Chicken Keto Bowl: What's In Chipotle's Famous Dish?

The Chipotle Keto Bowl is a new addition to the restaurant's Lifestyle Bowls, which are designed to cater to specific dietary needs. The Keto Bowl typically consists of a base of supergreens or lettuce, topped with chicken or steak, cheese, hot salsa, and fresh guacamole. It is a convenient and tasty option for those following a ketogenic diet, offering a quick and affordable meal with guaranteed keto-friendly ingredients. The bowl can be customised with various toppings, but this may increase the carbohydrate content. The Chipotle Keto Bowl is also available with Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice, providing a low-carb alternative to traditional rice.

Keto Chipotle Bowl ingredients

The Keto Chipotle Bowl is a delicious and healthy option for those following a keto diet. The base of the bowl is typically supergreens or lettuce, and it is topped with a variety of ingredients that are packed with flavour and nutrition. Here are the ingredients you will need to make your own Keto Chipotle Bowl at home:

Chicken

The star of the Keto Chipotle Bowl is the chicken. You can use chicken breasts or chicken thighs, depending on your preference. It is important to season the chicken well to get that signature Chipotle taste. A combination of spices such as chipotle chilli powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper is typically used to marinate the chicken.

Cauliflower Rice

A great keto-friendly alternative to traditional rice, cauliflower rice is a healthy and tasty option. Simply grate some cauliflower and cook it in a skillet with olive oil and salt until soft. You can also add some lime juice, cilantro, and spices to make cilantro-lime cauliflower rice, which adds a tangy and fresh flavour to the bowl.

Salsa

No Chipotle bowl is complete without some salsa. You can make your own fresh salsa by mixing diced tomatoes, green onions, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. You can also add some spice with diced jalapenos. Chipotle also offers a variety of salsa options, including pico de gallo, fresh tomato salsa, and tomatillo salsa.

Cheese

A small amount of shredded cheese can be added to the Keto Chipotle Bowl. Cheddar cheese is a popular option, but you can also use other varieties such as Monterey Jack or Mexican-blend cheese.

Guacamole

Guacamole is a must-have ingredient in the Keto Chipotle Bowl. It adds a creamy and indulgent texture to the bowl while still being keto-friendly. You can make your own guacamole or use store-bought.

Other Toppings

There are also a variety of other toppings you can add to your Keto Chipotle Bowl. Sour cream, avocado, bell peppers, and fajita veggies are all great options. You can also add some spice with chipotle peppers or taco seasoning.

How to make a Keto Chipotle Bowl

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make a keto Chipotle bowl:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Spices: chipotle chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt
• Romaine lettuce
• Cauliflower
• Cheese (optional)
• Sour cream (optional)
• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Avocado or guacamole

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, chipotle chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. You can use either chicken breasts or thighs, but if you use thighs, make sure they are boneless and skinless.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat some olive oil or avocado oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and cook for about 5-10 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 3: Prepare the Cauliflower Rice (Optional)

If you want to include cauliflower rice in your bowl, grate half a head of cauliflower and cook it in a non-stick skillet with some olive oil for about 15 minutes, or until soft. You can also add cilantro and lime juice to make cilantro-lime cauliflower rice.

Step 4: Prepare the Salsa and Lettuce

Chop up some Romaine lettuce and make your salsa or pico de gallo. You can make a simple salsa by mixing diced tomatoes and green onions with olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

Now it's time to build your bowl! Start with a base of lettuce and/or cauliflower rice, then add the chicken, salsa, cheese (if using), sour cream (if using), and avocado or guacamole.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Your keto Chipotle bowl is now ready to serve! This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for up to a few days.

Customization:

Feel free to customize your keto Chipotle bowl by adding or removing ingredients. You can swap the chicken for another protein like steak or carnitas, add fajita veggies like bell peppers and onions, or include some taco seasoning for extra flavor. Just be mindful that adding certain ingredients, like rice or beans, will increase the carb count.

Nutritional information

The Chipotle Chicken Keto Bowl is a gluten-free, grain-free, and keto-friendly meal option. It is a salad bowl with a base of supergreens lettuce blend, topped with chicken, fresh tomato salsa, Monterey jack cheese, and guacamole. The nutritional information for this bowl is as follows:

• Calories: 465-665
• Total Carbohydrates: 16g
• Net Carbohydrates: 6-8g
• Fat: 33-46g
• Protein: 35-42g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0.03g
• Cholesterol: 162mg
• Sodium: 1458mg
• Potassium: 660mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 4566 IU
• Vitamin C: 9mg
• Calcium: 56mg
• Iron: 3mg

The Chipotle Keto Bowl can also be customised with different ingredients, such as steak, carnitas, cilantro-lime cauliflower rice, fajita veggies, sour cream, and various types of salsa. These additions will alter the nutritional information accordingly.

Cauliflower rice

How to Make Cauliflower Rice

To make cauliflower rice, you will need one large head of cauliflower, a grater, and a large bowl. First, cut the cauliflower head into four parts. Then, use the large setting on the grater to grate the cauliflower directly into the bowl. Try not to include too much of the stalks, as these will affect the texture and flavour. One large head of cauliflower should yield around 5-7 cups of grated cauliflower rice.

Cooking Cauliflower Rice

When cooking cauliflower rice, it is important to aim for a tender texture without overcooking, which can result in a mushy consistency. Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add some minced garlic, and then the riced cauliflower. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is tender.

Seasoning Cauliflower Rice

There are various ways to season cauliflower rice. One option is to use Goya Sazón, a popular seasoning in Hispanic dishes, which adds a vibrant colour and flavour to the rice. You can also add lime juice and zest, along with chopped cilantro, to give it a citrusy and fresh taste.

Serving Cauliflower Rice

Benefits of Cauliflower Rice

Keto-friendly toppings

A keto-friendly Chipotle bowl typically includes a base of supergreens or lettuce, topped with chicken or steak, cheese, salsa, and guacamole. The beauty of these bowls is that they are highly customisable, allowing you to add or remove toppings to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

When it comes to toppings, you can choose from a variety of keto-friendly options. Here are some suggestions to make your bowl more flavourful and nutritious:

• Salsa: Fresh tomato salsa, pico de gallo, or tomatillo salsa (green chilli or red chilli) are excellent choices. These salsas add a burst of flavour and freshness to your bowl.
• Cheese: Cheddar or any other variety of shredded cheese adds a creamy texture and savoury taste.
• Vegetables: Romaine lettuce is a common choice, but you can also opt for a super greens lettuce blend for added nutrients. Fajita veggies like bell peppers and onions are another tasty option.
• Creamy toppings: Sour cream and guacamole contribute a rich, creamy element to your bowl. Avocado is also a great choice, providing healthy fats and making your bowl more satisfying.
• Spices and herbs: Chipotle chilli powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano are some spices that can enhance the flavour of your bowl. You can also add chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbal note.
• Cauliflower rice: This is a fantastic keto-friendly alternative to regular rice. You can make it more flavourful by adding cilantro and lime juice to create cilantro-lime cauliflower rice.

Remember, when customising your keto bowl, it's important to be mindful of your carbohydrate intake. While the above toppings are keto-friendly, adding too many high-carb options can take your meal out of the keto range.

Frequently asked questions