Burrito bowl, chicken
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A deconstructed burrito served in a bowl, this chicken version features seasoned, grilled or shredded chicken as the star protein. It typically includes a base of rice, beans, salsa, cheese, and avocado or guacamole, offering a satisfying mix of savory, smoky, and fresh flavors with a variety of textures from creamy to crunchy. Nutritionally, it's a protein-packed meal, with the chicken providing over 20g per 100g, though the low carb count in the provided data suggests a specific preparation (e.g., without rice or beans).
💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its incredible versatility and bold, layered flavors—the ability to customize each component to personal taste makes it a crowd-pleaser. It's also deeply rooted in Tex-Mex culture, offering a comforting, hearty, and visually appealing meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sodium content from seasoning, cheese, and salsa can be a concern for those monitoring salt intake. Portion control is key, as the calorie count can climb quickly with generous additions of cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. To counteract, opt for fresh pico de gallo over creamy sauces, use cheese sparingly, and load up on non-starchy vegetables like fajita veggies and lettuce.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of lean protein for muscle maintenance and satiety.
- Highly customizable to fit low-carb, high-protein, or gluten-free diets.
- Provides a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and fiber (when beans/veggies are included).
- Convenient and portable, often assembled in a single bowl.
- Can be a good source of micronutrients like iron (from beans) and vitamins (from salsa/veggies).
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The burrito bowl is a modern, plate-less adaptation of the traditional Mexican burrito, which itself is believed to have originated in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 69.9 g |
| Energy | 161 kcal |
| Protein | 21.0 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 8.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.27 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.09 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 79.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.54 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 22.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 202 mg |
| Potassium, K | 211 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 301 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.3 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.04 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 21.5 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.07 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.17 mg |
| Niacin | 5.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.46 mg |
| Folate, total | 4.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 4.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 4.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 63.6 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.34 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 31.0 ug |
| Retinol | 31.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 3.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.22 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.10 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 2.8 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 3.3 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.08 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.08 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.10 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.33 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.0 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.58 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 2.7 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.35 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 2.4 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.03 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.1 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.97 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.06 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.06 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 93.0 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Is a chicken burrito bowl healthy?
It can be a very healthy choice, especially when loaded with vegetables, beans, and lean chicken. The key is mindful assembly: choose brown rice or skip it, go easy on high-fat toppings like cheese and sour cream, and opt for fresh salsas.
How many calories are in a typical chicken burrito bowl?
A standard restaurant bowl (like from Chipotle) can range from 400 to 700+ calories, depending heavily on portion sizes and toppings like cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. A homemade version can be controlled to fit specific calorie goals.
What makes the chicken in a burrito bowl so flavorful?
The chicken is typically marinated or seasoned with a blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic, and oregano, then grilled or seared to develop a smoky, savory crust. Some recipes also use achiote paste or citrus juices for depth.