Name: Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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 (for finishing); 3 cups cooked rice; 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans; 2 cups shredded lettuce; 1 large avocado, sliced; 1 cup salsa

If you're craving a smoky, spicy, and super satisfying meal, you're going to love this Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe. It’s got tender chicken thighs cooked to perfection in the air fryer, paired with all the vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors that make dinner feel special (and easy!).

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’m honestly obsessed with how quick and flavorful this recipe is. The chipotle marinade brings a subtle smoky heat, and cooking the chicken in the air fryer locks in juiciness while keeping things healthier. Plus, it’s super flexible for whatever toppings you love.

Quick & Easy: Ready in just 26 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Healthy Twist: Air frying means less oil but all the juiciness and crispiness you want.
Flavor Packed: Smoky chipotle peppers combined with traditional Mexican spices deliver amazing taste.
Customizable Bowls: Top with rice, beans, avocado, and salsa to suit your cravings.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Most of these ingredients are staples if you love cooking Mexican-inspired dishes. When shopping, look for good-quality boneless, skinless chicken thighs — they stay juicy and tender. And don’t skip fresh lime juice at the end; it brightens up the smoky flavors perfectly.

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: Juicy and forgiving, they hold onto the marinade beautifully and stay tender in the air fryer.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
Black pepper: Adds a little subtle heat and earthiness.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic infuses the meat with rich savoriness.
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: The star ingredient, giving that smoky, slightly spicy kick.
Ancho chile powder: Adds a mild, smoky sweetness balancing the heat.
Ground cumin: Classic Mexican spice that enhances earthy flavors.
Dried oregano: Adds herbal notes for complexity.
Olive oil: Helps coat the chicken and blend the marinade evenly.
Lime juice: Squeezed over the hot cooked chicken for bright citrus contrast.
Cooked rice: A perfect base to soak up all the juices and flavors.
Cooked black beans: Adds protein and creaminess to the bowl.
Shredded lettuce: Fresh crunch to balance warmth and spice.
Avocado slices: Creamy richness that brings it all together.
Salsa: Your favorite kind—tomato-based, verde, or even mango salsa works beautifully.

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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 super versatile, so feel free to make it truly your own! Whether you love it extra spicy, need a low-carb twist, or want to sneak in some extra veggies, there’s an easy way to customize this dish.

Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder meal, start with just half a tablespoon of chipotle peppers in adobo and half a teaspoon of ancho chile powder. For a spicier kick, go ahead and use the full amounts! Personally, I love the smoky depth that chipotle peppers add without overwhelming the dish.
Swap the Chicken: While chicken thighs are wonderfully juicy and forgiving, you can substitute chicken breasts if you want a leaner option. Just note that cooking time and moisture levels might vary slightly.
Rice Alternatives: For a healthier or lower-carb version, I often swap out white rice for brown rice or even cauliflower rice. Both options pair nicely and keep the dish feeling fresh and satisfying.
Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is great for leftovers! Store your cooked chipotle chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days and warm it gently to enjoy throughout the week. It makes lunchtime a breeze.
No Air Fryer? No worries! If you don’t have an air fryer on hand, cooking the chicken in a skillet or baking it at 400°F for 20-25 minutes works perfectly too.

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 That Chicken

Start by combining the chicken thighs with kosher salt, black pepper, minced garlic, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, ancho chile powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, and olive oil in a large bowl. Toss everything well so each piece is evenly coated with those vibrant spices and smoky adobo sauce. This step infuses the chicken with tons of flavor right from the start—plus, you can let it marinate anywhere from 5 minutes up to a few hours if you have the time. Just trust me, the longer it soaks, the better it tastes!

Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Insert the crisper plate into your air fryer basket and select the preheat function. Set the temperature to 385°F and let the air fryer warm up thoroughly. Preheating ensures that your chicken will start cooking immediately, sealing in those juices and helping create a beautiful texture. This only takes a few minutes, so it’s a great moment to get your sides ready.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken to Perfection

Place the marinated chicken thighs on the preheated crisper plate in a single layer—avoid overcrowding so every piece gets crispy edges. Set your air fryer to the air fryer function, then adjust the cooking time to 16 minutes. Hit start and let the magic happen! You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through, tender, and a little caramelized on the outside.

Step 4: Rest and Finish with Lime

Carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer. While it’s still hot, squeeze the juice of one lime over the top. This brightens up the smoky flavors beautifully. Then, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes—this rest time locks in all those delicious juices, making every bite tender and juicy. After resting, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces ready to top your bowl.

Step 5: Assemble Your Burrito Bowl

Now for the fun part! Divide cooked rice, black beans, and shredded lettuce evenly among 6 bowls. Top each bowl with generous slices of that smoky chipotle chicken, creamy avocado slices, and a hearty spoonful of your favorite salsa. Serve immediately while everything is fresh and flavorful.

Top Tip

Mastering the Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe is all about layering flavors and Technique. These tips can help you get the juiciness and smoky heat just right every time.

Marinate Thoroughly: Let the chicken thighs soak in the chipotle and spices for at least 30 minutes if you have time — it makes a world of difference in flavor depth.
Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Place the chicken pieces spaced out on the crisper plate so air circulates evenly for crispy edges and tender inside. I learned this after one batch was steamed instead of crisp!
Rest Before Slicing: Give the cooked chicken 5 minutes of rest with lime juice added. This step keeps it juicy and helps lock in all those smoky, spicy notes.
Control Your Heat Level: Adjust the chipotle peppers and ancho chile powder based on your spice tolerance. I usually start with less and add more next time depending on my mood or guests.

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

Top your burrito bowls with fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a wedge of lime for squeezing. These fresh toppings brighten the bowl and add creamy, tangy contrasts to the smoky chipotle chicken.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips and a side of Mexican street corn salad (elote) to keep the flavors vibrant and festive. A simple cucumber and radish salad with a lime vinaigrette also complements the richness perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chipotle chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the rice, beans, and fresh veggies separate if possible to maintain freshness when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Place the sliced chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat to bring back crispness without drying it out. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! You can substitute chicken breasts, but they tend to cook faster and might be less juicy. Keep a close eye on cooking time and consider marinating longer for flavor.

How spicy is the Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe?

The heat depends on how much chipotle peppers in adobo and ancho chile powder you use. For milder bowls, reduce these ingredients. I recommend starting with ½ tablespoon of chipotle and adjusting next time.

What can I use instead of rice for a low-carb option?

Cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb substitute here. It pairs well with the smoky chicken and keeps the dish light and healthy.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat or bake it at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked and nicely caramelized.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite weeknight dinners. It’s bursting with smoky, spicy flavor, easy to make, and comes together in just about 26 minutes including resting time. The combination of juicy chicken, hearty black beans, fresh veggies, and creamy avocado always hits the spot and keeps everyone at the table happy. I hope you enjoy making it as much as we do—happy cooking and buen provecho!