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Better Than Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe with Easy Fresh Salsa

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A flavorful and easy chicken burrito bowl recipe featuring juicy marinated chicken paired with a bright, fresh salsa. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep with bold Mexican-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 ripe tomatoes, diced (Roma or vine-ripened)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 minced jalapeño, seeded (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime (for salsa)
  • 1.5 cups cooked white or brown rice (jasmine preferred)
  • 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • Shredded lettuce or baby spinach
  • Grated cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • Avocado slices or guacamole
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, chipotle chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
  2. Add chicken to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  3. While chicken marinates, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Stir gently and let flavors meld for about 10 minutes.
  4. Cook rice according to package instructions, rinsing jasmine rice beforehand for fluffiness. This takes about 20 minutes.
  5. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  6. Assemble bowls by layering cooked rice, black beans, shredded lettuce or spinach, sliced chicken, fresh salsa, cheese if using, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
  7. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Rest chicken after cooking to lock in juices. Drain excess liquid from salsa if too watery. Use serrated knife for chopping tomatoes to keep them intact. Adjust jalapeño quantity for desired heat. For dairy-free, substitute cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken burrito bowl, chipotle chicken, fresh salsa, easy dinner, Mexican recipe, meal prep, healthy burrito bowl

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/better-than-chipotle-chicken-burrito-bowls-recipe-with-easy-fresh-salsa/