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Easy Chipotle-Style Burrito Bowl Recipe Perfect for Lunchbox Meals

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A flavorful and easy-to-make chipotle-style burrito bowl that holds up well in lunchboxes, featuring juicy marinated chicken, cilantro-lime rice, and seasoned black beans.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce plus 1 tbsp adobo sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Zest and juice of 1 lime
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 can (15 oz) cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Splash of lime juice (optional)
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Shredded lettuce or baby spinach
  • Grated cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • Avocado slices or guacamole
  • Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Fresh jalapeño slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine minced garlic, chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, ground cumin, smoked paprika, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to form a paste.
  2. Add chicken pieces and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  3. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.
  4. Bring water or chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rice and salt, stir once, cover, and reduce heat to low.
  5. Simmer for 18 minutes without lifting the lid. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
  6. Fluff rice with a fork, then stir in lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.
  7. In a small saucepan or skillet, combine black beans with cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over medium heat.
  8. Warm through, stirring occasionally. Add splash of lime juice if desired. Keep warm until serving.
  9. Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  10. Add marinated chicken pieces and cook about 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked and charred in spots.
  11. Remove from heat and let rest a few minutes before slicing into strips or bite-sized pieces.
  12. Assemble burrito bowls by layering cilantro-lime rice, black beans, cooked chicken, and fresh toppings like cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce, avocado slices, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
  13. Sprinkle cheese and jalapeños if using.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Rinse rice well to avoid clumping. Cook chicken over medium-high heat but not too hot to prevent burning. Warm black beans gently to avoid mushiness. Reheat chicken and rice separately if possible to maintain texture. Add avocado and yogurt fresh when serving to keep textures perfect.

Nutrition

Keywords: chipotle burrito bowl, lunchbox meal, easy burrito bowl, chicken burrito bowl, cilantro lime rice, black beans, smoky chipotle, healthy lunch

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/easy-chipotle-style-burrito-bowl-recipe-perfect-for-lunchbox-meals/