This air fryer chicken burrito bowl packs all of the goodness of a traditional burrito into one simple bowl. Ready in nearly no time, and perfect for meal prep, you’re going to want to put this recipe on repeat!

A copycat chipotle chicken burrito bowl with a fork on top.

What is an Air Fryer Chicken Burrito Bowl?

This air fryer chicken burrito bowl is a favorite in our homes! It’s basically just all of the best parts of a burrito served up in one bowl of deliciousness. Plus, the beauty of this dish is that you get all the flavors and textures of a classic burrito, but since you’re using an air fryer, you get irresistibly crispy chicken, too.

For this bowl, we combine tender chunks of smoky and spicy air-fried chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, creamy black beans, crunchy lettuce, creamy avocado, and zesty salsa. It’s quick, easy, and customizable — what could be better than that, right?

Ingredients You Need

  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – These chicken thighs are the real MVPs of our burrito bowl! They’re juicy and tender, and deliver all the protein you need to feel satisfied.
  • Kosher salt – Just a pinch of kosher salt brings out the bold flavor of the other ingredients.
  • Black pepper – We use this to add a subtle kick to our chicken.
  • Garlic cloves – These minced garlic cloves turn up the flavor volume with their irresistible garlicky goodness. Feel free to measure with your heart!
  • Chipotle in adobo sauce – Chipotle in adobo sauce adds smoky spiciness.
  • Ancho chile powder – Ancho chile powder is like a flavor bomb in powdered form — it also adds a touch of smoky goodness to the chicken.
  • Ground cumin – Cumin gives the chicken an irresistible warm, earthy flavor.
  • Dried oregano – Oregano brings herbaceous flavor to the table in this dish. 
  • Olive oil – Not only does the olive oil help to coat the chicken with the seasonings, but it also keeps the chicken moist.
  • Lime juice – Fresh lime juice gives the chicken a zesty, citrusy kick that balances out the other rich flavors. 
  • Rice – Rice is the foundation of our burrito bowl. It soaks up all the savory flavors of the seasonings and also helps to keep you satisfied.
  • Black beans – These beans add a delicious creamy texture as well as an extra punch of protein.
  • Lettuce – Shredded lettuce brings a burst of freshness and color to the bowl. 
  • Avocado – Creamy avocado slices are not only super satisfying — they also add plenty of healthy fats to the bowl.
  • Salsa – We love spooning on salsa for a bright, tangy kick that perfectly complements the smoky and spicy flavors in this dish!
Cooked chipotle chicken in an air fryer.

Quick and Easy Steps to Make a Chicken Burrito Bowl

  • Prep the chicken. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and coat with the chipotle in adobo sauce, olive oil, and all of the seasonings. 
  • Cook the chicken. Once the air fryer is ready, put the chicken on the preheated crisper plate and air fry for the recommended time. 
  • Remove the chicken. Take the chicken out of the air fryer and immediately squeeze lime juice onto it. 
  • Serve. After the chicken has rested briefly, slice and serve over the lettuce, rice, beans, salsa, and avocado.
A homemade chipotle chicken burrito bowl with rice, black beans, cheese, salsa, and sour cream.

Variations

  • Veggies – Pack in even more nutrients with diced bell peppers, onions, or grilled corn. 
  • Meat – Switch up the type of meat that you use or choose a plant-based alternative. 
  • Dressing – Add your favorite dressing or whip up a simple vinaigrette or avocado crema. (We love the creamy chipotle dressing that we serve on our southwest salad!)
  • Beans – Swap out the black beans for a dollop of refried beans or toss in some other legumes that you like — chickpeas and lentils would both work well! 
  • Rice – Instead of regular rice, serve cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative.

Can I Store Leftovers? 

You can definitely store the leftovers for this burrito bowl! However, we recommend storing the ingredients in separate containers. Also, if you’re storing the sliced avocado, you may want to toss it in lemon juice to prevent browning. 

To refrigerate, place the ingredients in airtight containers and store for 3-4 days. 

If you want to freeze the chicken, store it in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag for up to 3 months. 

More Chicken-Based Recipes

We’re basically in love with how chicken is a canvas for creativity in the kitchen! If you are, too, check out these other simple chicken recipes that are chock-full of flavor! 

Middle Eastern Chicken

Greek Lemon Chicken

Creamy Mushroom Chicken

Cheddar Cheese Herb Chicken

Baked Shredded Chicken Tacos

A copycat chipotle chicken burrito bowl.

Air Fryer Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

5 from 3 votes
Author: Food Dolls
Servings: 6 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 16 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total: 26 minutes
Skip the takeout, and make this healthy air fryer chicken burrito bowl recipe in less than 30 minutes instead!

Ingredients  

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/2 – 1 Tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1/2 – 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • Rice, for serving
  • Black beans, for serving
  • Shredded lettuce, for serving
  • Avocado, sliced, for serving
  • Salsa, for serving

Instructions 

  • Combine the chicken thighs, salt, pepper, garlic, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chile powder, cumin, oregano, and olive oil in a bowl.
    1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, 3 garlic cloves, 1/2 – 1 Tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 1/2 – 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon olive oil
    Raw chicken thighs tossed with seasonings in a bowl.
  • Place the crisper plate into the COSORI air fryer basket.
  • Select the preheat function, and adjust the temperature to 385 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, tap start/pause.
  • Place the chicken thighs onto the preheated crisper plate.
    Raw chipotle chicken thighs in an air fryer.
  • Select the air fryer function, adjust the time to 16 minutes, and tap start/pause.
  • Remove the chicken when done, and squeeze the juice of 1 lime over the top. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes. Then, slice.
    1 lime, juiced
    Cooked copycat chipotle chicken in an air fryer.
  • Serve the chipotle chicken in bowls with rice, black beans, shredded lettuce, sliced avocado, and salsa.
    Rice, for serving, Black beans, for serving, Shredded lettuce, for serving, Salsa, for serving, Avocado, sliced, for serving

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Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 444kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 814mg | Potassium: 1279mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 755IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this recipe?Please leave a comment!

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Meet Alia & Radwa

Welcome to Food Dolls! Weโ€™re so glad you found us. We are Alia and Radwa, sisters who want to share simple and easy recipes with you. We hope you find recipes here that you enjoy making as much as we do! Learn more about us!

5 from 3 votes

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8 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    My husband said itโ€™s the best chicken Iโ€™ve ever made! It was delicious. Thank you for such a great recipe.

  2. I want to make this chicken bowl. your video shows something added on top of chicken in af before cooking.
    instructions don’t mention that step. don’t we have to flip the chicken half way the time.

  3. Trying this today! Your picture looks like chicken breasts and not thighs. Does the time change with breasts?

    1. Chicken breasts typically cook a little faster! Keep an eye on them, and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165 F. Hope this helps!

      Xo,
      Alia & Radwa