Copycat Chipotle Chicken Bowls

Copycat Chipotle Chicken Bowl

If you asked me what my favorite healthy dinner recipe is, these Chipotle Chicken Bowls are right at the top! I absolutely love the chicken bowls at Chipotle, so when I set out to make a healthy homemade version, I knew it had to taste just like the restaurant one. After many tests, this recipe is truly perfect and so good!

Not only is this recipe so delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. The marinade for the chicken breasts is smoky and spicy and only needs 10-15 minutes to do its magic. Add that to fluffy cilantro lime rice, garlic spiced black beans, and slightly charred vegetables, and I cannot get enough. I love to top them with sliced avocado, a little plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and a squeeze of lime juice. Even my kids love these bowls!

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Chipotle Bowl Recipe Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo – The adobo sauce is SPICY, so adjust the amount if you like things a little more mild. I love to freeze what’s left in the can in an airtight container. You can use it in the future, straight from the freezer!
• Plain Greek Yogurt – The yogurt helps the marinade cling to the chicken and gives it a lightly creamy texture.
• Honey – A little sweetness helps balance the spice and lime juice.
• Lime Juice
• Salt and Cumin
• Water – Added to thin out the marinade so it covers the chicken nicely.
• Chicken Breasts – They use chicken thighs at the restaurant, but I prefer chicken breasts. Feel free to use your preference!

Cilantro Lime Rice

• Cooked Rice – Any long-grain rice will work. Save time by using pre-prepared rice!
• Fresh Lime Juice
• Chopped Fresh Cilantro
• Salt

Vegetables

• Bell Peppers – Or your favorite veggies – zucchini, corn, radishes, and jalapenos would all be delicious options.
• Onions – I prefer yellow onions in this recipe, but red or white would work too!
• Salt/Pepper
• Avocado Oil – or olive oil.

Black Beans

• Canned Black Beans – Don’t drain or rinse them, they’ll simmer in the liquid from the can.
• Cumin
• Garlic
• Oregano

How to Make a Copycat Chicken Bowl

These Chipotle Chicken Bowls come together in just 30 minutes, making them a great weeknight meal! Here’s how to make this recipe:

1. Make the Marinade

Using a blender or food processor, blend the ingredients until smooth and cover the chicken cubes. Let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes while you prep everything else.

2. Simmer the Beans & Mix the Rice

Season the beans and simmer them on the stove. Add the ingredients to the rice, and stir well.

3. Cook the Chicken

Cook the chicken in a cast iron skillet until it’s cooked through and has come charring. Remove the chicken to a plate.

4. Cook the Vegetables

Add a little more oil and the fajita veggies to the pan and cook until their soft.

5. Assemble the Bowls

Add the cilantro lime rice, veggies, chicken, and black beans to your bowl and top with fresh sliced avocado, plain Greek yogurt, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve and enjoy!

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Chicken Bowl Recipe Substitutions & Add-Ins

I love getting to customize my bowl at the popular chain restaurant, so here are some ideas of ways you can switch things up at home!

• Proteins – Chicken thighs, cubed lean pork chops, steak, and shrimp would all work with this marinade recipe! Adjust cooking times based on the protein of your choice.
• Vegetables – Swap out the bell peppers for your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, corn, radishes, & jalapeños would all make delicious options!
• Toppings – There are endless possibilities with the things you can add. Guacamole, sour cream, cheese, salsa, tortilla strips, fresh chopped cilantro, pico de Gallo, and/or nutritional yeast would all be yummy topping ideas.
• Lower Carb – Substitute the rice with either cauliflower rice, or use a bed of fresh chopped lettuce for the bowl instead of rice altogether.

Chicken Bowl Recipe Serving Suggestions

Turn your Chipotle Chicken Bowls into a meal everyone will love with these fun and creative serving ideas:

• Family-Style Bar: Lay out all the ingredients so everyone can build their own bowl—perfect for picky eaters or a fun dinner party setup!
• Taco Night: Use the chicken and toppings as a filling for tacos or burritos instead of bowls.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice and black beans, and serve the chicken and veggies over cauliflower rice or a bed of mixed greens.
• Nacho Night: Pile the chicken, beans, veggies, and rice onto tortilla chips, top with melted cheese, and finish with your favorite salsa or guacamole.
• Breakfast Remix: Add a fried egg on top and enjoy as a hearty breakfast or brunch bowl.
• Meal Prep: Portion into containers for quick, delicious lunches throughout the week.

Copycat Chicken Bowl Storage Instructions

All of the ingredients for these Copycat Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls can be stored together in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3-5 days, or freeze for up to 1-2 months. These also make a great meal prep option. Just add a little water when reheating the bowls for added moisture and top with your favorite things!

More Bowl Recipes You’ll Love

• Greek Chicken Rice Bowls
• Honey Sesame Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
• Mahi-Mahi Fish Taco Bowls
• Hot Honey Salmon Bowls
• Harissa Veggie Bowls

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