Chipotle copycat recipes bring the deliciousness of Chipotle right to your kitchen with these easy-to-follow copycat recipes! If you’ve been craving Chipotle but couldn’t make it there lately, you’re not alone.
I’ve missed those Chipotle treats too. Thankfully, I discovered some amazing Chipotle recipes that are super simple to make at home!
Classic Chipotle Copycat Recipes
With this collection of 18 favorites, you can set up your own little burrito haven in your kitchen. Add in a pitcher of mango margaritas, and you’ll hardly notice the absence of dining out.
The best part? The list includes recipes for carnitas and queso, so you can savor all those Chipotle classics!
1. Chipotle Chicken Recipe (Copycat)
What makes Chipotle’s chicken taste so good? Well, it’s all about that killer marinade and the grilling technique they’ve mastered.
Before the magic happens, make sure to give your chicken a good pounding to a nice 1/2-inch thickness. Let it soak up all that goodness for at least two hours.
When it’s time to hit the grill, aim for medium-high heat. That’s the secret to those grill marks and that perfect touch of char.
The end result? Chipotle-level chicken—tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection, ready to join the fiesta in those oversized flour tortillas.
And here’s the sweet part: recreating this Chipotle chicken magic at home is a breeze. Just let your chicken chill in a spicy, smoky marinade of herbs, spices, and all things nice overnight. Voila! You’ve got the secret sauce to Chipotle-worthy chicken.
2. Chipotle Guacamole Recipe (Copycat)
I once stumbled upon a tweet that resonated with me deeply: “I just want to earn enough money to not have to think twice about adding guac.”
Can you relate? But let’s be real, even if it costs a couple of extra dollars, I won’t hesitate to indulge.
And when it comes to guacamole, Chipotle has mastered the art. They incorporate a perfect blend of lemon and lime juice, along with zesty red onions and jalapeños.
3. Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice
When it comes to rice, why settle for bland when you can have flavor? This recipe doesn’t hold back, using a generous half-cup of lime juice to ensure a vibrant taste.
Customize it to your liking by skipping the cilantro if it’s not your preference, and feel free to throw in extras like corn or black beans for some fun twists!
4. Chipotle Burrito Bowl Copycat
Signature Chipotle Burrito Bowl—a harmonious blend of vibrant ingredients.
Imagine a colorful bowl filled with amazing flavors—Chipotle’s Burrito Bowl is just that! It’s a mix of tasty cilantro-lime rice, your favorite meat (like chicken or steak), beans, fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, cheese, and lettuce.
Every spoonful has a bit of everything—tender meat, zesty salsa, creamy guac, and more! It’s like a delicious party in your mouth, bringing together all these yummy tastes in one bowl.
5. Chipotle Tomato Salsa Recipe (Copycat)
Tomato salsa, also known as pico de gallo, adds a delightful and vibrant touch to tacos or burrito bowls. Adjust the spice level to your liking, and feel free to get creative with extra ingredients.
I personally love the kick from jalapeños, but if you prefer less heat, green bell peppers make an excellent substitute.
This way, you’ll enjoy a burst of color and a satisfying crunch.
6. Chipotle Corn Salsa (Copycat)
When it comes to vibrant color, this corn salsa brings a burst of sunshine to any table. Corn, in my opinion, is a fantastic vegetable—sweet and crunchy, yet often underrated.
In this salsa, you have the option to use frozen corn for convenience, but if you’re seeking an extra layer of flavor, consider grilling whole ears of corn. It’s an additional step that’s absolutely worth it.
7. Chipotle Black Bean Soup Recipe
If you use dried black beans, this soup is so insanely cost-effective to make. It will cost you pennies to make a big batch, and best of all, it’s delicious!
Of course, you can use canned black beans and cut your prep time down. Those are pre-cooked, and you’ll just need to reheat and add in the spices.
8. Chipotle Steak Recipe (Copycat)
Chipotle’s steak boasts its incredible flavor thanks to the dried ancho chiles and adobo sauce.
You can easily find ancho chili powder in most stores, or you have the option to purchase dried chilis and grind them yourself (don’t forget to remove the stem and seeds).
When it comes to adobo sauce, you can grab a ready-made jar at the store, or you can try making your own.
9. Chipotle Pinto Beans (Copycat)
Beans bring a satisfying and tasty element to a meal, and I adore them in my burrito bowl for that extra heartiness. These tender, lightly spiced beans can be prepared on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, depending on your preference. This recipe also incorporates adobo sauce, making it the ideal complement to that steak recipe!
10. Chipotle Queso (Copycat)
Smooth, cheesy, comforting, and crafted with fresh ingredients – that’s the cheese sauce I adore. Despite my efforts, I can’t develop a taste for Velveeta cheese. It feels overly processed, and the flavor doesn’t appeal to me. When I discovered that Chipotle opted for freshly grated cheddar, I was thrilled. Plus, they incorporate a variety of spices and tomatoes with chilis.
11. Copycat Chipotle Sofritas Recipe (Spicy Braised Tofu)
Attempting to adhere to Meatless Monday in a household full of meat enthusiasts poses its challenges. If you share my situation, opting for firm tofu (which requires pressing to remove excess moisture) is a great choice.
After cooking the tofu in slices, you can then cut it into smaller pieces, the size of which is entirely up to your preference.
Once chopped, the tofu undergoes another round of cooking in the sauce, allowing it to absorb all the flavors for maximum taste.
12. Copycat Chipotle Chicken Burrito
Chicken burritos are a personal favorite due to the excellent flavor and texture they contribute without overshadowing other ingredients.
Additionally, they offer a relatively healthy and lean option compared to some other meats.
If you’re keeping track of the recipes you’d like to try, I can already confirm that this burrito will incorporate elements from numbers one, two, three, four, and seven.
13. Slow-Cooker Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa Recipe
Barbacoa is succulent shredded beef, slow-cooked in a flavorful barbecue sauce that boasts smoky, spicy notes and a touch of garlic, resulting in perfectly tender meat.
This recipe is so delicious that making extra is highly recommended.
Whether you choose to enjoy it in tacos, on nachos, over rice, with pasta, or alongside crispy potatoes, it’s a winner, no matter what side you pair it with.
14. Fajita Veggies Recipe (Chipotle Copycat)
The crisp veggies, typically complimentary at Chipotle, are a fantastic inclusion, enhancing your meal regardless of the protein choice.
The colorful bell peppers and red onion create a vibrant mix, introducing an extra layer of flavor to your dish.
I prefer seasoning them with just salt and pepper to balance the spices in other components. However, if you crave more heat, feel free to toss in some chilis or adobo sauce.
15. Chipotle Tomatillo- Green Chilli Salsa Copycat
Tomatillos might resemble green tomatoes, but they’re distinct. Tomatillos are small, round, and firm, with a dense interior.
In their raw state, tomatillos offer a bright, intensely tart flavor, somewhat akin to limes. Once roasted, tomatillos shed their acidic edge and take on a slightly sweeter profile.
They make a perfect addition to salsa.
16. Chipotle Tomatillo- Red Chilli Salsa Copycat
This recipe may not be an exact copy of Chipotle’s fiery red salsa, but it’s a fantastic “close enough” alternative if fresh tomatillos are not available. If you’re a fan of extra spice, feel free to be generous when adding the ingredients like hot sauce!
17. Chipotle Chicken Tacos Copycat with avocado salsa
While these chicken tacos are delicious, the true standout in this copycat recipe is the effortlessly made avocado salsa, tempting you to savor it directly from the bowl.
Allow your guests the choice between crispy corn tortillas or soft flour tortillas, mirroring the options at Chipotle.
18. Chipotle Sofritas
Chipotle Sofritas is a delicious vegetarian option made from tofu that’s cooked with a blend of spices, including chipotle chilies, roasted poblanos, and aromatic herbs.
The tofu is crumbled and simmered in this flavorful sauce until it’s packed with smoky, savory, and slightly spicy goodness. It’s a tasty alternative for those looking for a plant-based protein option at Chipotle, perfect for burritos, tacos, bowls, or salads.
The Sofritas add a unique kick to your meal, offering a burst of bold flavors that even non-vegetarians love to dig into.
19. Chipotle Pollo Asado
Pollo Asado is a delicious grilled chicken dish commonly found in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. Traditionally, it’s marinated in a mixture of citrus juices (like orange and lime), garlic, herbs, and spices, which infuses the chicken with incredible flavor.
The marinated chicken is then grilled or roasted until it’s juicy and has a slightly charred, smoky exterior. It’s often served with tortillas, rice, beans, and salsa.
20. Copycat Chipotle Pico de Gallo
Chipotle’s Pico de Gallo is a fresh and zesty salsa made from simple, diced ingredients. It typically includes fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
The Chipotle version might have a smoky undertone from charred tomatoes or peppers. It’s a vibrant, chunky salsa that adds a burst of flavor and freshness to any dish.
You can use it as a topping for tacos, burritos, or salads, or simply enjoy it with tortilla chips for a tangy kick. Making your own version at home can be simple and allows for customization based on your spice preferences!
