The Best Low-Calorie Lunch Recipe I Make Every Week
Skip the long lines at Chipotle and make this healthy chipotle chicken bowl recipe at home! It takes about 30 minutes to make a lower calorie bowl at home and you can fully customize it with all your favorite toppings. Inspired by the delicious burrito bowls at Chipotle I decided to create a “skinny” version […]
Skip the long lines at Chipotle and make this healthy chipotle chicken bowl recipe at home! It takes about 30 minutes to make a lower calorie bowl at home and you can fully customize it with all your favorite toppings.
Inspired by the delicious burrito bowls at Chipotle I decided to create a “skinny” version after discovering the chicken burrito bowl calories were 855 in addition to 34 grams of fat, yup and that’s with the brown rice people!
These lighter homemade Chipotle bowls save you around 345 calories and 19 grams of fat vs. the restaurant version. This “skinny” bowl is just as delicious, more economical, and you don’t have to wait in line!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken: we like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in these bowls because they cook quickly and are lower in fat than other cuts of chicken. We cook our chicken on the stovetop but you could also use grilled chicken in these bowls.
- Brown Rice: although brown and white rice are pretty similar nutrition-wise, we used brown rice since it has a couple more grams of fiber. (An important nutrient that most of us are not getting enough of in our diet.) Cut down on cooking time by using a minute rice or a rice cooker.
- Black Beans: black beans are mixed with the green chiles and chipotle for tons of delicious flavor. If you don’t like black beans, you could also use pinto beans for these bowls.
- Seasoning: to add lots of delicious flavor to the chicken, you’ll add some taco seasoning and cumin.
- Canned Chiles (green chiles and canned chipotle in adobo sauce):
- Veggies: to add more color, fiber, and nutrients to this chipotle burrito bowl, we also add some sauteed red onion and bell peppers. You’ll use the same skillet as the chicken so no need to dirty an extra dish!
How to Make a Healthy Chipotle Bowl
- Cook the Cilantro Lime Rice: Cook the rice according to package directions. Once it is cooked, stir in the lime juice and cilantro. Set aside.
- Make the Chicken: Chop chicken breasts into bite size pieces. Add oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and spices. Saute until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Season with a little bit of salt and set aside.
- Make the Fajita Veggies: In the same skillet you used for the chicken, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the sliced pepper and onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes on medium heat or until tender. Season with a dash of salt.
- Make the Beans: Stir together the black beans, canned green chiles, and pureed chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
- Assemble Your Bowls: Divide the cilantro-lime rice (or cauliflower rice if using), tender chicken, veggies, and beans between 4 bowls. Add toppings as desired and serve!
Topping Suggestions for Copycat Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls
One of the many reasons we love these bowls is that they can be topped with any of your favorite ingredients. Here are some suggestions: homemade guacamole, fresh lime juice, pico de gallo, sweet corn salsa, homemade salsa, sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt), fresh cilantro, and hot sauce.
Make A Copycat Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Today!
Best Skinny Margarita
A skinny margarita is the best alternative to the super-sized frozen margaritas commonly served at Mexican restaurants. A typical margarita can be well over 700 calories. And margarita mixes you buy pre-made are full of sugar and food coloring too.
Instead, I like to make my own healthy margarita. It has simple ingredients and is a snap to make. I make this skinny margarita on the rocks as opposed to the frozen margaritas typically served at a restaurant. This makes it a low-calorie margarita, but still with delicious flavor!
Skinny Margarita (On The Rocks)
Homemade Guacamole
Avocados are a great source of heart healthy fat, vitamins & fiber. I’m always dip carrots and red peppers in my guac for a filling but healthy snack. This guacamole recipe is a great choice instead of high fat dips and chips when entertaining.
Everyone loves the fresh homemade flavor!
53 Best Weight Loss Snacks
To keep you from going crazy with calories even when the saltiest of cravings hit, my team and I rounded up our best weight loss snack recipes that are super easy to throw together. And when you don’t have time or you’re on the go, we also made a list of our favorite healthy purchased snacks too.
One of the keys when it comes to weight loss is preparation. If you get over-hungry, it can lead to over-eating at mealtimes which is why a healthy snack can actually aid in your weight loss goals.
30 Minute Pool Workout
If you haven’t given water workouts a try, you’re missing out on one of the best low-impact workouts you can do! Swimming and water aerobics are the ideal way to get your heart rate up while being easy on your joints. The buoyancy of water lessens the pull of gravity, making you feel lighter and more balanced while also reducing the impact on your knees.
This also makes the same moves that would be difficult to do on land feel easier in the pool. Water aerobic exercises are a great option for seniors who have problems with balance, sciatica pain, or issues with their joints, including arthritis. However, pool exercises for seniors aren’t just for seniors, this is a water workout that anyone can (and should!) do!
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