There’s just something about assembling a burrito bowl that feels like crafting a masterpiece, each ingredient a vibrant stroke on a culinary canvas—or maybe that’s just my overactive imagination. Lately, with the hustle and bustle of modern life (thanks, TikTok meal prep trends), finding a recipe that’s both simple and soul-satisfying is like striking gold. These Easy Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls fit the bill, merging smoky flavors with fresh toppings, creating a meal that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.
Steps
- Begin by preparing the cilantro lime rice and cooking the marinated Chipotle-style chicken. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for about five minutes, then slice it into small pieces.
- Create the Easy Corn Salsa and Fresh Tomato Salsa by following the respective recipes. Prepare the Chipotle Guacamole as well.
- Drain and heat the black beans over low heat in a small saucepan. Meanwhile, shred the Monterey Jack cheese and chop the romaine lettuce.
- To assemble the burrito bowls, start by dividing the cilantro lime rice and chopped lettuce evenly among the bowls as a base.
- Add the sliced chicken and warmed black beans to each bowl for protein. Next, include a spoonful of both the corn salsa and fresh tomato salsa.
- Finish by topping the bowls with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Optionally, serve with lime wedges and tortilla chips on the side.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (marinated)
- Cilantro lime rice
- Frozen corn (for easy corn salsa)
- Canned black beans
- Romaine lettuce, chopped
- Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
- Tortilla chips (optional, for serving)
- 2 to 3 medium tomatoes (1 to 1½ pounds), cut into ¼-inch pieces
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 jalapeño peppers, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt, to taste
- Ingredients are not specified in detail, but typically include avocados, lime juice, cilantro, red onion, and salt.
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3344 kcal | Carbohydrates: 336 g | Protein: 192 g | Fat: 152 g | Saturated Fat: 60 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 68 g | Trans Fat: 0.04 g | Cholesterol: 432 mg | Sodium: 5944 mg | Potassium: 7896 mg | Fiber: 80 g | Sugar: 28 g | Vitamin A: 24060 IU | Vitamin C: 260 mg | Calcium: 1512 mg | Iron: 24 mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare the ingredients for the Chipotle Burrito Bowl in advance?
- Yes, most ingredients can be prepped ahead of time. The chicken can be marinated for up to 8 hours or even frozen. Salsas can be made a day in advance and stored in airtight containers. Lettuce and cheese can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated in storage bags.
- What are some variations to customize my Chipotle Burrito Bowl?
- You can substitute chicken with other proteins like crispy carnitas or barbacoa. For a healthier option, use brown rice instead of white. You can also switch between black beans and pinto beans or add different cheeses like cheddar or cotija. Low-carb options include skipping the rice and adding more greens.
- Can I make a low-carb version of the Chipotle Burrito Bowl?
- Absolutely! Simply remove the rice and add extra greens. You can use a mixed lettuce blend or any greens you have available to maintain a low-carb meal.
- What is the best way to store and reheat the components of the burrito bowl?
- Store each component separately in airtight containers. Reheat the rice by sprinkling it with a little water and warming it in the microwave or on the stove. For beans, gently heat them in a small saucepan.
- How do I make the fresh tomato salsa for the burrito bowl?
- Combine chopped tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeños in a bowl. Add lemon and lime juice, season with salt, toss lightly, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips
- Marinate and Freeze the Chicken: Consider marinating the chicken for up to eight hours or freezing it in the marinade for an even more flavorful and convenient meal prep option.
- Prepare Salsas in Advance: You can make the corn salsa and fresh tomato salsa a day ahead. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to save time on the day of assembly.
- Rehydrate and Warm the Rice: If you prepare the rice ahead of time, sprinkle it with a little water before reheating to ensure it stays moist and fluffy.
- Efficient Ingredient Prep: Chop the lettuce and shred the cheese a day in advance. Store them in zippered plastic bags in the refrigerator to streamline your meal prep process.
Equipment
- Grill pan or outdoor grill – for cooking the Chipotle Chicken.
- Rice cooker – for making the Cilantro Lime Rice.
- High-quality chef’s knife – for chopping ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and lettuce.
- Cutting board – to safely chop and prepare ingredients.
- Airtight containers – for storing prepped ingredients like salsas and cheese.
- Salad bowls – for serving the assembled burrito bowls.
- Small saucepan – for warming black beans.