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Chipotle Burrito Bowl Copycat

Chipotle Burrito Bowl Copycat

A homemade version of Chipotle's signature burrito bowl, built with seasoned rice, black beans, grilled chicken, fresh toppings, and that signature lime-cilantro crema. This copycat captures the restaurant flavors at a fraction of the cost and lets you customize every element to your taste.

2
Servings
15m
Prep
20m
Cook
720
Calories
42g
Protein
Make this in batches and store components separately for easy meal prep. Assemble fresh just before eating to keep toppings crisp.
Mexican-Americanweeknightmeal-prepcasual

Ingredients

Equipment

  • Large skillet or cast iron
  • Medium saucepan
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Mixing bowls
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Steps

  1. 1. Prep

  2. 2. Cook Rice and Chicken

  3. 3. Warm Beans and Make Crema

  4. 4. Assemble Bowls

Burrito Bowl Meal Prep for the Week

Cook a double batch of rice and chicken on Sunday, then portion the components into separate containers. Store the crema, avocado, and lettuce separately to keep everything fresh. Assemble one bowl each morning or evening in under 5 minutes. This approach saves time during busy weekdays and costs significantly less than ordering takeout.

Cheap Burrito Bowls at Home

Buy chicken on sale and freeze it, use canned beans instead of fresh, and buy rice in bulk. Skip premium toppings like guac and make a simple lime crema instead. A homemade bowl costs roughly one-third the price of a restaurant version while tasting just as good. Frozen corn works perfectly and is often cheaper than fresh.

Burrito Bowl for One

Halve all ingredient amounts to make a single serving. Cook one chicken breast and use half a can of beans. The rice recipe scales down easily. Make the crema in full batch and store it in the fridge for multiple bowls throughout the week.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?
Yes. Brown 8 ounces of ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 5 to 6 minutes. Season with the same spice blend. It will be slightly spicier and richer than the chicken version.
How long does this keep in the fridge?
Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Assemble just before eating so the lettuce and avocado stay fresh. The crema, rice, beans, and chicken can be made ahead without issue.
What can I substitute for sour cream in the crema?
Greek yogurt works well and adds extra protein. You can also use Mexican crema if you find it at your grocery store. Mayo alone is less creamy but still tasty in a pinch.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, all the core ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check your spice blends and any store-bought items to confirm they don't contain hidden gluten.

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