Recreate Your Favorite Takeout: Copycat Chipotle Chicken Made Lean & Green™

There’s something undeniably crave-worthy about Chipotle’s signature smoky chicken. 

But what if you could enjoy those bold flavors anytime — without the extra calories, sodium or added sugars that come with takeout? 

This Copycat Chipotle Chicken delivers everything you love, but is crafted specifically to fit a healthier, home-cooked lifestyle. 

With a bold spice blend, quick marinade and customizable burrito bowl build, this dish makes a perfect Lean & Green meal that’s high in protein, low in carbs and incredibly satisfying. 

Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Chicken Copycat Recipe 

This recipe checks all the boxes: 

• Big flavor, simple ingredients — chipotle peppers, cumin, oregano and smoked paprika create that classic smoky-spicy profile. 

• Lean & Green-friendly — balanced with lean protein, plenty of greens and healthy fats. 

• Fast — marinate for 15 minutes or prep ahead for even more flavor. 

• Versatile — enjoy it in a bowl, salad, lettuce wrap or meal-prep containers. 

Related: What Are Lean and Green Meals? Simple, Nutritious Recipes for a Healthy Lifestyle 

Ingredients You’ll Need 

Here’s everything that goes into this Chipotle chicken copycat recipe: 

• 1 tbsp chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or 1 tsp chipotle chili powder 

• 1½ tsp vegetable oil, divided  

• 1 tsp ground cumin  

• 1 tsp dried oregano leaves  

• 1 tsp garlic powder  

• ½ tsp smoked paprika  

• ¼ tsp onion powder  

• ¼ tsp salt 

• 1½ lbs. chicken breast or tenderloins  

• 4 cups cauliflower rice  

• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro  

• 1 tablespoon lime juice  

• 1 cup sliced red and green peppers  

• Cooking spray  

• 1 cup romaine lettuce, shredded  

• ½ cup chopped tomatoes  

• ½ cup reduced fat shredded Monterey jack cheese  

• 4 tbsp guacamole  

• 4 lime wedges 

Each ingredient helps build layers of flavor while still keeping the meal compliant and nutritious. 

How to Make Copycat Chipotle Chicken 

This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps: 

1. Start by making your marinade. In a resealable plastic bag or medium bowl, combine the chipotle, vegetable oil, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder and salt. Mix everything together until well blended. 

2. Add the chicken to the bag or bowl and toss to coat it thoroughly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes — or overnight if you want even deeper flavor. 

3. While the chicken marinates, prepare the cauliflower rice. Microwave or steam it according to the package instructions, then stir in the cilantro and lime juice. Set it aside until it’s time to build your bowls. 

4. Heat a large nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with cooking spray. 

5. Add the sliced peppers to the hot pan and sauté until they’re nicely charred and tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer them to a plate and set aside. 

6. Add the marinated chicken to the same skillet. Sauté for about 15 minutes, turning every few minutes so the spices don’t burn, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before chopping it into cubes. 

7. When you’re ready to assemble, start with 1 cup of cauliflower rice in a shallow bowl or plate. Top with 4 ounces of the chopped chicken, ¼ cup of the grilled peppers, ¼ cup of romaine, 2 tablespoons of chopped tomatoes, and 2 tablespoons of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Finish with a 1tablespoon dollop of guacamole and a lime wedge. Repeat the process for the remaining servings. 

Try This Chipotle Chicken Copycat Recipe Tonight 

This Copycat Chipotle Chicken recipe shows that you don’t have to miss your favorite restaurant flavors while staying committed to your goals. It’s bold, smoky, satisfying — and totally Lean & Green approved. A perfect go-to for busy weeknights, meal prep or anytime a burrito bowl craving strikes. 

So grab your bowl, load it up with fresh toppings, and enjoy every bite knowing you’re fueling your body well. And when you make it, we want to see it! Share your delicious creation and tag @OPTAVIA so we can cheer you on. 

For 250+ more Lean & Green recipes, download the OPTAVIA app — where you can filter, favorite, and discover even more meals that fit your goals. 

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