Meals · High Protein
Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls (40g Protein)
These meal-prep friendly Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls deliver approximately 40 grams of protein and 515 calories per serving. Tender chipotle-spiced chicken is served over brown rice with black beans, corn, and fresh toppings.
Nutrition per serving
- Protein
- 40 g
- Calories
- 515
- Carbs
- 0 g
- Fat
- 0 g
Nutritional values are estimates based on standard ingredient data and may vary by brand or preparation method. This information is for general reference only and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice. Consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance.
Ingredients
- 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast — cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo — minced, plus 1 tbsp adobo sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice — from 1-2 limes
- 2 tbsp olive oil — divided
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.75 tsp salt — or to taste
- 0.25 tsp black pepper — or to taste
- 1.5 cups uncooked brown rice
- 3 cups water — for rice
- 1 15-oz can canned black beans — rinsed and drained
- 1.5 cups frozen corn — drained if canned
- 1 cup salsa — your favorite
- 1 ripe avocado — diced, for topping
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro — chopped, for topping
Steps
- Cook the rice: Combine brown rice and water or broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Fluff with a fork.
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the cut chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.
- Warm beans and corn: While the chicken cooks, gently warm the rinsed black beans and corn in a separate small saucepan or microwave until heated through.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked brown rice evenly among 4 meal-prep containers or serving bowls. Top each with equal portions of the cooked chipotle chicken, warmed black beans, and corn.
- Add toppings: Spoon salsa over each bowl. Garnish with diced avocado and fresh cilantro just before serving. For meal prep, pack avocado and cilantro separately to maintain freshness.
Why This Works
Boneless, skinless chicken breast delivers 31g protein per 100g (USDA #171077). 8 oz per serving hits 47g protein before rice and beans. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add 2-3g protein from the tomato base while providing smoky-sweet heat. The bowl format saves 300+ calories versus a flour tortilla wrap while increasing vegetable volume. Cook boneless, skinless chicken breast to 165°F internal temperature (6-8 minutes per side), then rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Chipotle Technique
Chipotle peppers in adobo are smoked, dried jalapeños rehydrated in tomato-vinegar sauce. Mince 2-3 chipotle peppers and mix with 1 tablespoon adobo sauce for the boneless, skinless chicken breast marinade. Reserve the rest. Freeze extra chipotles individually on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer bag for future use. Marinate chicken at least 30 minutes, up to 8 hours refrigerated.
Bowl Assembly
Layer strategically: warm brown rice on bottom, then black beans (7g protein per ½ cup), sliced boneless, skinless chicken breast at 165°F, corn, and cold toppings last. The temperature gradient. Warm base, hot protein, cool toppings. Mimics the Chipotle experience. Sour cream or Greek yogurt adds an extra 3-6g protein per 2-tablespoon dollop.
Sources Research-Backed
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I meal prep chipotle chicken burrito bowls?
Yes. These are meal prep champions. Store chicken, rice, and beans together for 4-5 days. Keep cold toppings (salsa, sour cream, lettuce) separate and add fresh when eating. The chipotle flavor improves as it marinates.
Can I freeze burrito bowl components?
Yes. Freeze cooked chipotle chicken for up to 3 months. Rice and beans also freeze well together. Thaw overnight and reheat in a skillet. Don't freeze fresh toppings. Add those fresh when serving.
Are chipotle chicken burrito bowls gluten-free?
Yes. Rice, chicken, beans, corn, and all fresh toppings are naturally gluten-free. Verify your chipotle peppers in adobo. Most brands are gluten-free but check the label. No tortilla means no gluten worries.
How spicy is chipotle chicken?
Moderately spicy with smoky heat. Start with 2 chipotle peppers for medium heat, 3-4 for spicy. The adobo sauce adds flavor without much heat. Use more sauce, fewer peppers if you're heat-sensitive. Greek yogurt topping helps cool the heat.
