Paleo Burrito Bowl Recipe (2024)

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Paleo Burrito Bowl Recipe (1)

Imagine a Chipotle meal where you don’t have tohear, “The guacamole is $2 extra, okay?” This is my kind of meal, as I prefer to stuff my face with guacamole without being reminded of the price of avocados.

This is my current go-to lunch. I keep a big batch of the chicken in the fridge, along with the extra squash and cilantro cauliflower rice. Then, I quickly heat-up the components (a toaster oven is great for this) and enjoy.

Note that this recipe is heavy on the nightshades, which are eliminated on the Autoimmune Paleo Protocol. I recently re-introduced nightshades into my diet after eliminating them for a couple of years. And that is the beauty of a leaky gut protocol – the ability to eventually enjoy tomatoes without any symptoms of autoimmunity!

The Elements:Paleo Burrito Bowl

Smoked Chili Butternut Squash – For a hearty and colorful addition to this burrito bowl, I added some spiced butternut squash. Feel free to use sweet potatoes, roasted with the same seasoning, instead.

Crockpot Mexican Chicken – When I need a storehouse of quick lunch-time protein in the fridge, I’ll throw some chicken thighs in the crockpot in the morning. By 1pm, this fragrant and melt-in-your-mouth staple is ready.

Cilantro Cauliflower Rice – Cauliflower rice provides a fresh, neutral base for the hearty toppings. A bit of cilantro and a squeeze of lime jazzes up this grain-free staple.

The fixings – Avocado or guacamole, salsa of choice, sliced lime, chopped cilantro…

Print

Paleo Burrito Bowl

Author:Lauren

Serves:3-4 servings

Bring Chipotle home with this easy lunch or dinner bowl, packed with colorful butternut squash and Mexican shredded chicken.

Ingredients

Mexican Pulled Chicken

  • 1½ - 2 lbs. skinless and boneless chicken thighs
  • ¾ cup salsa of choice
  • 1 tsp. mild chili powder blend (such as this one)
  • Unrefined salt, to taste

Butternut squash

  • 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed (substitute 2 sweet potatoes, prepared similarly)
  • 1 tsp. mild chili powder blend
  • ½ tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 tbs. melted coconut oil/ghee or olive oil
  • ½ tsp. unrefined salt

Cilantro Cauliflower Rice

  • 2 small heads or 1 large head cauliflower, in florets
  • 1 Tbs. ghee or coconut oil
  • ¼ cup broth/stock of choice
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ fresh lime

Toppings (pick and choose)

  • Avocado or guacamole
  • Salsa
  • Additional lime and cilantro

Instructions

  1. For the chicken, place the ingredients except the salt in a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for about 6 hours, or HIGH for about 3-4 hours. When done, shred with a fork and season with a pinch of salt.
  2. For the squash, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line two baking sheets lined with unbleached parchment paper for easy cleanup. On the baking sheets, toss the squash with the seasonings, salt and ghee. Bake for 30 minutes, until golden brown and tender, stirring halfway through.
  3. For the cauliflower rice, place the cauliflower florets in a food processor (this is the one I use) and pulse until it resembles rice-sized crumbles. Heat the ghee/coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the riced cauliflower and cook for about 5 minutes. Add the broth and cover with a lid. Cook for about 4 minutes, until softened but still firm. Remove the lid and stir to evaporate excess liquid. Stir in the lime juice and cilantro.
  4. For assembly, place some rice and squash in a bowl and top with chicken and the toppings of your choice.
  5. Leftover chicken stores very well in the fridge - be sure to add some of the cooking liquid when you store the chicken to keep it moist.

Paleo Burrito Bowl Recipe (2)

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Reader Interactions

10 Comments

  1. Paleo Burrito Bowl Recipe (7)Elizabeth Resnick

    So funny, I make a variation of this all the time. LOVE doing chicken thighs in the crockpot with southwest seasonings…such a treat to have a meal waiting in the fridge. Then I pile on whatever else I like…always avocado or guac, and some fresh salsa. The seasoned squash is totally new to me. Can’t wait to try. Thanks for the inspiration! Oh, and I sometimes turn the chicken thighs into a southwest soup, which is a great way to add some bone broth!

    reply to this comment

  2. Paleo Burrito Bowl Recipe (9)Janet Smith

    Thanks so much for helping me to decide what to make for supper…While I did not make this exactly and I will next time…I had a steak out so cut it in strips, marinaded it in Cumin, red pepper flakes, Smokey Paprika, Red pepper,Chili powder and olive oil for about an hour. Cooked the steak with onions and peppers like you would fajitas…always wanted to make cauliflower rice…it was awesome! We topped everything with Salsa and Guacamole and Mexican Cheese…Yumm had a few corn ships too…Loved it.. Will definitely become a part of our dinner rountine! ..My husband does not really care for rice and when he saw the cauliflower he said…..ahhh…I said just wait…it’s not rice…Now what are you trying to trick me to eat? I had to laugh…he loved it!!!

    reply to this comment

    • Paleo Burrito Bowl Recipe (10)Elizabeth Resnick

      Your steak sounds amazing too…I’ll have to try that!

      reply to this comment

  3. Paleo Burrito Bowl Recipe (11)Darlene

    Why ghee or coconut oil? Need to reduce cholesterol how about canola or olive oil?

    reply to this comment

    • Paleo Burrito Bowl Recipe (12)Lauren

      You’ll likely find this post about the role of cholesterol in health helpful, as well as my post on canola oil. http://empoweredsustenance.com/is-cholesterol-bad/ http://empoweredsustenance.com/canola-oil-excuses/

      reply to this comment

  4. Paleo Burrito Bowl Recipe (13)Tammie

    This is a must try dish! All elements really come together to make one amazing dish. I like that you use coconut oil for the cauliflower rice. It makes the dish healthier!

    reply to this comment

  5. Paleo Burrito Bowl Recipe (14)Darlene

    Hi Lauren. I just came from reading an older post where you used the term “grass-fed gelatin”. Gelatin, beef, etc. are not “grass-fed”. COWS are grass-fed. Then they are killed to make beef & gelatin & other things. I was hoping in the interim between when that column was published (2014) & now that you might have decided not to eat animals or products derived from animals but I see that didn’t happen. We do not have to eat animals. We just do not have to. We choose to. Thank you.

    reply to this comment

  6. Paleo Burrito Bowl Recipe (15)Grace

    I made this last night. It was amazing! My family loved it, one person didn’t know that the “rice” was cauliflower until I told them. I used sweet potatoes instead of squash. I was a little freaked out by the cauliflower, but everything came together wonderfully. It is such a great medley of flavors. I used homemade salsa with the chicken and made some guacamole to go with everything. Great recipe, clear instructions. Thank you!

    reply to this comment

  7. Paleo Burrito Bowl Recipe (16)Milos

    I was a little freaked out by the cauliflower, but everything came together wonderfully.

    reply to this comment

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Paleo Burrito Bowl Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Are burrito bowls healthy for weight loss? ›

Is a Burrito Bowl Healthy? The basic combination of protein, carbs, and fat (chicken, rice and beans, and guacamole and cheese, respectively) is not only healthy and filling, but incredibly satisfying too. You definitely won't be looking for an evening snack after eating a burrito bowl for dinner.

Is a burrito bowl healthier than a burrito? ›

Best: Burrito Bowl

Unwrap that burrito, and you'll save about 300 calories to start. For a healthy bowl, go with brown rice, black or pinto beans, and grilled chicken or lean steak. Top with lettuce and salsa, which packs plenty of flavor for just 5 calories a tablespoon.

What is a burrito bowl made of? ›

Divide the rice among four bowls. Top with the beans, sofritas, fajita veggies, and scoops of salsa and guacamole. Garnish with desired toppings and season to taste with salt and pepper.

What is a healthy carb substitute for rice? ›

Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and squash are excellent alternatives to rice in a healthy diet. These vegetables are high in complex carbohydrates, low in calories, and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can be boiled, steamed, or roasted.

Is a quesadilla or burrito bowl healthier? ›

It depends on ingredients. Both can be high in calories, fats, and sodium, if made with enough cheese and fried (burrito) or processed (quesadilla) meat. On the other hand, they can both be made 'healthier'. For example, burrito can be made with grilled chicken, beans, brown rice, and vegetables.

What is the healthiest protein at Chipotle? ›

The grilled chicken at Chipotle is one of our favorite lean protein options for athletes. It's not only high in protein but also lower in fat, which can be helpful for athletes trying to lose weight while still fueling properly. Inside the bowl: Grilled chicken.

What is the lowest calorie Mexican food? ›

Grilled proteins are typically some of the lowest-calorie foods you will get at a Mexican restaurant as long as they are paired with the side smart dishes. Choose grilled seafood, chicken, or steak with a side of black beans, grilled or sauteed vegetables.

What's in a burrito bowl from Chipotle? ›

Your choice of freshly grilled meat or sofritas served in a delicious bowl with rice, beans, or fajita veggies, and topped with guac, salsa, queso blanco, sour cream or cheese.

Do you eat burrito bowl cold? ›

Add all ingredients to the bowl once ready to serve. If not using freshly cooked beans and rice, reheat them in a microwave-safe bowl before adding the romaine. You can also serve the burrito bowl cold.

Can you have a burrito without rice? ›

"A good burrito doesn't need rice, but it doesn't bother me if it's there," said the staffer. "However, if there's no avocado, that's just crossing a line."

Is rice essential in a burrito? ›

Rice – while it's optional, adding rice into your burrito can make it extra filling and provide a bit more texture. Use cooked white rice or swap for brown rice if you're looking for some more nutrients. Avocado – another optional ingredient, but one we love to include for a bit of extra flavour and taste.

Do burritos have to have rice? ›

Authentic Mexican burritos consist of two thin flour tortillas filled with a variety of ingredients. Although the ingredients can be as creative and unique as one's imagination, a traditional burrito is filled with meat, vegetables, and beans. However, rice and guacamole are two very common additions.

Can you get a chipotle bowl without rice? ›

Chipotle Burrito Bowl Without Rice, With Meat And Cheese (1 One Burrito Bowl ) contains 2g total carbs, 1g net carbs, 14g fat, 27g protein, and 260 calories.

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