Chipotle Bowl Healthy Copycat Recipe Wellplated Com

In anticipation of opening day, students camped out on the sidewalk overnight, the true enthusiasts wrapping themselves in aluminum foil to match the chain’s signature burrito packaging. Since that moment when I sunk my teeth into my very first Chipotle chicken burrito—or rather since that moment when I took a really big bite of the top third because THEY ARE SO BIG—I’ve been a Chipotle believer. Now that I’m older and wiser, however, I much prefer the burrito bowl. Traditionally rice, pinto or black beans, your protein of choice, and additional toppings like salsa, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream come in a bowl at Chipotle. Avocado is extra—another compelling reason to make your own! Think of a burrito bowl as a burrito without the tortilla. But better.

Why I Love this Chipotle Bowl Recipe

Only a person with a mouth wide enough to swallow a bowling ball could bite all the way through a Chipotle burrito, so most of us are left nibbling separate bits of cold sour cream and hot beans. The burrito bowl? By mixing together the ingredients, you get a little bit of the good stuff in every bite. This tasty Chipotle bowl is the way to go! As an additional bonus, this recipe is excellent for healthy meal prep. See below for tips.

A Healthy Fast Food Favorite You Can Make at Home

While Chipotle is one of the better fast food options out there, to call a bowl from Chipotle “healthy” can be a stretch, especially when you factor in all of the toppings. (With all the fixings, a Chipotle bowl can run over 800 calories.) This homemade burrito bowl, however, delivers a total nutritional package that’s slimmer on calories without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. It’s also cost effective. A Chipotle bowl costs between $8 and $10, depending upon the protein you choose. Factor in extra toppings (like avocado) and multiply if you are feeding a family, and it adds up quickly. Making your Chipotle bowl at home offers a far more friendly price point per serving.

How to Make a Copycat Chipotle Bowl

This better-for-you version of the fast food favorite is a filling, super scrumptious, all-in-one meal. It’s also a dream for meal prep. You can assemble all of the components in advance, portion them into containers, then reheat for nutritious meals on demand.

The Ingredients

Quinoa. The base of our wholesome chicken burrito bowl. My healthy spin on Chipotle’s signature cilantro lime rice. Quinoa offers far more fiber and protein than white rice.

Chicken Breast. A delicious lean protein choice for these burrito bowls. It’s seasoned and grilled to perfection.Lime. Lime juice adds flavor and acidity to both the quinoa and the chicken. I also used the lime zest on the chicken breasts. Red Onion. Crisp and lively for a burrito bowl. Cilantro. Added to our quinoa to mimic the beloved Chipotle cilantro lime rice. Black Beans. Black beans help make this bowl ultra satisfying and give it distinct southwest flair. Corn. Sweet, juicy corn is a must-have in our burrito bowls. Either canned, fresh, or frozen corn will work great. Cherry Tomatoes. Add a burst of sweetness to every bite. Jalapeño. For a touch of heat. The Dressing. A mixture of olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper, the dressing for these bowls is bright, light, and full warm spice. Avocado. Because at home, we do not get charged extra. Pile it on!

The Directions

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.To Reheat. Rewarm burrito bowls in a large skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. To Freeze. Freeze leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Grill Pan. Perfect for grilling the chicken breasts indoors. Instant Read Thermometer. No more guessing when your chicken is done. Citrus Juicer. My go-to tool for juicing lemons and limes.

All of the Chipotle burrito bowl goodness for a fraction of the calories, no upcharge for avocado, and we didn’t even need to stand in line.