use any type of rice for this recipe, but white or brown rice works well. Make sure to cook it according to the package instructions and fluff it with a fork before using it in the recipe.
  • Oil: You can use any type of cooking oil you prefer, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or even olive oil.
  • Cumin and Paprika: These spices add flavor and depth to the dish. Use ground cumin and paprika, and adjust the amount to your taste.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Use these seasonings to taste.
  • Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. You can slice them into thin strips or cube them. While I love the flavor of the chicken breast, if you want to use ground chicken, you can also use that as a substitute. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken are other options.
  • Tomatoes: Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. You can dice them into small pieces or use cherry tomatoes, which you can halve or quarter.
  • Red onion: Dice a small red onion into small pieces. You can use yellow onion or white onion instead if you prefer.
  • Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds a bright, fresh flavor to the pico de gallo you will be putting together for the bowl.
  • Corn: This recipe calls for drained canned corn because it is easily available year-round. You can also use thawed frozen corn, or if you have fresh corn, that is even better.
  • Jalapeño: Dice a jalapeño into small pieces for a bit of heat. Remove the seeds and membranes if you want a milder flavor.
  • Lime juice: Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor. You can adjust the amount to your taste.

Toppings

One of the best things about this chicken burrito bowl recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile and allows for endless topping options. You can customize it to your liking and add your favorite toppings to make it truly your own.

You can experiment with different toppings each time you make it, so you’ll never get bored of this tasty and satisfying meal. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use pre-shredded cheese or shred it yourself. You can also use any blend of cheese you love- like pepper jack, a Mexican blend of cheeses, or mild cheddar.
  • Guacamole or Avocado: You can use store-bought guacamole or homemade guacamole in place of sliced avocado.
  • Sour Cream: Use regular or light sour cream, or substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
  • Salsa: Use your favorite store-bought salsa or use homemade salsa.
  • Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges to add a fresh burst of flavor to the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

Here are some variations and substitutions you can try with this chicken burrito bowl recipe:

  • Swap out the chicken: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can substitute it with ground beef, beef barbacoa, ground turkey, pork, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Change up the beans: Instead of black beans, you can use kidney beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas.
  • Use a different grain: If you’re not a fan of rice, you can use quinoa, farro, or couscous instead.
  • Change up the seasonings: You could add a little garlic powder, chili powder, or taco seasoning to spice it up a bit.
  • Add more veggies: You can add extra veggies to this recipe, such as roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed peppers and onions, or grilled zucchini.
  • Customize the toppings: As mentioned before, the toppings are endless. You can add sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or even crunchy tortilla strips.
  • Make it vegan or vegetarian: To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the chicken and cheese and substitute them with plant-based alternatives. To make it vegetarian, you can add grilled portobello mushrooms or crumbled tofu.
  • Make it a Salad: If you aren’t in the mood for rice, substitute your favorite salad blend or romaine lettuce instead of rice.
  • Keep it low-carb: Use cilantro lime cauliflower rice in place of white or brown rice to keep this dish low-carb, or make the salad version.

How To Make a Chicken Burrito Bowl

✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!

Step 1 | Prep Rice, Then Season and Cook Chicken

To make these delicious chicken burrito bowls, start by cooking your rice according to the package instructions.

While the rice is cooking, heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your seasoned chicken.

Two seasoned chicken breasts on parchment paper and then the breasts added to a cast iron skillet to cook.

Cook until browned and fully cooked. Let the chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes, then cut the chicken into strips or pieces.

Sliced seasoned chicken on a wooden cutting board.

Step 2 | Prepare the Pico de Gallo

Next, mix diced tomato, half of the diced red onion, lime juice, and cilantro in a bowl and set aside.

Collage image of a bowl of dice tomatoes and then red onion and cilantro added to make pico de gallo.

Step 3 | Make the Corn Salsa

In a separate bowl, stir together the corn, diced jalapeño, and the other half of the red onion and set aside.

Collage image of a bowl of yellow corn and then red onion and cilantro added to make corn salsa.

Step 3 | Warm and Season Black Beans

Warm the black beans in a pot or in the microwave and season with salt.

Step 4 | Make Cilantro Lime Rice

Once the rice is ready, add the remaining lime juice and cilantro and stir together until fluffy.

Collage image of a bowl of white rice and then with cilantro and lime juice added to make cilantro lime rice.

Step 5 | Assemble Chipotle Copycat Chicken Burrito Bowls

Now it’s time to assemble the bowls! Add rice, chicken, pico de gallo, corn salsa, and black beans in sections in a bowl.

Finally, add your desired toppings, such as cheese, avocado, sour cream, and salsa.

A white bowl filled with all the ingredients needed to assemble a chicken burrito bowl.

Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. This meal is both satisfying and delicious, perfect for any easy dinner or lunch. And don’t forget this one for your Cinco de Mayo celebrations!

Enjoy!

Squeezing a lime wedge over a Mexican chicken burrito bowl.

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Tips

  • Make sure to season your chicken: The spices flavor the chicken, so don’t skip this step! Make sure to season it well. You could also prep this ahead and let it marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Use fresh ingredients: The toppings in this recipe are meant to be fresh and vibrant, so make sure to use fresh, ripe ingredients whenever possible. This will give your burrito bowl a delicious, authentic taste.
  • Customize it to your liking: One of the best things about burrito bowls is that they’re completely customizable. Add your favorite toppings, adjust the spice level, or even swap out the protein or grain for something else.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice. You really can use any rice you love in this bowl.

Can I use a different type of bean instead of black beans?

Yes, you can use any type of bean you prefer, such as pinto beans or kidney beans.

Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can use a different type of meat, such as steak or shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly. See the Variations section for more great protein options.

A bowl of chipotle copycat chicken burrito bowl on a table with a bowl of salsa verde and avocados.

Storage & Make Ahead Instructions

Make ahead: You can also make some components of the burrito bowl ahead of time for easy meal prep. Cook the chicken and rice in advance, and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken and rice separately in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can also chop the vegetables and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Storage: If you have leftovers, store the chicken, rice, and toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken and rice separately in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Freeze: You can also freeze the chicken and rice separately for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, and then reheat them separately in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

What to Serve with Chicken Burrito Bowls

Chicken burrito bowls are a complete meal in themselves, but if you want to add some more variety to your meal, here are some great ideas for side dishes that would complement the flavors of the dish:

  1. Tortilla chips and salsa or guacamole
  2. Roasted or grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini
  3. A simple side salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing
  4. Mexican-style street corn (elote) or Corn Riblets
  5. Refried beans or charro beans
  6. Quesadillas or cheesy nachos
  7. Creamy coleslaw or a tangy slaw with lime dressing
  8. Roasted sweet potato cubes
  9. Cilantro lime cauliflower rice or use Mexican Rice instead of Cilantro Lime Rice.
  10. Fresh fruit, like my Mexican Fruit Salad, along with a Sweet Lime Yogurt Dip for a sweet and refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the burrito bowl.

Choose one or more of these sides to complete your meal, and enjoy a satisfying and delicious Mexican-inspired feast!

More Mexican Dinner Recipe Ideas

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A chicken burrito bowl on a white table.
Recipe
5 from 6 votes

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Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2 bowls
Author: Nikki Lee
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Get ready to dig into these scrumptious and satisfying Chicken Burrito Bowls. Tender, juicy chicken is coated in a blend of savory spices before being grilled to perfection and paired with fluffy cilantro lime rice, black beans, fresh pico de gallo, and corn salsa. Each bite is bursting with bold and zesty flavors, as well as a variety of textures and flavors!

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • salt, to taste
  • pepper, to taste
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1 small red onion, (divided)
  • ½ cup lime juice, (divided)
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 can corn, drained
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded, deveined, and diced
  • 1 can black beans, drained

Instructions

  • Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, mix cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper together. Sprinkle over both sides of the chicken breasts.
  • In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (the internal temperature reaches 165℉ or for about 5-7 minutes).
    Remove to a cutting board. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes and then cut the chicken into strips or pieces.
  • In a medium bowl, add the diced tomato, half of the diced red onion, ¼ cup lime juice, and ⅛ cup of cilantro and mix together. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, add the corn, diced jalapeño, and the other half of the red onion, and stir together, set aside.
  • Warm the black beans and season with salt.
  • Add the remaining lime juice and cilantro to the rice and stir together until fluffy.
  • Assemble the bowls by adding rice, chicken, pico de Gallo, corn salsa, and black beans in sections in a bowl. Add desired toppings like cheese, avocado, sour cream, and salsa.
  • Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy!

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Notes

  • Make sure to season your chicken: The spices flavor the chicken, so don’t skip this step! Make sure to season it well. You could also prep this ahead and let it marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Use fresh ingredients: The toppings in this recipe are meant to be fresh and vibrant, so make sure to use fresh, ripe ingredients whenever possible. This will give your burrito bowl a delicious, authentic taste.
  • Customize it to your liking: One of the best things about burrito bowls is that they’re completely customizable. Add your favorite toppings, adjust the spice level, or even swap out the protein or grain for something else.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1serving Calories: 849kcal (42%) Carbohydrates: 68g (23%) Protein: 70g (140%) Fat: 17g (26%) Saturated Fat: 3g (19%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g Monounsaturated Fat: 7g Trans Fat: 0.1g Cholesterol: 145mg (48%) Sodium: 278mg (12%) Potassium: 2245mg (64%) Fiber: 19g (79%) Sugar: 16g (18%) Vitamin A: 2133IU (43%) Vitamin C: 62mg (75%) Calcium: 101mg (10%) Iron: 6mg (33%)

Nutritional Disclaimer

Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

©️Soulfully Made

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Nikki Lee author of Soulfully Made in the kitchen serving cupcakes.

Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, I’m Nikki Lee. Here at Soulfully Made you will find delicious, home-cooked, easy recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.

5 from 6 votes (1 rating without comment)

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10 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I order the burrito bowl all the time when we go to Chipotle. I love the flavors, and this sound exactly like it. I’m making this for sure.

    Reply

  3. 5 stars
    This is a great combination of protein, vegetables, and carbs! I love how this can be made with healthy, locally sourced ingredients at home.

    Reply

  4. 5 stars
    Perfect timing! I am making this for cinco de Mayo dinner for the family! I am sure it’s going to be super hit!

    Reply