This copycat Chipotle chicken bowl tastes just like the real thing and costs a fraction of the price! Learn how to make your very own chicken burrito bowls at home next time you’re craving fast Mexican food.
Chipotle Mexican Grill is one of my family’s favorite places to eat. There once was a time when my husband and I would go as many as three times a week! My husband’s favorite was always the steak bowl, but once I tried the chicken bowl, I have been addicted ever since.
Then, one day, I got the bright idea of trying to make copycat Chipotle chicken burrito bowls at home instead of spending $30 every visit. Since then, I can’t tell y’all how much money we’ve saved. Not only are we still satisfying our Chipotle Mexican Grill cravings, but we’re getting multiple bowls for just as much money! For the amount we paid for two bowls, I can easily make SIX at home. So, it’s only right I share exactly how I do it with y’all.
Homemade Burrito Bowls on a Budget
One thing I love about a Chipotle chicken bowl is the variety of ingredients I can pile into my bowl. But when you stop to think about it, you realize the premium you’re paying for it… and how cheap they are to buy on your own. For example, the three main ingredients in Chipotle’s chicken bowls are chicken, rice, and beans. I can usually buy a bag of rice at my local bargain store for $1 and a can of beans for even less!
When it comes to the chicken, yes – chicken prices change and can sometimes get expensive. But it ain’t NOTHIN’ compared to what they’ll charge you for a double scoop of chicken at Chipotle! They love to get stingy with the chicken. Not ’round here, partner! I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. When I buy them on sale, the price can be as low as $3 for a few pounds of chicken. If you’re big on meal planning, you can shop around for sales, deals, and coupons and make these burrito bowls when you can find the ingredients for less.
The rest of the cost really depends on your favorite burrito bowl toppings! My go-to order is chicken, cilantro lime rice, pinto beans, corn salsa, fajita veggies, and guacamole. When I make my homemade burrito bowl, I know I’m getting fresh ingredients made my way… and I don’t have to pay extra for guac!
Ingredients for a Copycat Chipotle Burrito Bowl Recipe
Now, I’m not gonna lie; making homemade Chipotle chicken bowls is a labor of love – it’s a LONG recipe. But you can rest assured knowing that you’re using fresh, healthy ingredients for a fraction of the cost of draggin’ your behind to Chipotle Mexican Grill! Keep in mind that using this recipe will (or should) make 4-5 chicken burrito bowls – which makes them perfect for meal prep!
I will share the full recipe for each part of this DIY chipotle bowl recipe below in the recipe card. For now, here’s your shopping list – now pack on up and get to the grocery store! (And don’t be stoppin’ at Chipotle on the way home! Not this time, ’cause we really got food at home!)
- Chicken: I prefer chicken breasts, but chicken thighs are equally delicious and sometimes much cheaper than breasts. Depending on how many bowls you want to make, grab at least 1-2 pounds.
- Onions & Garlic: we use onion and garlic in just about every element of this recipe. Pick up at least 1 large white or yellow onion. You can use whatever kind of garlic (fresh or jarred) you prefer.
- Cilantro: this is the only fresh herb you need – emphasis on FRESH, so grab a nice big bunch.
- Limes & Lemons: these give a nice hint of fresh, zesty citrus flavor to multiple recipe pieces. You’ll need one lemon and 2-3 limes for this recipe.
- Seasonings: you’ll likely have all of these on hand already. I use Mrs. Dash Original Seasoning blend, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and chili powder.
- Peppers: pick up 1-2 sweet bell peppers (any color, but I prefer classic green).
- Corn: I use frozen corn, but either canned corn or fresh corn works too – whatever is in your budget!
- Jalapenos: you’ll need 1 large jalapeno or 2 small-medium peppers for this recipe. (If you like spice, you can certainly use more than I do!)
- Rice: white or brown rice is fine, whichever you prefer (you could even use cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative).
- Beans: Chipotle usually has pinto beans or black beans, but this is your recipe; you can use whatever kind of beans you want! Grab 2 cans of beans.
- Avocados: this ingredient might break the bank, but it’s worth it! I use 3 avocados to make a decent-sized bowl of homemade guacamole, but if they’re a bit pricy, you can get away with only 1 or 2.
- Salsa: I mix a little salsa into my guacamole for some extra flavor, so feel free to skip this ingredient if you prefer. Or grab a bag of tortilla chips to go along with it for a bonus side!
- Vegetable or Olive Oil: another ingredient you probably already have on hand. But if not… uhh, why not? Kitchen essential! 😉
How to Make DIY Chipotle Chicken Bowls at Home
Y’all already know I’ve got a helpful video tutorial to show you exactly how I make a DIY Chipotle chicken bowl at home. This recipe is a great way to save money, eat a little healthier, and enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank! Watch my YouTube video below, or hop on over to YouTube (don’t forget to subscribe while you’re there!). Note that in the video, it looks like I use a lot fewer ingredients because I’m only making ONE bowl. This whole recipe should make at least 4 bowls.
Homemade Chipotle Chicken
Now, does this chicken use a homemade adobo sauce or spicy chipotle peppers? Nah, but it sure is delicious! This marinated chicken is easy to throw together but needs a little time to sit and soak up all the flavor, so prepping it ahead of time is a must. Here’s how to make it:
- Chop up the chicken into small cubes and place it into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the chicken with some olive oil.
- Season the chicken with all of your dry seasonings – Mrs. Dash, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and chili powder.
- Toss in some diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers, then add lemon and lime juice. Mix everything until the ingredients are combined and the chicken is fully coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours.
- When the chicken is ready, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken with some oil. Let it saute until it’s completely cooked through. Set it aside until it’s time to assemble your burrito bowl.
Pro-Tip: While the chicken marinates, it’s the perfect time to prep the other Chipotle chicken bowl ingredients. Everything can be done in those two hours and set aside until you’re ready to put everything together.
Spicy Corn Salsa
Chipotle’s corn salsa is one of my favorite toppings to add to my chicken burrito bowl, so of course, I had to make my own version! It only takes a few minutes, and it’s super fresh and flavorful.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in some oil.
- Once the skillet is hot, add your corn, diced onion, jalapeno, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice into the skillet. Give everything a good stir.
- Cover the skillet and let the corn salsa cook, stirring a few times, for 5-8 minutes, until the corn has a very light char. Transfer it to a bowl and set it aside.
Cilantro Lime Rice
This rice is the base of the whole bowl, so it’s important to get it right! I prefer brown rice, but white rice works just as well.
- In the same skillet as the corn salsa, add a little more olive oil and let it heat up.
- Toss in your cooked rice and season with some Mrs. Dash Original Seasoning. Next, toss in some garlic, fresh cilantro, and the juice from one whole lime.
- Give everything a stir, and cook the rice for about 5-7 minutes until it’s warmed through.
Pro-Tip: the flavor of homemade cilantro lime rice can’t be beat. However, if you want to cut some corners, you can easily find cilantro lime rice kits at the grocery store (just about every ready-rice brand has a version, and they cost between $1 and $5 at my local Walmart).
Pro-Tip: This is also a good time to heat up your beans. Simply crack the cans open and pour them into a saucepan to heat through. Leave all the liquid in the can – that’s flavor!
Simple Fajita Veggies
These are yet another must-have burrito bowl topping for me, so I don’t dare skip making my own! This is possibly the easiest part of the recipe to make.
- Heat some more oil in the same large skillet (sensing a theme here? We don’t need more dishes than necessary!).
- Toss in your sliced onions and peppers and sauté until they’re tender and translucent.
- I don’t season my peppers and onions, but if you want a little more flavor, feel free to sprinkle in some chili powder or fajita seasoning!
Pro-Tip: save some time and buy a bag of frozen peppers and onions from the freezer section at your local grocery store. These are often very cheap and on sale, and you can use them in a TON of other recipes, so it’s a smart shortcut if you need one.
Homemade Guacamole
Last but not least, the guac! Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to EXTRA guac… fo’ free! I have a recipe for homemade guacamole on my blog, but here’s a simple version that’s a perfect burrito bowl topping.
- Mash the peeled avocados in a bowl, then add cilantro, onion, garlic, and diced jalapenos. Mix together.
- Next, squeeze in some fresh lime juice and a little salsa. Mix until combined, and you’re all set!
Pro-Tip: if fresh avocados are out of your budget, feel free to cheat and buy some store-bought guac. I can usually find an 8 oz. tub of guacamole at Walmart for under $4.
Assembling the Perfect Chipotle-Style Chicken Burrito Bowl
We’ve reached the best part: making your copycat Chipotle chicken bowl! Here’s how I like to do it:
- Rice
- Beans
- A double helping of that flavorful chicken!
- Fajita veggies
- Corn salsa
- Guacamole to finish it off.
What other favorite burrito bowl toppings can you add? I always add sour cream and some shredded cheese (cheddar cheese, a fiesta blend, Colby jack, or whatever I have on hand). Some extras to consider: shredded romaine lettuce, a homemade chipotle crema, fresh tomato salsa, homemade pico de gallo, or even Texas caviar!
No matter how you build your perfect copycat Chipotle bowl, it’s a great way to save some money and have an easy meal at home! Because this recipe makes multiple bowls, assemble each one in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bam – lunch for the week!
More Fake-Out Take Out from I Heart Recipes
Okay, fam. I hope this copycat chicken burrito bowl recipe helps you save money and curb your Chipotle addiction. If you still make the occasional stop, well… treat yo’ self, I understand 😉 Let me know down below in the comments what your favorite fake-out take-out recipes are!
If you loved my DIY chipotle burrito bowl recipe, you’ll love these other copycat recipes!
- Better than Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos
- Better Than Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Homemade Pizza
- Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
- Sweet and Sour Chicken
Don’t forget to tag and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, subscribe to I Heart Recipes on YouTube, and check out I Heart Soul Food, Super Soul Food with Cousin Rosie and A Cousin Rosie Holiday with many recipes you can’t find anywhere else.
Copycat Chipotle Chicken Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
Marinaded Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for marinating
- 1 large lemon cut into wedges
- 1 small lime cut into wedges
- 2 teaspoons Mrs. Dash Original Blend Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked or plain paprika
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- ¼ cup chopped sweet peppers
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for cooking
Corn Salsa:
- 2 cups frozen corn
- 1 medium jalapeno pepper diced, seeds removed
- 1 small lime juiced
- ½ small onion diced
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cilantro Lime Rice:
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash Original Blend Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1 small lime juiced
Peppers and Onions:
- 1 large onion sliced
- 2 large bell peppers sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Guacamole:
- 3 avocados cut, peeled, pit removed
- 1 large jalapeno seeds removed, diced
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1 small lime juiced
- ¼ cup mild salsa
- 2 14.5 oz cans chili, pinto, or black beans not drained
Additional Optional Toppings:
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
- Salsa, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, chipotle creama, etc.
Instructions
Chili Lime Marinated Chicken:
- Cut the chicken into cubes and place it into a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil.1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs, 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Squeeze in the lemon and lime juice. Add peel to the bowl as well for extra flavor.1 large lemon, 1 small lime
- Sprinkle in all of the dry seasonings.2 teaspoons Mrs. Dash Original Blend Seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked or plain paprika
- Add in the vegetables.¼ cup chopped cilantro, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, ¼ cup chopped onion, ¼ cup chopped sweet peppers
- Mix the chicken until everything is combined.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for two hours.
- Heat one tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet on medium heat.1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Once the oil is hot, place the marinated chicken into the skillet. Cook until chicken is fully done.
- Remove the chicken mixture from the skillet and set aside.
- While the chicken is marinating, make the rest of the chicken burrito bowl ingredients.
Spicy Corn Salsa:
- Pour olive oil into the skillet, heat on medium. Once the oil is hot, add the corn and cook for two minutes.2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 cups frozen corn
- Add onion, jalapeno, cilantro and garlic. Stir.1 medium jalapeno pepper, 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, ½ small onion
- Squeeze in lime juice.1 small lime
- Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until the corn gets a slight char.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cilantro Lime Rice:
- Pour the olive oil into the skillet and heat on medium.2 tablespoons olive oil
- Add rice to skillet and season with Mrs. Dash seasoning.2 cups cooked brown rice, 1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash Original Blend Seasonings
- Add cilantro, garlic and lime juice. Stir.1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, 1 small lime
- Cook for 7 minutes.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
- At the same time, pour the beans into a small saucepan and heat through.2 14.5 oz cans chili, pinto, or black beans
Peppers and Onions:
- Pour olive oil into the skillet and heat on medium. Once the oil is hot, add onion and peppers.1 large onion, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 large bell peppers
- Cook until tender and translucent.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Guacamole:
- Mash the avocados in a bowl. Add cilantro, onion, garlic and jalapeno and mix well.3 avocados, ½ cup chopped onion, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, 1 large jalapeno
- Squeeze in the fresh lime juice.1 small lime
- Add the salsa. Mix everything until well combined.¼ cup mild salsa
Assemble the Chicken Burrito Bowl:
- Layer the bowl starting with the rice, beans, chicken, corn salsa, and peppers and onions.
- Top with guacamole, sour cream and shredded cheese.1/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup shredded cheese, Salsa, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, chipotle creama, etc.
- Enjoy!
I Like this recipe, but I can,t print it in this format. Joyce
Sorry. This is a long recipe, so I choose this format.
Hi!
Great recipe!!! I copied and pasted this into a word document, cut the pictures out and was able to print in three pages!!!! I definite try!!!
Thanks!
do you have a recipe for salmon
I have several recipe for salmon
Can u please send the link to your salmon recipes
Rosie!!I have been trying to make homemade chipotle bowls at home for the past year and each time,major fail(my poor hubby lol)!Thank you so so so much,you never let me down!keep doin whatcha doin:)
What kind of beans did u use?? Looking forward to making this!!!
Low sodium canned beans.
Made this last night along with the quesadillas. OMG this was so good. Making this for my Mexican themed Super Bowl party. Thanks for another great recipe.
Glad that you liked the recipe!
I’m trying my hand at this recipe. I have the chicken marinating but I think my vegetables were not chopped fine enough. I hope it does not make a difference.
How did it come out?
It was great!! Everyone in the family loved it. Definitely will make this again.
Awesome!!!
What kind of canned beans…..kidney, pinto???
I used pinto, but either will work.
Thank you for sharing this with us