Why I Stopped Buying Chipotle Burrito Bowls (Easy Recipe)

Why I Stopped Buying Chipotle Burrito Bowls (Easy Recipe) is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 5. 680 calories per serving. Recipe by Simply Mamá Cooks on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min

Cost: $16.59 total, $3.32 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Chicken Breast (trimmed and cut into bite‑size strips)
  • 2 packet Taco Seasoning (store‑bought budget blend (≈2 tbsp total))
  • 2 tbsp Cooking Oil (vegetable or canola oil for marinating and pan)
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 1 Large Onion (diced)
  • 1 can Fire Roasted Corn Kernels (15 oz, drained)
  • 1 Jalapeño (seeded and minced)
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved (or 2‑3 Roma tomatoes diced))
  • 1 can Black Beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
  • 3 Scallions (sliced)
  • 2 Lime (juiced (1 for salsa, 1 for rice))
  • 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 1 clove Garlic (grated)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil (drizzle for salsa)
  • 2 cup Long Grain White Rice (uncooked, rinsed 5 times)
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Season and Marinate Chicken

    Place the chicken strips in a bowl, drizzle with 1 tbsp cooking oil, sprinkle the two packets of taco seasoning, and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate while you prepare the other components.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Rinse the Rice

    Measure 2 cups of long‑grain white rice into a fine‑mesh sieve and rinse under cold water, swirling with your hand, until the water runs clear (about 5 rinses). Drain well.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Cook the Rice

    Transfer the rinsed rice to the rice cooker, add 2½ cups water, close the lid, and start the cooking cycle.

    Time: PT20M

  4. Prepare Corn‑Black Bean Salsa

    In a mixing bowl combine the drained fire‑roasted corn, drained black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, minced jalapeño, sliced scallions, juice of 1 lime, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, grated garlic, and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil. Stir gently and taste for seasoning.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Chop Remaining Vegetables

    Dice the green and red bell peppers and the large onion. Roughly chop the cilantro for later use.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Cook the Chicken

    Heat the large skillet over medium‑high heat, add a splash of cooking oil, then spread the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook without moving for 3‑4 minutes until the underside browns, then flip and cook another 4‑5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F).

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: medium-high heat

  7. Sauté Peppers and Onions

    In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then add the diced bell peppers and onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  8. Finish the Cilantro Lime Rice

    When the rice cooker signals completion, fluff the rice with a fork, stir in the juice of the second lime, a pinch of salt, and the chopped cilantro. Mix gently.

    Time: PT3M

  9. Assemble the Burrito Bowls

    Divide the cilantro lime rice among 5 bowls (about ½‑¾ cup each). Top with a portion of chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, and a generous scoop of corn‑black bean salsa. Add optional toppings such as avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, or extra lime wedges.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
680
Protein
55 g
Carbohydrates
80 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
12 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Low-Fat, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Why I Stopped Buying Chipotle Burrito Bowls (Easy Recipe)

Recipe by Simply Mamá Cooks

A budget‑friendly, make‑ahead Mexican‑inspired chicken burrito bowl featuring seasoned chicken, cilantro lime rice, and a fresh corn‑black bean salsa. Perfect for dinner, lunch, or meal‑prep and ready in about 70 minutes.

EasyMexicanServes 5

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

Source Video
10m
Prep
51m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 11m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$16.59
Total cost
$3.32
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating the chicken with taco seasoning for flavor development.
  • Rinsing the rice until water runs clear to avoid gummy texture.
  • Cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
  • Sautéing peppers and onions without burning them.
  • Fluffing the rice and folding in lime juice and cilantro while hot.

Safety Warnings

  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot skillet.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Be careful when mincing jalapeño; wash hands afterward to avoid eye irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of chicken burrito bowls in Mexican cuisine?

A

Burrito bowls are a modern, de‑constructed take on the traditional Mexican burrito, allowing diners to enjoy the same flavors without the tortilla. They grew popular in the U.S. as a healthier, low‑carb alternative while preserving classic Mexican seasonings like taco spice, cilantro, and lime.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of burrito bowls in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

In Texas, burrito bowls often feature grilled steak or chicken with smoky chipotle seasoning, black beans, corn, and a cilantro‑lime rice base. In California, avocado, pico de gallo, and a variety of salsas are common, while in the Southwest you might find roasted poblano peppers and queso fresco.

cultural
Q

How is a chicken burrito bowl traditionally served in Mexican street food culture?

A

Street vendors typically serve the components separately: warm rice, seasoned grilled chicken, fresh salsa, and toppings like lime wedges, cilantro, and sliced avocado, allowing customers to assemble their own bowl to their taste.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is chicken burrito bowl traditionally associated with in Mexican or Tex‑Mex culture?

A

Burrito bowls are popular for casual gatherings, family meals, and weekend lunch parties. They are also a go‑to option for game‑day snacks and are often featured at community picnics because they are easy to scale and serve.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for a Mexican‑style chicken burrito bowl versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Key authentic ingredients include chicken seasoned with a taco or adobo blend, fire‑roasted corn, black beans, lime, cilantro, and a simple rice seasoned with lime. Substitutes can include using turkey for chicken, fresh corn instead of canned, or brown rice for a healthier grain.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with this chicken burrito bowl?

A

Serve it alongside a side of guacamole and tortilla chips, a fresh cucumber‑lime salad, or a light soup such as caldo de pollo. A margarita or a cold Mexican cerveza also complements the flavors nicely.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this chicken burrito bowl at home?

A

Common errors include overcooking the chicken, not rinsing the rice enough (resulting in gummy rice), using too much oil in the salsa which makes it watery, and overcrowding the pan which prevents proper browning.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a separate cilantro lime rice instead of plain rice?

A

The lime adds acidity that balances the richness of the chicken and beans, while cilantro provides a fresh herbaceous note. This combination mimics the flavor profile of traditional Mexican rice without extra spices.

technical
Q

Can I make the chicken burrito bowl ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Cook the chicken, rice, and salsa up to 4 days in advance. Store each component in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave (cover with a damp paper towel) and add fresh avocado or cheese just before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Simply Mamá Cooks specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Simply Mamá Cooks specializes in affordable, family‑friendly Latin‑American and Mexican‑inspired meals that emphasize quick preparation, budget‑conscious ingredients, and meal‑prep strategies for busy households.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Simply Mamá Cooks' approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

Simply Mamá Cooks focuses on simplifying traditional Mexican flavors with pantry‑friendly shortcuts, such as using store‑bought taco seasoning and canned fire‑roasted corn, while still delivering authentic taste. Other channels may emphasize more complex spice blends or specialty ingredients.

channel

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