Last Updated on February 22, 2024 by Karen
Discover the best practices for microwaving your favorite Chipotle burrito bowl for a quick and easy meal!
A Chipotle burrito bowl is a popular meal option from Chipotle Mexican Grill. In fact, it’s one of my favorite meals because you can customize with rice, beans, protein (chicken, steak, carnitas, barbacoa, sofritos), vegetables, salsas with different levels of heat, guacamole, cheese, and sour cream. There are just so many choices!
To make your own Chipotle burrito bowl at home, check out my copycat Chipotle Beef Burrito Bowl recipe and easy one-pan option Beef Burrito Rice Skillet!
If you’re a fan of Chipotle burrito bowl, you’ve probably wondered: What do I do with the leftover portions of my Chipotle bowl? Can I put the leftover Chipotle bowl in the microwave? Or do I have to transfer it to another microwave-safe container for reheating? Leftovers can be delicious and versatile, allowing you to enjoy a tasty meal for next day.
Why it’s great to have a leftover Chipotle bowl at home
Having a leftover Chipotle bowl can be a lifesaver when you’re in a rush or simply craving a delicious meal for lunch or dinner. It’s convenient and saves you time and effort in preparing another meal from scratch. Chipotle bowls are known for their tasty and satisfying flavors — you’ve got juicy chipotle chicken, fluffy rice, black beans, fresh red salsa, queso, and lots of guacamole — it’s great for lunch or dinner when you want fresh food fast, so having one ready to go in the fridge is always a treat.
Not only are Chipotle bowls delicious, but they also offer a good balance of nutrients. With a combination of protein, fiber, carbs, and healthy fats, they can provide you with the energy you need to power through your day. So, having a leftover Chipotle bowl means you have a nutritious, filling and quick meal at your fingertips.
How long does Chipotle last in the fridge?
In general, a Chipotle bowl should be consumed within 3 to 4 days if properly stored in the refrigerator. This timeframe ensures that the ingredients remain safe to eat and maintain their quality. After this period, the risk of bacterial growth and food spoilage increases, so it’s best to discard any leftovers that have been in the fridge for too long.
Always use your best judgment and follow USDA temperature danger zone guidelines when handling leftovers. If in doubt, discard any leftovers that have been sitting in the fridge for too long.
What material is the Chipotle container made of?
Chipotle serves their burrito bowls in oval disposable bowl made from sustainable plant fibers. These bowls are designed to be environmentally friendly and biodegradable, which is great alternative to plastic or styrofoam bowls. This material is commonly used in food packaging because it is lightweight, durable, and heat-safe. It can withstand high temperatures without melting or releasing harmful chemicals into your food.
Can you microwave Chipotle bowls?
The short answer is, yes, Chipotle’s bowls that are made from compostable materials are microwave-safe. In fact, microwaving the burrito bowls is the best way — and easiest way — to reheat Chipotle leftovers for later. As mentioned earlier, they are made of food-grade plant-fiber material, which is a microwave-safe material. However, the specific material may vary depending on the supplier and the region, so if you’re served in a bowl that is different from the compostable plant materials, it’s better to double check with a Chipotle employee for best results.
In addition to the bowl itself, though, a Chipotle bowl often comes with an aluminum lid to help keep your leftovers fresh. Note that the lids are NOT microwave-safe, so make sure you remove them before microwaving as metal can cause sparks and damage to the microwave, not to mention, huge fire hazard!
Can you refrigerate a Chipotle bowl?
Yes, you can refrigerate a Chipotle bowl. In fact, it’s recommended to refrigerate it within two hours of purchase to keep it fresh and safe to eat. When refrigerating, make sure to cover the bowl with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F or below. This will help keep the ingredients fresh for up to 3-5 days.
Can you eat a Chipotle bowl cold?
Yes, you can eat a Chipotle bowl cold. While it’s typically served hot, the ingredients in a Chipotle bowl are safe to eat at room temperature or cold. However, keep in mind that the flavors and textures may be affected, and some ingredients like rice and beans are definitely less appealing when cold.
Here is a step-by-step guide to reheating a Chipotle bowl:
While the bowl itself is microwave safe, you want to reheat it correctly do that you can achieve a perfectly heated Chipotle bowl without compromising its taste and texture. Here are the simple steps to reheating your Chipotle burrito bowl perfectly:
1. Separate the ingredients. If your Chipotle bowl contains multiple components like rice, beans, protein, fresh vegetables, salsa, and cheese, try to separate them before reheating to ensure even heating and prevent overcooking:
– Rice (white rice or brown rice) requires the most time to reheat. Add a splash of water to your bowl if necessary so that the rice “steams” and becomes nice and fluffy when reheated.
– Protein such as chicken and steak can dry out more easily than beef barbacoa, carnitas, and sofritas.
– Fajita veggies also need to be reheated.
2. Remove certain cold toppings or cold ingredients in your Chipotle bowl that are not suitable for microwaving, and set aside for later. If your bowl contains these fresh ingredients, it’s best to remove them before microwaving as they can become watery or lose their texture:
– Fresh tomato salsa
– Sour cream
– Cheese
– Lettuce
– Tomatillo-green chili salsa (can be served hot)
– Tomatillo-red chili salsa (can be served hot)
– Roasted chili-corn salsa (can be served hot)
– Queso blanco and guacamole (you can actually order them on the side if you know you’re going to take it to go for later)
3. Once the components are heated to your liking, you can assemble them back into a bowl or plate, replicating the original Chipotle bowl configuration.
4. If desired, you can add fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, lime juice, sour cream or Greek yogurt or additional salsa before serving. It’s a great way to freshen the leftovers.
5. Once everything is heated and assembled, your Chipotle bowl is ready to enjoy!
How long should you microwave a Chipotle bowl?
The microwave time for a Chipotle bowl can vary depending on its size and the power of your microwave. As a general guideline, you can microwave on high in 30-second to 1-minute intervals, stirring or rotating the dish between each interval to ensure even heating. Continue heating until the desired temperature is reached. Be careful not to overheat, as it can dry out the food (especially the meats!).
I remember the time the first time I reheated my Chipotle burrito bowl in the microwave, I forgot to check on it for an extra minute or two. When I finally opened the microwave door, I was greeted by a cloud of steam and the smell of burnt black beans. Oops! Needless to say, I learned my lesson and now set a timer to avoid any future mishaps with my Chipotle bowl!
When should you NOT microwave a Chipotle bowl?
A plant fiber bowl can become soggy if it is exposed to liquid or moisture for an extended period of time. Sometimes when there is a lot of moisture in your refrigerator, the Chipotle bowl in its original packaging can become soggy over time too. In that case, I recommend transferring to a microwave-safe dish or microwave-safe bowl to be safe.
Tips for microwaving Chipotle bowls: dos and don’ts
Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when microwaving your Chipotle bowl:
Do: Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plate to prevent any splatters. Black or pinto beans are especially prone to messy explosion in the microwave.
Do: Stir the contents of the bowl halfway through the heating process to ensure even heating and prevent any hot spots or cold spots.
Do: Use short intervals and check the temperature frequently to avoid over-microwaving.
Don’t: Microwave the bowl with the aluminum lid on. Aluminum foil is not microwave-safe and can cause sparks or fires in the microwave. An easy way is to cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a piece of damp paper towel to prevent splatter.
Don’t: Microwave the bowl for too long, as it can cause the food to become dry or lose its flavor.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a perfectly heated Chipotle bowl in no time!
Different ways to reheat a Chipotle bowl
Even though the microwave method is the best option in my opinion, but here are a few reheating methods you can use to reheat your leftover food:
Conventional oven: Preheat your oven to a low temperature at 300°F. Place the individual components of the Chipotle bowl in an oven-safe dish or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out, and heat in the oven until warmed through, usually around 10-15 minutes. If you use a toaster oven (which I sometimes do), make sure you use the rack farthest away from the heating element or place a piece of aluminum foil on top to avoid burning.
Air fryer: Good option for reheating a Chipotle bowl if you are short on time. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. This temperature is suitable for gently reheating the food without burning or drying it out. Separate the components of the Chipotle bowl if needed, and place them on an air fryer tray or basket lined with parchment paper. Gently stir the components halfway through the reheating process to ensure that they heat evenly on all sides. It’s a good idea to check on the food periodically to avoid overheating. The cooking time varies depending on the air fryer model, but usually it is done in under 8 minutes.
Stovetop: Place a non-stick skillet or pan (with lid) on the stovetop over low heat. You can add a small amount of oil or cooking spray if desired. Add the rice and beans and give it a stir. Cover the lid and let it steam, adding a splash of water if necessary if the mixture looks dry. Add the remaining ingredients, such as meat, corn salsa, fajita mixture, etc. and cook for a few minutes until they are heated through. Avoid high heat and be careful not to overcook or burn the ingredients.
Each of these methods offers a different way to reheat your Chipotle bowl leftovers, so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences and available equipment.
Enhancing your microwaved Chipotle bowl
While microwaving a Chipotle bowl can give you a quick and convenient meal, you can take it up a notch by adding some extra toppings or condiments. Here are a few great options to enhance your microwaved Chipotle bowl:
1. Squeeze some lime juice over the bowl to add a burst of fresh, citrusy flavor.
2. Top it with some freshly chopped cilantro for added freshness and aroma.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and melt it in the microwave for a cheesy finish.
4. Drizzle some hot sauce for an extra kick of spice.
I hope you find this guide helpful — keep these tips in mind next time you have a leftover Chipotle bowl! It can elevate your microwaved Chipotle bowl and make it even more delicious.
