Name: Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 limes, juiced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup white rice; 1/2 cup chopped cilantro; 1 lime, juiced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 yellow onion, sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for veggies); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh); 1 avocado, sliced; 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup salsa or pico de gallo; Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Why You’ll Love Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl Recipe

This DIY Chipotle Burrito Bowl lets you enjoy all the bold flavors of the classic fast‑casual favorite without leaving your kitchen. It’s customizable, packed with protein and veggies, and comes together with simple ingredients you can prep ahead of time. The combination of citrusy rice, smoky chipotle chicken, and fresh toppings keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken marinade:
vegetable oil
chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped
garlic powder
ground cumin
dried oregano
black pepper
kosher salt
boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts

For the cilantro‑lime rice:
vegetable oil
white basmati rice
water
fresh lime
fresh cilantro
kosher salt

For the bowl toppings:
pinto beans (warmed)
frozen charred corn (warmed)
guacamole
pico de gallo
Monterey Jack cheese, finely shredded

Directions

Prepare the chicken marinade by combining vegetable oil, chopped chipotle peppers, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Place the chicken in a zip‑top bag with the marinade and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Grill the marinated chicken over medium‑high heat for about 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest, then chop into bite‑sized pieces.
For the rice, heat a little oil in a saucepan over medium heat, add the rice and lime juice, and toast briefly. Add water, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low until the rice is tender. Stir in chopped cilantro and fluff with a fork.
Warm the beans and charred corn.
To assemble, divide the rice and chicken among bowls. Top with pinto beans, corn, guacamole, pico de gallo, and shredded cheese. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Serves 4 people.
Prep time: about 1 hour (including marinating time).
Cook time: 20 minutes.
Total time: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Variations

• Steak or tofu: Swap the chicken for grilled steak strips or marinated grilled tofu for a different protein option.
• Brown rice: Substitute brown rice for a heartier base.
• Black beans: Use black beans instead of pinto beans for extra fiber.
• Extra heat: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or a drizzle of chipotle crema for spice.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken, rice, and toppings separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add fresh toppings after reheating.
• Freezing: Components like cooked rice and chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months, but fresh toppings are best added after thawing and reheating.

FAQs

What makes this a “copycat” Chipotle recipe?

This recipe mimics the flavors and components of Chipotle’s chicken burrito bowl—cilantro‑lime rice, seasoned grilled chicken, beans, corn, pico, guacamole, and cheese—all made at home.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap the chicken for grilled tofu, tempeh, or extra beans for a vegetarian version.

How long should the chicken marinate?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken at least 1 hour, though you can do up to overnight in the fridge.

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes. Brown rice or jasmine rice can be used, but cooking times may vary.

Is this recipe meal‑prep friendly?

Absolutely. Cook and store components separately for easy assembly during the week.

Can I add fajita veggies?

Yes, sautéed bell peppers and onions make a great addition.

What salsa works best?

Fresh pico de gallo is recommended, but store‑bought tomato or corn salsa works too.

Can I use store‑bought guacamole?

Yes, you can use store‑bought guacamole to save time.

How spicy is this bowl?

The heat level depends on the chipotle peppers used; remove seeds to reduce spice.

Can I grill this indoors?

Yes, use a stovetop grill pan if you don’t have outdoor grilling access.

Conclusion

This Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl brings fast‑casual flavor to your kitchen with juicy grilled chicken, tangy cilantro‑lime rice, and fresh, customizable toppings. It’s perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or feeding a crowd, and lets you enjoy all your favorite burrito bowl goodness without the restaurant price tag.