Get ready to fall in love with an explosion of flavors in every bite with the Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe. This vibrant dish brings together tender marinated chicken infused with smoky chipotle heat, bright and zesty cilantro lime rice, and a colorful medley of fresh veggies. It’s a perfect balance of spice, citrus, and wholesome ingredients that will quickly become your go-to for weeknight dinners or meal prep lunches. Trust me, once you’ve made this, it will be hard to resist making it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple, yet each ingredient adds a crucial layer of flavor, texture, or color that makes the dish shine. From the fragrant cilantro lime rice to the spicy, smoky chicken, every element is essential for a perfectly balanced burrito bowl.
- ¼ cup avocado oil: This oil’s mild flavor and high smoke point make it perfect for marinating and cooking chicken.
- 3 tablespoons lime juice: Adds bright acidity that wakes up the chicken and the rice alike.
- 3 chipotle chilis in adobo sauce, finely chopped: The heart of the smoky heat and gorgeous deep flavor.
- 1 ½ tablespoons adobo sauce: Boosts the marinade’s smoky, tangy richness for irresistible chicken.
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder: A subtle but essential punch that adds savory depth.
- ¾ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout the chicken marinade and rice.
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast, cut into strips: Tender, lean protein that soaks up all the spicy goodness.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed: Fluffy base that carries the zesty cilantro lime flavor perfectly.
- 1 ½ cups water: Needed for perfectly cooked rice every time.
- ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste): Keeps the rice flavorful without overpowering.
- 1 lime, zested and juiced (about 2 tablespoons juice): Citrus magic that brightens the rice and adds freshness.
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro: For that herby, fresh finish in the rice and as a garnish.
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped: Adds cool crunch and vibrant color to balance the bowl.
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced: Juicy bursts of sweetness that complement the spicy chicken.
- 1 avocado, chopped: Creamy richness providing a soothing contrast to the heat.
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and texture to each bite.
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained: Protein-packed and earthy, bringing an extra layer of heartiness.
- ½ small red onion, chopped: Sharp, slightly sweet crunch that lifts the entire bowl.
How to Make Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the avocado oil, lime juice, chopped chipotle chilis, adobo sauce, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. This marinade is where the magic begins—the smoky, spicy chipotle really infuses into every chicken strip. Toss the chicken into the mixture and coat thoroughly. Let it soak in all those flavors for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures your chicken is juicy, flavorful, and ready to shine.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken strips. Cook them for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has developed those beautiful, slightly charred edges that bring out a smoky crispness. Then set the chicken aside—this is the star protein for your bowl!
Step 3: Prepare the Cilantro Lime Rice
While the chicken cooks, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt, then bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover and reduce heat to low; let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Remove from heat, keep the lid on, and steam for 5 more minutes. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro for that fresh, zesty punch.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
Now for the fun part! Start by layering chopped romaine lettuce as your base for a cool crunch. Add a generous scoop of your cilantro lime rice, followed by the perfectly cooked chipotle chicken. Top with juicy diced tomatoes, creamy avocado chunks, thawed sweet corn, black beans, and the sharp pop of red onion. The layers of color and texture create a bowl that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Step 5: Serve
Serve your Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm chicken and rice against fresh, crisp vegetables. Alternatively, pack them into containers for a vibrant meal prep option that tastes just as fresh on day two.
How to Serve Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your burrito bowl presentation and flavor, don’t be shy with garnishes. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top adds a zesty brightness, while a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro adds an herbaceous, colorful touch. If you like a bit of creaminess, a dollop of sour cream or some crumbled queso fresco can be perfect companions as well.
Side Dishes
This burrito bowl is a full meal on its own, but pairing it with warm tortilla chips and a side of fresh guacamole or salsa can turn it into a festive spread. A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette also complements the richness of the bowl beautifully for those who love extra greens.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful edible bowl or on a bed of crispy baked tortilla strips to add extra crunch. You can also build a layered parfait-style jar for grab-and-go lunches that still wow in flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken, rice, and veggies can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping ingredients separate helps maintain texture and freshness until you’re ready to reassemble your bowl.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance for busy weeks, freeze the cooked chicken and rice in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado do not freeze well, so add those fresh when you thaw and reheat the main components.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat the chicken and rice in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Then layer with fresh vegetables and garnishes to keep that perfect balance of warm and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more juiciness and richness, which pairs wonderfully with the smoky chipotle marinade. Just adjust your cooking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The heat comes mainly from the chipotle chilis and adobo sauce, which add smokiness and moderate spice rather than overwhelming heat. You can reduce the number of chilis or omit the sauce if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Yes, this entire recipe is naturally gluten free as long as you double-check your canned beans and adobo sauce for any additives. It’s a safe and flavorful option for those avoiding gluten.
What can I substitute for cilantro if I don’t like it?
If cilantro isn’t your thing, try substituting fresh parsley or even chopped green onions for a different but still fresh herbal note in the rice and garnishes.
How long does the marinade need to be?
At minimum, 30 minutes lets the chicken soak up the flavors, but if you have time, marinating for a few hours or overnight in the fridge will intensify the seasoning and tenderness even more.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try this Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe because it strikes the perfect chord between bold flavor, freshness, and comforting heartiness. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking to spice up your meal prep game, this bowl delivers both taste and nutrition in a colorful package. Once you make it, it will quickly become one of your favorite dishes to share with friends and family—guaranteed!
Print
Spicy Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Burrito Bowl recipe combines marinated and skillet-cooked chicken with zesty cilantro lime rice and fresh toppings like avocado, tomatoes, and black beans for a vibrant, flavorful meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 chipotle chilis in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 ½ tablespoons adobo sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast, cut into strips
Cilantro Lime Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 ½ cups water
- ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1 lime, zested and juiced (about 2 tablespoons juice)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Bowl Toppings
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1 avocado, chopped
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ small red onion, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine avocado oil, lime juice, finely chopped chipotle chilis, adobo sauce, garlic powder, and salt. Add the chicken strips and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated chicken strips and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and a slight char on the edges. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Cilantro Lime Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let the rice cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro for fresh flavor.
- Assemble the Bowl: Divide chopped romaine lettuce evenly among serving bowls. Layer with the cilantro lime rice, cooked chicken strips, diced tomatoes, chopped avocado, thawed corn, drained black beans, and chopped red onion.
- Serve: Serve the burrito bowls immediately while warm, or store them in airtight containers to enjoy as meal prep lunches or dinners later in the week.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more chipotle chilis or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice for a healthier option; adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Make sure to rinse the rice well to remove excess starch for fluffier rice.
- Leftover bowls store well up to 3 days refrigerated; add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
