LunchEasyGluten-Free

Burrito Bowl

Chipotle-style burrito bowl with cilantro-lime rice and seasoned chicken. A customizable Mexican-inspired lunch that skips the beans and high-FODMAP triggers while keeping all the flavor. At 5g fiber per serving, best for stable remission.

Burrito Bowl
Total Time
40m
Servings
4
Calories
485
Fiber
5g
Protein
32g
Carbs
52g
Fat
16g
Best ForSafe for Crohn's & UC
RecoveringRemissionPost-Op (Late)J-Pouch

Watch Out For

cornmild

Insoluble fiber hull can be difficult to digest and may pass through undigested

Tip: Skip entirely or swap for diced cucumber. Both add crunch without the tough hull.

cherry tomatoesmild

Acidic and raw vegetables may irritate during active inflammation

Tip: Reduce amount or substitute with shredded lettuce for less acidity.

lime juicemild

Acidity may irritate sensitive stomachs or active mouth sores

Tip: Reduce to a small squeeze or omit entirely. The rice and chicken are flavorful without it.

chicken thighsmild

Higher fat content than chicken breast (8g vs 2g per serving) may be harder to digest

Tip: Substitute chicken breast and reduce cooking time to 5-6 minutes per side.

cilantromild

Strong flavor that some find irritating

Tip: Reduce amount or omit. Fresh parsley is a milder alternative.

Ingredients

    Chicken

  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Rice

  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Toppings

  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Moderate FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP

Instructions

  1. Combine the cumin, paprika, oregano, and salt in a small bowl. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides.

    Equipment: small bowl
  2. Heat the garlic-infused oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.

    Equipment: large skillet
  3. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.

    165°F (74°C)
    Tip: Don't move the chicken while it cooks—let it develop a golden crust before flipping
  4. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.

    Equipment: cutting board
  5. While the chicken cooks, bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer.

    Equipment: medium saucepan
  6. Simmer for 15-18 minutes until the water is absorbed and rice is tender.

    Tip: Do not lift the lid while simmering—trapped steam is essential for properly cooked rice
  7. Remove from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Stir in the chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.

    Equipment: fork
  8. Divide the cilantro-lime rice among 4 bowls as the base.

  9. Top each bowl with sliced chicken, quartered cherry tomatoes, corn kernels (if using), and avocado slices (about 1/4 avocado per bowl to stay low-FODMAP).

  10. Add a dollop of sour cream or lactose-free yogurt to each bowl, if desired.

  11. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for extra brightness.

Notes

Storage

Refrigerate components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Rice stays fluffier when stored alone. Reheat rice with a splash of water in the microwave, covered. Reheat chicken gently to prevent drying—a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8-10 minutes works well.

Chicken substitution

Chicken breast is leaner and may be easier to digest for some of us. Use 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast and reduce cooking time to 5-6 minutes per side to avoid drying out.

Skip the corn

If you're sensitive to insoluble fiber or corn doesn't agree with you, swap in diced cucumber or extra tomatoes. Both add crunch without the tough hull.

SCD alternative

White rice is not permitted on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. Substitute with cauliflower rice or well-cooked butternut squash cubes. All other ingredients are SCD-legal.

Dairy-free option

Use lactose-free yogurt or skip the sour cream entirely. A squeeze of extra lime adds creamy brightness without dairy.

Batch the rice

Double or triple the cilantro-lime rice recipe and freeze portions for quick burrito bowl assembly throughout the week. Rice freezes well for up to 3 months.

Scaling

This recipe doubles easily. Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, or use two skillets.

IBD Considerations

Diet Protocol Compliance

How this recipe fits common IBD dietary approaches