If you’re on the hunt for a warm, satisfying, and flavor-packed bowl meal, look no further than these Chipotle Lentil Bowls. This delicious recipe features cooked brown lentils simmered with smoky spices and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, then served with rice and your favorite fresh toppings. Whether you’re trying to add more plant-based protein to your meals or need a great meal prep option, this bowl is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Packed with grams of protein, fiber, and delicious flavors, this is a healthy meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—use up those leftover lentils, throw in some sweet potatoes or brussels sprouts, and don’t forget a drizzle of lemon tahini or your favorite hot sauce for that extra zing.
Ingredients & Substitutions
For the Chipotle Lentils
- 3 cups cooked brown lentils (or 1 cup dry)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp each: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2–4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- ¾ cup vegetable broth (or cold water)
For the Bowl Assembly
- Cooked rice (use brown rice, white rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (sub sour cream or coconut milk for a vegan version)
- Guacamole
- Optional: chopped cilantro, tortilla chips, pickled onions, or fresh mint
Optional Additions
- Red onions or green onions
- Bell pepper or red peppers
- Black beans or green beans
- Sprinkle of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or sesame seeds
- Roasted sweet potatoes or crispy brussels sprouts
💡 Want a shortcut? Use canned lentils and pre-cooked grain bowls from the produce section to save time!
Helpful Tools
- Large pot (for cooking lentils)
- Non-stick pan (for sautéing lentils)
- Medium bowl or large bowl (for mixing)
- Small dish (for prepping spices)
- Sheet pan (if roasting vegetables)
- Instant Pot or slow cooker (optional for batch cooking lentils)
How to Make This Chipotle Lentil Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by cooking your brown rice according to package instructions. You can also use white rice or cauliflower rice if you prefer.
Step 2: Prepare the Chipotle Lentils
- In a non-stick pan over medium heat, add:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups cooked lentils
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2–4 chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 tsp each: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika
- Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until aromatic.
- Add ¾ cup vegetable broth and simmer for 5–7 minutes on medium-high heat, until the liquid reduces and the mixture thickens.
📝 For extra flavor, sauté fresh diced onion and minced garlic before adding the lentils.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
In each large bowl, layer the following:
- A scoop of rice
- A generous serving of chipotle lentils
- Fresh chopped tomatoes
- A dollop of guacamole
- A spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Optional toppings: tortilla chips, fresh herbs, pickled onions, or a drizzle of lemon juice or lime juice
Tips & Tricks
- Big Batch Cooking: Make a big batch of lentils and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This is a great way to prep lunch bowls for the week. Keep toppings separate until ready to serve.
- Flavorful Sauce Upgrade: Mix in tomato paste, a splash of red wine vinegar, or a dash of maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like it spicy.
- Health Boost: Sprinkle cumin seeds or serve with leafy greens for an extra nutritional punch.
- Customize It: Swap in french green lentils, black lentils, or even red lentils for variety.
Benefits of Chipotle Lentil Bowls
- 🌱 Plant-based and full of healthy fats
- 💪 Loaded with grams of protein from lentils and Greek yogurt
- 🧠 Rich in folic acid, iron, and fiber
- ⏱️ Quick cook time and ideal for busy weeknights
- 🧽 Great for using leftover lentils or cleaning out your fridge!
Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Lentil Bowls Recipe
- It’s a flavor bomb: smoky, spicy, creamy, and fresh all in one bite.
- A delicious way to enjoy lentils—even picky eaters will approve!
- Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
- Highly customizable with endless optional additions.
- It’s the kind of nourish lentil bowl that’s comforting, filling, and seriously satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Canned lentils are a great time-saver. Just drain, rinse, and heat them up with the chipotle mixture.
Brown lentils are ideal, but you can also use green lentils, red lentils, or black lentils. Just adjust cook times accordingly.
Yes! Swap the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or a plant-based sour cream for a vegan-friendly version.
Yes! You can simmer the lentils and sauce in an Instant Pot on sauté mode, or cook everything on low in a slow cooker for 2–3 hours.
You can use smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or a smoky hot sauce as a backup if chipotle peppers aren’t available.
Chipotle Lentil Bowls
Ingredients
Chipotle Lentils
- 3 cups cooked brown lentils (1 cup dry)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp each – garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika see notes
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add 3-4 for a spicier dish
- ¾ cups veg broth sub water
Bowls and Toppings
- cooked rice
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup greek yogurt see notes
- guacamole
- cilantro, chopped optional
- a few tortilla chips optional
Instructions
- Start by cooking your rice according to package instructions.
- In a non-stick pan on medium heat, add olive oil, cooked lentils, soy sauce, chipotle peppers in adobo, garlic, onion, smoked paprika. Cook for 1-2 mins stirring on medium heat.
- Add the vegetable broth to the lentils mixture and simmer for 5-7 mins or until the broth has reduced and they mixture has thickened.
Bowls Assembly
- To a bowl add rice and cooked chipotle lentils, then top with tomatoes, guacamole, cilantro, and greek yogurt.
- Serve with a few tortilla chips if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: Chipotle Lentil Bowls
Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or prepping lunches for the week, these Chipotle Lentil Bowls deliver big on taste and nutrition. They’re hearty, cozy, and loaded with delicious flavors from smoky chipotle, creamy yogurt, and vibrant toppings.
This recipe is a great way to enjoy lentils in a whole new light, with easy customization options and flexible ingredients. Don’t forget to add your favorite fresh herbs, a drizzle of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for a touch of crunch and freshness.
