Chipotle Style Chicken Burrito Bowls

My Family's Favorite Chipotle-Style Chicken Burrito Bowls

As a busy mom, finding quick and easy meals that the whole family enjoys is a constant quest. We're all about flavorful food, but let's be honest, nobody wants to spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I developed this recipe for Chipotle-style chicken burrito bowls – a delicious and customizable meal that comes together surprisingly fast. It’s become a weekly staple in our house, and I'm excited to share it with you.

The inspiration for this recipe came from our occasional family trips to Chipotle. My kids absolutely adore their burrito bowls, and I appreciate the fresh ingredients and customizable options. However, those trips can get expensive, and sometimes it's just easier to whip something up at home. This recipe truly captures the essence of those restaurant bowls, with a few tweaks to make it even easier and more budget-friendly. The best part? You get to control the ingredients, so you can cater to everyone’s preferences.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It's a fantastic base that can be adapted to whatever you have on hand. Don't have avocados? No problem! Skip the guacamole or use a different topping. Out of corn? Black beans are a great alternative. The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility. We often change up the toppings depending on what's in season or what we have in the fridge. Sometimes we add roasted sweet potatoes, or even some leftover grilled veggies for extra flavor and nutrition.

Making the Chicken: The marinated chicken is surprisingly simple to prepare. I typically shred it after cooking, but you could certainly dice it if you prefer. The spice blend – cumin, paprika, adobo seasoning, and a touch of taco seasoning – provides a delicious smoky flavor that everyone in my family craves. Feel free to adjust the seasoning levels to your liking; if you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce the amount of spices you use.

Preparing the Toppings: The real fun starts with the toppings! I encourage you to involve your family in this process; it’s a fantastic way to teach kids about healthy eating and cooking. Let everyone pick their favorites and get creative with their combinations. The possibilities are endless! My children particularly love adding extra cheese, while my husband always asks for sour cream.

Plating the Bowls: The secret to a perfectly assembled burrito bowl is the layering. I recommend starting with a bed of shredded lettuce, followed by the rice, chicken, and then your choice of toppings. This ensures that everything stays fresh and vibrant. The layering adds a visual appeal as well, creating beautiful, colorful bowls that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.

Leftovers: Any leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. We often use it to make quick lunches or add it to salads for a protein boost. While the rice and other toppings are best enjoyed fresh, the chicken is certainly versatile enough to be repurposed into other meals.

In short, this Chipotle-style chicken burrito bowl recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It's a quick, delicious, and healthy meal that the whole family will love. The best part is the endless possibilities for customization, making it a perfect dish for even the pickiest eaters. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!

Step-by-step

• Cut up chicken and add cumin, taco seasoning salt + pepper, paprika, and Adobo, set to the side.
• Cook rice according to the directions on the box.
• In a large saute or frying pan on med-high heat, estimate and add 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
• Add chicken.
• While chicken is cooking, peel avocados and make guacamole according to package directions. Refrigerate.
• Open cans of black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with chiles and cilantro and put in small bowls.
• If you'd like, you can warm the can of beans and corn (not together, or together).
• Don't warm the can of diced tomatoes, unless you like warm salsa/tomato mixture.
• Once chicken and rice is done, you can start plating.
• Letting everyone add the toppings of their choice is part of the fun of the meal!
• P.S. Suggestion for plating - put shredded lettuce in bowl or plate first - then add rice, then chicken, then toppings (guacamole, black beans, cheese, corn, diced tomato mixture, sour cream, or anything else you think would be good).