Chicken Burrito Bowls

I used to be able to go to Chipotle and order a Chicken Burrito Bowl with lots of cheese and sour cream and a tortilla on the side without even thinking about how many calories I was consuming in one sitting. When I was in college I used to drive almost an hour each way just to eat a Chipotle burrito. It was delicious and I often get cravings for Chipotle. Sometimes I indulge and go have a burrito or a burrito bowl, but I can't always justify the calories that come with one of those things. A burrito from Chipotle can have upwards of 1200 calories depending on what you put on it. 

 

You can't really make a burrito like Chipotle, there's just nothing like it, but this is a great, healthy alternative that definitely satisfies those cravings. In my opinion its the chicken that makes or break it. I like it when its spicy, has a nice crust on the outside, and has some little burnt parts. The best way to get a nice crust with some little burnt bits is to cook it on a hot grill, but you can get almost the same effect if you use a hot cast iron pan.

 

I like to load mine up with lots of toppings. Sour cream and cheese are a must have for me. Recently instead of using sour cream I have started using Greek yogurt. It is just as creamy and tangy as sour cream but it is so much better for you!

Chicken Burrito Bowl
Serves about 4
Total time: 35 minutes

For the chicken:
6 chicken breast halves
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 tsps. cumin
2 tsps. oregano
1 tsps. chili powder
1 tsps. garlic powder
1/2 tsps. salt
1/2 tsps. black pepper

In a medium bowl mix 1 tbsp. olive oil with all of the spices. Add the chicken and mix up until all of the chicken is coated in the spice mixture. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to so it absorbs all of the flavors. If you are using a grill, get the grill really hot by pre-heating it on high for about 10 minutes then turn the heat down to medium. Oil the grill with the remaining olive oil and then put the chicken breasts on. Flip after 4-5 minutes - there should be nice grill marks. Cook another 4-5 minutes on the other side until the chicken is cooked through. If you are using a pan, heat 1 tbsp. oil in a cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until there is a nice crust on the first side. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Let is rest for about 10 minutes then chop it up into bite sized pieces.

For the Burrito Bowls:
3 cups cooked brown rice
3 cups black beans
Chicken from above
Toppings: Guacamole, Salsa, Cheese - cheddar is a great option but if you can find it, queso fresco is a great cheese (it's kind of like the Mexican feta), onions, jalapenos, corn, Greek yogurt (as a great sub for sour cream) and any other toppings you want!

In a bowl place 1/2 cup cooked rice, 1/2 cup black beans, 1 chicken breast half and any toppings you want!