Name: Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
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 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce; 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1 lime, juiced; Rice, for serving (about 3 cups cooked); Black beans, for serving (1 1/2 cups cooked or canned, drained and rinsed); Shredded lettuce, for serving (about 2 cups); Avocado, sliced, for serving (1 medium avocado); Salsa, for serving (1/2 cup or to taste)

If you're craving a dinner that's bursting with smoky, spicy flavor but still quick to make, this Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is your new go-to. Think tender chicken thighs with a chipotle-lime kick, paired perfectly with classic burrito bowl fixings!

A white scalloped bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with a colorful layered dish. At the center are six slices of grilled, seasoned chicken with a golden-brown crust and white inside, arranged slightly overlapping. Surrounding the chicken at the front and right is white rice mixed with bright red diced tomatoes, green cilantro leaves, and purple onion pieces, creating a fresh salsa appearance. To the right of the chicken are black beans topped with a dollop of white sour cream. Behind the chicken, there is a small pile of pale yellow shredded cheese and lime wedges peeking from the back edge of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of this chipotle chicken bowl. It hits all the right notes — smoky, spicy, and totally satisfying without hours in the kitchen.

Super fast prep: You’ll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
Flavor-packed chicken: The marinade blends smoky chipotle peppers and ancho chile powder for bold, authentic taste.
Easy air frying: No grilling or pan-frying — just set it and forget it with your air fryer.
Customizable bowls: Load up with your favorite toppings like creamy avocado and fresh salsa.

Ingredients & Why They Work

All the ingredients here are easy to find and come together into a bowl that's loaded with flavor and texture. Choose fresh chicken thighs for juiciness, and if you want a shortcut, canned black beans work wonderfully.

Flat lay of raw boneless skinless chicken thighs, three whole garlic cloves with clean skins, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl of whole black peppercorns, a small white bowl of deep red chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, a small white bowl of reddish ancho chile powder, a small white bowl of warm brown ground cumin, a small white bowl of dried oregano leaves, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, one whole lime with bright green skin, a neat mound of fluffy white cooked rice on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of glossy black beans, a small pile of shredded fresh green lettuce leaves, thin slices of ripe avocado fanned out on a white plate, a small white bowl of chunky red salsa placed in perfect symmetry, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical in composition -- placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender in the air fryer — way better than breasts for this recipe.
Kosher salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all those smoky, spicy flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat that rounds out the chipotle spice nicely.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch that makes every bite delicious.
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: The star smoky-spicy ingredient that gives this dish its signature flavor.
Ancho chile powder: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness and depth without overwhelming heat.
Ground cumin: Brings earthy warmth that complements the chili flavors perfectly.
Dried oregano: Herbs add a savory, slightly bitter note to balance the richness of the chicken.
Olive oil: Helps the marinade cling to the chicken and keeps it moist during cooking.
Lime juice: Added after cooking to brighten and lift all those smoky, spicy flavors.
Rice: A fluffy base that soaks up all the juices from the chicken and toppings.
Black beans: A hearty, protein-rich side that adds texture and keeps the bowls satisfying.
Shredded lettuce: Adds freshness and a crisp bite to balance the rich chicken.
Avocado: Creamy and cooling, it’s perfect alongside the spicy chicken.
Salsa: Adds a vibrant, tangy finishing touch that ties everything together.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is a fantastic base that’s super flexible—feel free to customize it to your taste or dietary needs. Whether you’re craving a spicier kick or a milder, creamier bowl, there are plenty of tasty twists you can try!

Spice it up: If you love heat, add an extra tablespoon of chipotle peppers in adobo or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. It gives the chicken a smoky, fiery punch that wakes up your taste buds.
Milder version: Prefer things gentler? Use half the chipotle peppers and ancho chile powder for a subtle warmth. I often dial it back when serving to kids or guests who prefer mild flavors.
Swap the chicken: You can swap chicken thighs for boneless skinless chicken breasts if you want leaner meat. Just keep an eye on cooking times as breasts may dry out faster.
Veggie boost: Add grilled peppers, corn, or sautéed mushrooms to the bowl for extra color and nutrition. I love throwing in roasted sweet potatoes for a touch of natural sweetness that balances the smoky spices.
Beans variety: Black beans are classic here, but pinto or kidney beans work just as well. For a creamy twist, mash some beans slightly before adding.
Make it vegan: Skip the chicken and use seasoned, air-fried tofu or tempeh instead, marinated with the same chipotle-lime mixture. It’s just as flavorful and comforting!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

A white bowl on a white marbled surface holds a layered dish with sliced grilled chicken pieces arranged in a row on one side, showing a brown crispy texture on the outside and white inside. Next to the chicken is a pile of shredded pale yellow cheese. Below the cheese is a dollop of white sour cream on top of black beans and sliced green jalapeno peppers. Beside the chicken, there is a small portion of chopped green lettuce. On the opposite side of the bowl, white rice fills about one-third of the space, topped partly with colorful pico de gallo made of diced red tomatoes, green peppers, and purple onion bits. A bright green lime wedge sits at the center edge near the chicken and cheese. A gold fork rests on the bowl's right edge, leaning inward. Some green cilantro leaves and a lime half appear in the top left corner outside the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing 1 ½ pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs in a large bowl with kosher salt, black pepper, minced garlic, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, ancho chile powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, and olive oil. Make sure each piece is fully coated—this marinade is where all the smoky, spicy magic happens. Letting the chicken sit at room temp for a few minutes while you prep other ingredients helps the flavors seep in even better.

Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Place the crisper plate into your COSORI air fryer basket and select the preheat function. Set the temperature to 385°F and tap start/pause. This preheating step ensures the chicken cooks evenly with a nice sear and locks in juices. It only takes a few minutes, so it’s perfect timing while you finish assembling other components.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

Once preheated, lay the marinated chicken thighs evenly on the crisper plate—try not to overcrowd them so they crisp up instead of steam. Set the air fryer function to 16 minutes, and press start/pause to begin cooking. About halfway through, flip the chicken if your air fryer instructions recommend it, to make sure both sides get beautifully golden and cooked through.

Step 4: Rest and Add Lime

When the 16 minutes are up, remove the chicken and immediately squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. This little tangy finish brightens all those smoky, earthy chipotle flavors. Let the chicken rest 5 minutes—this helps keep it juicy and tender before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Build Your Burrito Bowls

Now for the fun part! Grab your serving bowls and start with a hearty base of about 3 cups cooked rice. Layer in black beans, a generous handful of shredded lettuce, sliced avocado, and a good dollop of salsa. Then crown each bowl with the sliced chipotle lime chicken. Serve immediately while everything’s fresh, vibrant, and piping hot. Enjoy the delicious combination of smoky, creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors all in one bowl!

Top Tip

Mastering the Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is all about layering flavors and textures just right. Here are some tips I've picked up that make this meal truly shine every time.

Marinate Thoroughly: I like to let the chicken thighs soak in the chipotle-lime marinade for at least 30 minutes or even overnight. It deepens the smoky, spicy flavors that make this dish stand out.
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating to 385°F ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets that perfect crispy edge without drying out.
Flip the Chicken Halfway: Flipping halfway through air frying helps achieve an even cook and locks in moisture, giving tender bites every time.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Resting the chicken for 5 minutes after cooking lets the juices redistribute, so your slices stay juicy and flavorful instead of drying out.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, containing two pieces of raw pale pink chicken layered at the bottom. On top of the chicken, there are several piles of spices with different colors and textures: a dark brown powder on the left, a dark green coarse powder next to it, a mound of bright green herbs near the center, a medium brown powder to the right, and a cluster of deep red dried chili slices with seeds in the middle. The ingredients create a colorful and textured mix over the chicken. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your burrito bowl with fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a dollop of creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt, or a squeeze of extra lime juice. For some crunch, add sliced radishes or pickled jalapeños. A bit of crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar can also complement the smoky chipotle flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish stands well on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crispy tortilla chips with guacamole, a refreshing corn salad, or Mexican street corn (elote). For an easy weeknight meal, a light cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lime and chili powder balances the meal perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chipotle chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken pieces for up to 2 months. Cool the chicken completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat chicken gently in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through to keep it juicy. Alternatively, use a microwave covered loosely with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Warm the rice and beans separately for best results before assembling your burrito bowl again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that cooking time might vary slightly, so monitor the chicken to avoid overcooking and dryness.

How spicy is the chipotle seasoning in this recipe?

The recipe uses chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and ancho chile powder to deliver a smoky, medium heat level. You can adjust these ingredients up or down to match your preferred spice tolerance.

Can I prepare the rice and beans ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cooking your rice and beans ahead makes assembling this dish quick and simple. Just warm them up before serving for the best taste.

What’s the best way to keep the chicken juicy?

Marinating the chicken well and then resting it for 5 minutes after air frying are key steps to retain moisture and ensure tender, juicy chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is one of those reliable kitchen heroes—simple, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, you get smoky, juicy chicken paired with fresh, vibrant sides in under half an hour. Give these tips a try, customize your toppings, and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl that always hits the spot. Happy cooking!