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 (about 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)

If you’re craving bold, smoky flavors with a fresh twist, you’re going to love this Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe. It’s packed with tender chipotle-seasoned chicken and fresh toppings, all ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals.

A white scalloped bowl holds a layered dish starting with a base of white rice sprinkled with finely chopped red onions, green herbs, and pink tomatoes forming a colorful salsa. On top of the rice sits a row of golden brown, grilled sliced chicken arranged in a neat line. Behind the chicken, there are black beans topped with a white dollop of creamy sauce and a small mound of shredded white cheese. A lime wedge peeks from the back of the bowl, all set on a white marbled surface. 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 can’t tell you how often I turn to this easy Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl when I want something flavorful but not fussy. The chipotle-spiced chicken comes out juicy and tender every time, and the vibrant toppings bring it all to life.

Quick and Convenient: The air fryer cooks the chicken perfectly in just 16 minutes, saving you tons of time.
Bold Flavor: Smoky chipotle peppers and a blend of aromatic spices pack a punch without being overwhelming.
Wholesome and Balanced: Layers of rice, black beans, fresh lettuce, avocado, and salsa round out a nutritious, satisfying meal.
Customizable: Easily adjust spice levels or add your favorite toppings to suit your tastes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients and why each one matters. Having these basics on hand will make prepping your chipotle chicken burrito bowls a breeze!

Flat lay of boneless skinless raw chicken thighs, three whole garlic cloves with papery skins, a few whole black peppercorns scattered, a small white ceramic bowl of ground ancho chile powder, a small white bowl of ground cumin, a small white bowl of dried oregano leaves, a small white bowl of kosher salt, a small white bowl with rich red chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, one whole uncut lime, a small mound of fluffy white rice, glossy black beans, a small pile of shredded fresh green lettuce, ripe avocado sliced into thin wedges, a small white bowl of chunky red salsa 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 absorb the chipotle marinade beautifully, plus they cook evenly in the air fryer.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings that aromatic punch you want in every bite.
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: The star ingredient that delivers that smoky, spicy depth that defines this recipe.
Ancho chile powder: Adds a mild, smoky warmth that complements the chipotle without overpowering it.
Ground cumin & dried oregano: These herbs and spices build a complex, earthy flavor base perfect for Mexican-inspired dishes.
Olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the chicken and keeps everything nice and juicy as it cooks.
Lime juice: Added at the end to brighten the chicken with a fresh, zesty finish.
Rice: Acts as a hearty, neutral base to soak up all those delicious flavors.
Black beans: They’re nutrient-rich and pair perfectly with the spices in the chicken.
Shredded lettuce: Adds a crisp, refreshing contrast in texture and color.
Avocado slices: Creamy and cooling to balance the chipotle’s heat.
Salsa: A tangy, vibrant topping that ties the whole bowl 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

One of the best things about the Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is how easy it is to customize to fit your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you like it spicy, mild, or loaded with your favorite toppings, feel free to make it your own.

Spice it up: I love adding an extra dollop of chipotle in adobo for a smoky, fiery punch. It’s perfect if you enjoy a little kick in your meal.
Make it vegetarian: Swap out the chicken for a hearty grilled portobello mushroom or crispy tofu seasoned with the same spices. This keeps all the flavors while making it plant-based.
Seasonal twists: In the summer, fresh corn and grilled peppers make fantastic toppings. During cooler months, roasted sweet potatoes add a cozy touch.
Extra freshness: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime right before serving for a burst of brightness that brings the bowl alive.

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

The dish is served in a white bowl on a white marbled surface, showing six main parts arranged side by side. On the left is shredded green lettuce, next to it are five slices of seasoned cooked chicken with a golden brown crust and white inside. To the right of the chicken is a white rice layer with small pieces of red, yellow, and green vegetables mixed in. Above the rice is a heap of shredded light yellow cheese. Next to the cheese, black beans sit beneath a dollop of smooth white sour cream. A lime wedge and a few slices of green jalapeño are placed near the cheese and sour cream. A gold fork rests on the bowl's right edge near the sour cream. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by tossing 1 ½ pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs in a 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 every piece is coated evenly—this is where the rich, smoky flavor really develops. A tip: if you have extra time, let the chicken marinate in the fridge for up to an hour to deepen the taste, but even marinating while you prep the rest works great.

Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer to Perfection

Place the crisper plate inside your COSORI air fryer basket. Use the preheat function and set the temperature to 385°F. This usually takes a few minutes, but preheating ensures that your chicken cooks evenly, getting a lovely sear on the outside while keeping it tender inside.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken Until Juicy and Tender

Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer on the crisper plate—avoid overcrowding so each piece crisps nicely. Set the air fryer to the air fry setting, set the timer for 16 minutes, and start cooking. Halfway through, you can flip the chicken for even browning, but it’s not mandatory. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the surface has a beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 4: Rest, Lime, and Slice

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and immediately squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute—this keeps the meat juicy and flavorful. After resting, slice the chicken into strips that are perfect for layering into your burrito bowls.

Step 5: Build Your Burrito Bowls

Start with a base of about 3 cups cooked rice and 1 ½ cups black beans in each bowl. Top with your sliced chipotle chicken, shredded lettuce, avocado slices, and finish with a generous spoonful of salsa. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, fresh, and vibrant flavors in every bite.

Top Tip

These tips can really elevate your Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe, making the cooking process smoother and the flavors shine even brighter.

Marinate Ahead: For an extra punch of flavor, marinate your chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This allows the smoky chipotle and spices to really soak in.
Even Cooking: Make sure to arrange your chicken thighs in a single layer on the air fryer crisper plate, leaving a little space between pieces to let the hot air circulate for perfectly juicy and evenly cooked chicken.
Rest Before Slicing: Don’t skip resting the chicken after cooking. Giving it those 5 minutes lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite stays moist and tender.
Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, or else your chicken won’t crisp up nicely. Cook in batches if necessary to keep things crisp and flavorful.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface containing four pale pink raw chicken pieces layered at the bottom. On top of the chicken, there are several layers of different spices and seasonings: a large dark red sun-dried tomato cluster in the center, a pile of green dried herbs to the right, a heap of light brown spice powder below the herbs, a smaller greenish-black powder pile on the left, and a fine reddish-brown powder on the bottom left edge. A light yellow liquid, possibly oil, is partially visible around the chicken and spices. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To add fresh bursts of flavor and texture, try topping your bowl with chopped fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of shredded cheese like cotija or cheddar, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Fresh lime wedges on the side also add a zingy finish that brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

This burrito bowl goes great with some warm, fluffy corn tortillas or tortilla chips for scooping. A tangy Mexican street corn salad or a crisp jicama slaw make refreshing sides that complement the smoky chipotle chicken beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cooked chicken and bowl ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken remains good for up to 3 days—a perfect quick lunch or dinner option.

Freezing

The cooked chipotle chicken freezes well. Portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken gently in your air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to regain crispness without drying out. Alternatively, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave covered until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, though they tend to be leaner and can dry out faster. Adjust the cooking time slightly and keep an eye to avoid overcooking.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe has a moderate smoky heat from the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and ancho chile powder. You can adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to tame or boost the spiciness to your liking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is naturally gluten-free, especially if you use gluten-free certified seasonings and salsa.

Can I meal prep these burrito bowls?

Definitely! Prepare the chicken, rice, and beans ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Assemble bowls just before serving for maximum freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe has become a favorite for busy weeknights when you want something quick, tasty, and nourishing. The combination of smoky, spicy chicken with fresh avocado and vibrant toppings just hits the spot every time. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — happy cooking and buen provecho!