"Chipotle" Style Chicken Burrito Bowls

My Family's Favorite Chipotle-Style Chicken Burrito Bowls

As a busy mom of three, I'm always on the lookout for quick, healthy, and delicious meals that the whole family will enjoy. Chipotle burrito bowls have always been a favorite of ours, but let's be honest, eating out every time we crave them isn't feasible. That's why I decided to recreate this restaurant favorite at home. This recipe is incredibly adaptable, and the best part is getting the kids involved in creating their own personalized bowls! It's a fun, interactive meal that everyone looks forward to.

The secret to a truly satisfying Chipotle-style burrito bowl lies in the abundance of fresh, flavorful toppings. I’ve kept this version as close to the original as possible, using simple ingredients that most households already have. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of cumin, paprika, and adobo for a smoky, savory kick, and the rice acts as the perfect base for all the delicious toppings to come. Making the guacamole from scratch adds a nice touch, but using pre-made guacamole saves a lot of time if you're short on time.

What makes this recipe so special? First, it's incredibly versatile. The beauty of a burrito bowl is its customization; everyone can pile on their favorite toppings. Second, it’s budget-friendly. You can adjust the ingredients based on what you have available and what is on sale, making it an accessible meal for families of all sizes and budgets. And finally, it’s unbelievably delicious. The combination of flavors and textures – from the tender chicken to the creamy guacamole, the hearty rice, and the vibrant toppings – is a culinary symphony in a bowl.

Tips for Success:

• Prep Ahead: Chop your chicken, cook the rice, and make the guacamole the night before. This reduces cooking time considerably.
• Customize It: Don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings. Consider adding roasted sweet potatoes, black olives, pickled onions, or different types of cheese.
• Make it a Family Affair: Let everyone assemble their own bowls. It's a fun activity that gets the kids involved in the cooking process.
• Leftovers are Great: These burrito bowls are just as delicious the next day, making them perfect for meal prepping.

Beyond the Bowl:

While the burrito bowl format is fantastic, this recipe is extremely adaptable. Consider using the chicken and toppings to make tacos, quesadillas, or even a hearty chicken salad for lunch. The possibilities are truly endless.

Creating this Chipotle-style chicken burrito bowl at home not only saves money but also allows for a unique and enjoyable family meal. The ease of preparation, the adaptability, and the delicious results make it a regular staple in our house.

My Final Thoughts:

This recipe isn’t just a meal; it's an experience. It's a chance to connect with your family, to share a delicious and healthy meal together, and to create memories around the table. So, gather your ingredients, and prepare for a culinary adventure that the whole family will love. Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability, allowing for customization that will delight everyone, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies.

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).