Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl – Meal Prep Friendly + Full Flavor

There’s something about walking into Chipotle and building your perfect burrito bowl that just hits right—layers of rice, juicy chicken, creamy guac, all packed into one bowl of flavor-packed bliss. But what if you could have that same delicious experience at home, anytime the craving strikes? That’s exactly why I created this copycat Chipotle burrito bowl recipe—so I could skip the line and the takeout bill, and still enjoy all the bold, fresh flavors I love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This copycat Chipotle burrito bowl is made up of several components that come together for one delicious, layered experience. While it may look like a long list, don’t be intimidated—most of these ingredients are pantry staples, and many can be prepped ahead of time.

🥩 For the Chipotle Chicken (or protein of choice):

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs – for juicier, more flavorful meat (sub with chicken breast, steak, or tofu if preferred)
• 2 tbsp adobo sauce (from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo)
• 2 tsp chipotle chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste

🍚 For the Cilantro Lime Rice:

• 1 cup white or brown rice, uncooked
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt, to taste

🫘 For the Beans:

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Splash of water or broth (optional, to warm)

🌽 For the Corn Salsa:

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 small jalapeño, seeded and diced
• Juice of ½ lime
• Pinch of salt

🥑 For the Guacamole:

• 2 ripe avocados
• ¼ cup red onion, finely minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• Salt, to taste

🧂 Toppings (customize to your liking!):

• Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Fresh tomato salsa or pico de gallo
• Shredded lettuce
• Tortilla chips or crumbled taco shells
• Extra lime wedges

Print

How to Make a Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl

This recipe is all about layering flavors—from the smoky marinated chicken to the zesty cilantro-lime rice. You can prep everything at once or break it down over a couple of days if you’re meal prepping. Here’s exactly how to make it:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together adobo sauce, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

While the chicken marinates, cook your rice. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of rice with 2 cups of water or broth and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until fluffy. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, and a drizzle of olive oil or pat of butter.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F). Let rest for 5 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Prep the Beans, Corn Salsa & Guacamole

While the chicken cooks, warm the beans in a small saucepan with garlic powder, cumin, and a splash of water. In a bowl, mix together corn, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro for your salsa. In another bowl, mash avocados and mix in lime juice, onion, cilantro, and salt for guacamole.

Step 5: Build Your Burrito Bowl

Start with a base of cilantro-lime rice, then layer on chopped chicken, beans, corn salsa, and your favorite toppings—cheese, guacamole, sour cream, lettuce, pico de gallo, tortilla chips, or anything else you love.

Serve immediately or store components separately in the fridge for fresh, fast meals all week long.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of a copycat Chipotle burrito bowl is how endlessly customizable it is. Whether you’re craving more heat, going vegetarian, or eating low-carb, there’s a version for everyone—and each is just as satisfying as the original.

🌿 Vegetarian or Vegan Burrito Bowl

Swap the chicken for grilled veggies (like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms) or seasoned tofu. Use a dairy-free cheese and vegan sour cream or cashew crema. Black beans and corn salsa add plenty of protein and texture to keep it hearty.

🌶️ Spicy Steak Bowl

Use the same marinade on flank steak or skirt steak, and sear it to medium-rare perfection. Add extra jalapeños or chipotle hot sauce to kick the spice up a notch.

🥬 Low-Carb or Keto Bowl

Ditch the rice and go for cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce as your base. Stick to higher-fat toppings like guacamole, cheese, sour cream, and protein-rich grilled chicken or steak. Skip the corn and beans to keep the carbs low.

🧀 Queso Burrito Bowl

Want it extra indulgent? Drizzle warm queso over the top of your bowl. It adds a creamy, spicy element that’s restaurant-worthy. Bonus points if you stir in roasted poblanos or hatch chiles for a smoky twist.

🌮 Breakfast Burrito Bowl

Start with a base of crispy hash browns or sweet potato hash. Add scrambled eggs, black beans, avocado, salsa, and a sprinkle of cheese. It’s like brunch, Chipotle-style!

These variations let you enjoy your favorite bowl any time of day—and match your mood, diet, or what’s already in the fridge.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If this copycat Chipotle burrito bowl has earned a spot in your weekly rotation, you’re going to love these other flavorful, easy-to-make recipes from UMI Recipes. Whether you’re meal prepping, cooking for a crowd, or just looking to shake up dinner, these dishes bring the same crave-worthy vibes to your table.

🌮 Chicken Street Tacos

Juicy marinated chicken, warm tortillas, and fresh toppings make these tacos a quick and satisfying option any night of the week. Add a side of elote or rice and beans to make it a full meal.

🥗 Southwest Quinoa Salad

Packed with black beans, corn, avocado, and a zesty lime vinaigrette, this hearty salad is perfect for lunches or a light dinner. It’s a protein-packed, veggie-forward option that’s easy to prep ahead.

🍛 Chipotle-Inspired Sofritas

This plant-based protein is simmered in a smoky tomato-chipotle sauce that’s rich, spicy, and satisfying. It’s a fantastic alternative for vegans and vegetarians craving that burrito bowl feel.

🌯 Grilled Chicken Fajita Bowls

Sizzling peppers and onions, char-grilled chicken, and all your favorite toppings—these bowls come together fast and deliver big on Tex-Mex flavor.

🥑 Homemade Guacamole & Salsa Sampler

Take your burrito bowl night up a notch with a trio of dips: classic guac, fire-roasted tomato salsa, and sweet corn pico. Great for game days or as a topping bar for your burrito bowls.

Follow UMI Recipes on Pinterest for more Southern favorites and easy appetizers!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s in a burrito bowl from Chipotle?

A traditional Chipotle burrito bowl includes your choice of rice (white or brown), beans, protein (chicken, steak, sofritas, barbacoa, or carnitas), salsas (like corn, pico de gallo, or tomatillo), cheese, sour cream, lettuce, and guacamole. It’s a fully customizable meal served without the tortilla, which makes it naturally gluten-free and perfect for meal preppers.

Are Chipotle bowls actually healthy?

They can be! One of the best things about burrito bowls is their flexibility. You can load up on fresh veggies, grilled lean protein, and skip the high-calorie extras like sour cream or cheese. Going light on rice and adding more greens or beans can also keep your bowl nutrient-dense and balanced.

What is a Chipotle bowl made of?

It’s essentially a deconstructed burrito. The base is rice or greens, followed by beans, your choice of protein, and a mix of toppings like salsas, shredded cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. This homemade version lets you control every ingredient and portion for your personal taste and dietary needs.

How do you make Chipotle from scratch?

Start with these key components:

1. Chipotle-marinated protein (like chicken or steak)
2. Cilantro-lime rice
3. Beans (black or pinto)
4. Fresh salsas and guacamole
5. Optional toppings like cheese, lettuce, or sour cream