Go Back
To make a tasty Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl, you need: - 2 cups cooked brown rice - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup diced tomatoes - 1 avocado, sliced - 1 cup shredded lettuce - ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Lime wedges for serving This mix of ingredients gives you a hearty meal. Chicken thighs add rich flavor. The rice acts as a filling base. Beans and corn boost fiber. Tomatoes and lettuce add freshness. Avocado gives a creamy touch. The right spices make this dish shine. You will need: - 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste Chipotle sauce adds a smoky kick. Olive oil keeps the chicken moist. Garlic powder brings depth. Paprika adds color and flavor. Cumin gives a warm, earthy taste. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Garnishes can elevate your bowl. Consider adding: - Extra fresh cilantro - Sliced jalapeños for heat - Salsa for added zest These garnishes add flavor and fun. Fresh cilantro brightens the dish. Jalapeños give it a spicy edge. Salsa can bring extra tang, making every bite exciting. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, take 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Place them in a mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of chipotle sauce to give it a nice kick. Next, pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil for moisture. Then, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well to coat the chicken. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. While the chicken marinates, you can cook the brown rice. Measure 2 cups of brown rice and rinse it under cold water. Follow the package instructions for cooking. Usually, it takes around 30 minutes. When done, fluff it with a fork and set it aside. This rice will be the perfect base for your burrito bowl. Now, it’s time to grill the chicken. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs. Cook them for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). When cooked, take the chicken off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. After resting, slice the chicken into strips. This will make it easy to layer in your burrito bowl. Let’s put everything together! Take a serving bowl and start with 1 cup of cooked brown rice as your base. Next, layer the sliced grilled chicken on top. Add 1 cup of black beans and 1 cup of corn for extra flavor. Then, sprinkle in diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce. Top it off with ½ cup of shredded cheese. For a creamy touch, add sliced avocado on top. Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for an extra zesty flavor. Enjoy your delicious burrito bowl! To make great grilled chicken, start with good marination. Use chipotle sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix these well with the chicken thighs. Let them rest for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the meat soak up all the flavors. When grilling, keep the heat at medium-high. Cook each side for 6-8 minutes. Check the chicken's temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest before slicing. This keeps it juicy and tender. Brown rice is the base of your bowl. Cooking it right is key. Follow the package instructions for best results. Use a pot with a lid for steaming. Add water and a pinch of salt before boiling. Once it boils, reduce the heat and cover. Let it simmer until tender. This usually takes about 30-40 minutes. If you want fluffy rice, avoid lifting the lid often. Let it sit for a few minutes after cooking to steam. Feel free to make your bowl unique! Start with brown rice, then layer your choice of toppings. Try adding different veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. You can switch up the beans too. Black beans are great, but pinto or kidney beans work well too. For extra flavor, add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of hot sauce. You can even swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. This way, your burrito bowl can be perfect for any taste! Pro Tips Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Cook Rice with Broth: Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water to cook the brown rice for an extra layer of flavor. Rest the Chicken: Let the grilled chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to retain its juices. Customize Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, or salsa for extra flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian or vegan burrito bowl. Instead of chicken, use grilled veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms work great. You can also add tofu or tempeh for protein. For a vegan twist, replace cheese with avocado or a dairy-free cheese. If you want different protein, consider shrimp or beef. Grilled shrimp adds a nice flavor. For beef, use flank steak, marinated and grilled. You can also try beans as your main protein source. Black beans or pinto beans make a hearty choice. To cut carbs, skip the rice. Use cauliflower rice instead. It’s light and healthy. You can also double the veggies for more texture. Zucchini noodles are another fun option. They add a fresh crunch and keep the meal low-carb. To keep your Chipotle chicken burrito bowl fresh, store it in an airtight container. Avoid mixing the ingredients to keep flavors separate. If you can, divide the bowl into portions. This helps with easy meals later. Always let the bowl cool before sealing. This step prevents moisture buildup. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, heat the bowl in the microwave. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plate. Heat in short bursts, around 30 seconds, stirring in between. This method ensures even heating. If you prefer, you can also use a skillet. Just add a splash of water to keep everything moist. Your burrito bowl stays good in the fridge for about three to four days. After that, the quality may drop. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture. If in doubt, throw it out. Freshness ensures the best taste and safety! A Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl is a delicious meal. It has grilled chicken, rice, and fresh toppings. The chicken gets its flavor from chipotle sauce and spices. You can customize it with beans, corn, and veggies. This dish is colorful and full of taste. To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free sauces. Check the chipotle sauce for gluten. Brown rice is naturally gluten-free. Black beans and corn are also safe to use. Avoid any added sauces that may contain gluten. Yes, you can prepare many ingredients ahead of time. Marinate the chicken a day before cooking. Cook the brown rice and store it in the fridge. Chop the veggies and keep them ready. This way, you save time when you cook. Great sides for this dish include tortilla chips and salsa. You can add a fresh salad or guacamole. Corn on the cob also matches well. For a drink, try a refreshing lemonade or iced tea. These sides enhance the meal experience. In this post, we explored making a delicious Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl. We covered the main ingredients, spices, and optional garnishes to enhance flavor. Then, I guided you through steps like marinating and grilling the chicken, cooking rice, and assembling your bowl. I shared tips for perfecting your chicken, rice, and customization options. We also looked at variations for different diets, storage tips for leftovers, and answered common questions. Enjoy your flavorful burrito bowl, and feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients. Your tasty meal is just a bowl away!

Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl

A flavorful burrito bowl featuring marinated chicken thighs, brown rice, and fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 whole avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • for garnish fresh cilantro
  • for serving lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, marinate the chicken thighs with chipotle sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • While the chicken marinates, cook the brown rice according to package instructions. Set aside once done.
  • Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
  • In a serving bowl, layer 1 cup of brown rice as the base.
  • Top the rice with sliced grilled chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and cheese.
  • Add avocado slices on top for a creamy texture.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty flavor.

Notes

Let the chicken marinate for best flavor.
Keyword burrito bowl, chicken, chipotle, healthy, spicy