Making Chipotle at home is delightful. This is something you should make if you like juicy carnitas, cilantro-lime rice, fresh pico de gallo, and amazing queso. Check, check, and check.
Bringing that burrito bar magic straight to my kitchen is my new favorite activity. These recipes are total game-changers, and I am sooo excited to share them with you.
1. Chipotle Queso (Copycat)
Let’s be real, this is the only way to do cheese sauce. It’s so creamy and cheesy and warm, and it’s all made with fresh ingredients.
I am just not about that processed cheese life, and when I learned Chipotle uses real-deal freshly grated cheddar, I knew we were on the same team. They pack it with a bunch of spices and tomatoes with chilis for so much flavor.
Drizzle it in a burrito, pour it over nachos, or just use it as a fantastic dip. So. So. Good.
2. Slow-Cooker Copycat Chipotle Barbacoa Recipe
Okay, this Barbacoa is everything. We’re talking shredded beef that’s been braised low and slow until it’s perfectly tender.
It all happens in a spicy, smoky barbecue sauce with hints of garlic that is just out of this world.
You absolutely need to make a huge batch of this stuff. It’s amazing in tacos, on top of nachos, over rice, with some pasta, or even with some crispy potatoes. It is a total home run every single time, no matter what you serve it with.
3. Chipotle Guacamole Recipe (Copycat)
I am a person who will always, always add the guac. And Chipotle’s guacamole is just next-level.
The secret? They use both lemon AND lime juice, which is such a great trick. Add in some peppery red onion and jalapeños and you have something truly special.
I’m on team chunky mash because I love that texture, but you can make it as smooth as you want. It’s a must-have.
4. Chipotle Carnitas Recipe (Copycat)
If you’ve got a slow cooker and a little bit of time, a big bowl of amazing pork carnitas is in your future.
After it cooks, the tender pork shreds so easily. You could totally enjoy it with some BBQ sauce on a bun.
But for me, it’s all about those crisp edges you get from cooking it in a skillet afterward. That texture is just everything.
5. Chipotle Corn Salsa (Copycat)
This corn salsa is so sunny and bright; it just makes any table happy.
I am a huge fan of corn. That sweet, crunchy vegetable is so good and works with pretty much everything.
For this salsa, using frozen corn is a great economical choice that works beautifully.
But if you want to kick it up a notch, grilling whole ears of corn first adds so much extra flavor. It’s a little extra step that is so worth it.
6. Chipotle Chicken Recipe (Copycat)
How does Chipotle get that wild flavor into their chicken? It’s all about the marinade and the grill.
The key players in the marinade are chili powder, oregano, cumin, and garlic, plus some oil and vinegar. This combo makes the meat so tender and infuses it with so much goodness.
Make sure you pound the chicken to a half-inch thin before it soaks for at least two hours.
When it’s time to cook, go for medium-high heat on the grill to get those perfect grill marks and that charred flavor.
7. Fajita Veggies Recipe (Chipotle Copycat)
These crunchy veggies are usually a freebie to add to your order at Chipotle, and they are such a fantastic addition, no matter what protein you choose.
The bell peppers and red onion are so vibrant together, and they will add a whole other layer of flavor to your meal.
I usually just season them with salt and pepper since everything else has so much spice, but if you love extra heat, go ahead and toss in some chilis or adobo sauce.
8. Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice
If you’re going to have rice, it has to be seasoned. Why even bother with something bland?
This recipe uses a whole half-cup of lime juice, so you know it has a serious punch of flavor.
You can totally skip the cilantro if it’s not your thing. And feel free to toss in some extras you love, like corn or black beans!
9. Copycat Chipotle Sofritas Recipe (Spicy Braised Tofu)
I’m really trying to stick with my meatless Monday goal, which can be a challenge in a house of meat-eaters.
If you’re with me, you’ll want to grab the firm tofu for this one, and be sure to press out all the extra moisture.
Once you’ve cooked it in slices, you’ll cut it into smaller pieces. You can make them as big or as little as you like.
Then you cook it again in the sauce, which lets the tofu soak up all that flavor. It’s a total flavor bomb.
10. Chipotle Pinto Beans (Copycat)
Beans are such a fantastic, flavorful, and filling part of any meal. I love adding them to my burrito bowl for extra substance.
These tender and lightly spiced beans can be made right on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, whichever you prefer.
This recipe also uses adobo sauce, making it the perfect partner for that steak recipe!
11. Chipotle Tomato Salsa Recipe (Copycat)
Tomato salsa, or pico de gallo, is such a fun and fresh thing to pile on any taco or burrito bowl.
You can make it as mild or as spicy as you like, and there’s always room to add extra ingredients.
I always put jalapeños in mine for some heat, but you could swap in green bell peppers if you want to skip the spice. That way you still get great color and a nice crunchy texture.
This awesome little dish is perfect for tacos, on chicken, as a salad topping, or even with fish.
12. Chipotle Steak Recipe (Copycat)
Let’s be honest, the amazing taste of Chipotle’s steak comes from the dried ancho chiles and adobo sauce.
Most grocery stores will have ancho chili powder, or you can buy the dried chilis and grind them yourself, just remember to take out the stem and seeds first.
For the adobo sauce, you can grab a jar that’s ready to go or even try making your own.
13. (Copycat) Chipotle Steak Burrito
A steak burrito just feels super decadent. Since steak is more of a splurge than chicken or pork, it’s not an everyday kind of dinner.
But if you’re going for it, you might as well get a good cut of meat and make these incredible burritos.
Skirt steak is the absolute best cut for this, but sirloin is a great choice too for a juicy bite. If you have the time, let it marinate overnight and cook it on a grill for the best possible taste.
14. Copycat Chipotle Chicken Burrito
I’m a big fan of chicken burritos because the chicken gives you great flavor and texture but doesn’t overpower everything else in there.
On top of that, it’s a pretty healthy and lean option compared to other meats.
If you’re making a list of which recipes to try, I can tell you right now that you’ll be pulling from a few others on this list to build this amazing burrito.