How I Make Chipotle Burrito Bowls at Home for Cheap!

How I Make Chipotle Burrito Bowls at Home for Cheap! is a medium Tex-Mex recipe that serves 8. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by That Savage Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 25 min

Cost: $13.62 total, $1.70 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Long-Grain White Rice (rinsed)
  • 2 pieces Bay Leaves (add to rice while cooking)
  • 4 tablespoons Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro (roughly chopped, divided among components)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (plus extra for seasoning each component)
  • 2 cans Black Beans (15‑oz each, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 12 ounces Frozen Corn (thawed)
  • 2 pieces Jalapeño Pepper (seeded and finely diced; one for salsa, one for guac)
  • 1 medium Red Onion (diced)
  • 2 pieces Avocados (ripe, flesh removed)
  • 2 pounds Chicken Breast (seasoned, grilled, and sliced (optional))

Instructions

  1. Cook Lime‑Cilantro Rice

    Rinse 2 cups of rice until water runs clear. Add rice, 4 cups water, and 2 bay leaves to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat, let sit 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Stir in 2 tbsp lime juice, half the chopped cilantro, and 1 tsp salt.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  2. Season Black Beans

    In a large pot, combine drained black beans, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until beans are warmed through, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Prepare Corn Salsa

    In a mixing bowl, combine thawed corn, the diced half of a jalapeño, 1/2 cup diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, the juice of 1 lime, and a pinch of salt. Toss until evenly mixed.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Make Guacamole

    Halve and pit the avocados, then scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash with a fork until mostly smooth with a few chunks. Stir in the remaining diced jalapeño, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, the juice of 1 lime, and a pinch of salt. Mix until combined.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Cook Optional Chicken

    Season 2 lbs chicken breast with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill or pan‑sear over medium‑high heat 6‑7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: Medium‑high heat

  6. Assemble the Burrito Bowls

    Divide the lime‑cilantro rice among 8 meal‑prep containers. Top each with a portion of seasoned black beans, corn salsa, guacamole, and optional chicken strips. Add extra lime wedges or hot sauce if desired.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
550
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
70g
Fat
15g
Fiber
12g

Dietary info: Vegetarian (omit chicken), Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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How I Make Chipotle Burrito Bowls at Home for Cheap!

Recipe by That Savage Kitchen

A homemade, budget-friendly version of Chipotle's famous burrito bowl. Includes seasoned black beans, lime‑cilantro rice, corn salsa, creamy guacamole, and optional grilled chicken. Perfect for meal‑prepping eight servings.

MediumTex-MexServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
30m
Prep
40m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 20m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$13.62
Total cost
$1.70
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cooking the rice with bay leaves and seasoning it with lime and cilantro for authentic flavor.
  • Mashing the avocados just enough to keep some texture.
  • Balancing the acidity in beans, salsa, and guacamole with lemon/lime juice.

Safety Warnings

  • Use caution when handling hot pots and pans to avoid burns.
  • Keep fingers away from the blade while dicing jalapeños and onions.
  • Avocado pits are a choking hazard; dispose of them safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of the Chipotle‑style burrito bowl in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

The burrito bowl originated as a de‑constructed burrito, allowing diners to enjoy the same flavors without the tortilla. It reflects the fast‑casual trend popularized by Chipotle, which blended traditional Mexican ingredients with American convenience.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of burrito bowls in Mexican cuisine?

A

In Mexico, similar bowls are called "tazones" or "burritos sin tortilla" and often feature rice, beans, salsa, and meat, but they may include regional salsas like salsa verde, queso fresco, or pickled vegetables depending on the state.

cultural
Q

How is a Chipotle‑style burrito bowl traditionally served in the United States?

A

It is typically served in a clear plastic bowl with layers of cilantro‑lime rice, seasoned black beans, grilled meat or tofu, fresh corn salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, and optional toppings like sour cream or lettuce.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the burrito bowl associated with in Tex‑Mex culture?

A

Burrito bowls are popular for casual gatherings, game‑day meals, and meal‑prep for busy workweeks. They are also served at festivals celebrating Mexican street food.

cultural
Q

What makes this Chipotle‑style burrito bowl special compared to other Tex‑Mex dishes?

A

The combination of lime‑brightened cilantro rice, tangy black beans, sweet corn salsa, and creamy guacamole captures the signature Chipotle flavor profile while being far cheaper and customizable for meal‑prepping.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Chipotle‑style burrito bowl at home?

A

Common errors include overcooking the rice, not seasoning each component enough, and letting guacamole sit uncovered, which causes browning. Follow the critical steps for seasoning and storage to keep flavors vibrant.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use bay leaves in the rice instead of plain water?

A

Bay leaves add a subtle herbal aroma that mimics the fragrant rice served at Chipotle, giving depth without extra spices.

technical
Q

Can I make the Chipotle‑style burrito bowl ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Cook and season the rice and beans, prepare the salsa and guacamole, then store each component in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat rice and beans together before assembling.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making the guacamole for this bowl?

A

The guacamole should be mostly smooth with a few small avocado chunks for texture, bright green in color, and glossy from the lime juice. It should not be completely pureed or overly watery.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel That Savage Kitchen specialize in?

A

That Savage Kitchen focuses on bold, budget‑friendly recreations of popular restaurant dishes, often adding humorous commentary and practical meal‑prep tips for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel That Savage Kitchen's approach to Tex‑Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

That Savage Kitchen emphasizes cost‑cutting hacks, straightforward ingredient swaps, and a no‑nonsense style, whereas many other channels may focus on gourmet techniques or exact brand replication.

channel

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