Chipotle Mexican Grill has become a staple in the fast-casual dining scene, with its commitment to using high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients and its customizable menu options. With so many choices available, it can be overwhelming to decide on the best Chipotle order. In this article, we’ll break down the menu and provide tips on how to create your perfect meal.
Understanding the Chipotle Menu
Before we dive into the best Chipotle order, it’s essential to understand the menu. Chipotle offers a variety of options, including burritos, bowls, tacos, and salads. Each item can be customized with a protein, rice, beans, vegetables, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese.
Protein Options
Chipotle offers several protein options, including:
- Chicken: Adobo-marinated grilled chicken
- Steak: Grilled steak
- Carnitas: Braised pork
- Barbacoa: Shredded beef brisket
- Chorizo: Spicy Mexican sausage
- Veggie: A plant-based protein option made from a blend of vegetables and grains
Choosing the Right Protein
When choosing a protein, consider your dietary preferences and restrictions. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, the veggie option is a great choice. If you’re looking for a leaner protein, chicken or steak may be the way to go. If you’re in the mood for something rich and flavorful, carnitas or barbacoa are excellent options.
Customizing Your Meal
Once you’ve chosen your protein, it’s time to customize your meal. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Rice and Beans: Brown rice and pinto beans are the default options, but you can also choose white rice and black beans.
- Vegetables: Choose from a variety of vegetables, including lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and bell peppers.
- Salsa: Chipotle offers several salsa options, including mild, medium, and hot. You can also choose from a variety of salsa bars, including fresh tomato salsa and roasted chili salsa.
- Guacamole and Sour Cream: Add a dollop of guacamole or sour cream to give your meal an extra boost of flavor.
- Cheese: Choose from a variety of cheeses, including shredded cheese, queso, and feta.
Popular Chipotle Orders
Here are a few popular Chipotle orders to consider:
- Chicken Burrito Bowl: A bowl filled with chicken, brown rice, black beans, roasted chili salsa, and shredded cheese.
- Steak Tacos: A trio of tacos filled with steak, lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa.
- Veggie Burrito: A burrito filled with veggie protein, brown rice, black beans, and roasted chili salsa.
Creating Your Perfect Meal
The key to creating your perfect Chipotle meal is to experiment and find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations of ingredients and flavors. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Balance Flavors: Balance spicy and mild flavors to create a well-rounded meal.
- Texture Matters: Mix crunchy and soft textures to add depth to your meal.
- Don’t Overdo It: Don’t overload your meal with too many ingredients. Stick to a few favorites and enjoy the simplicity of your meal.
Chipotle Nutrition and Calories
When ordering at Chipotle, it’s essential to consider nutrition and calories. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Choose Brown Rice: Brown rice is a healthier option than white rice, with more fiber and nutrients.
- Go Easy on the Cheese: Cheese can add a lot of calories to your meal, so use it sparingly.
- Load Up on Vegetables: Vegetables are low in calories and rich in nutrients, making them a great addition to your meal.
Chipotle Nutrition Facts
Here are some nutrition facts to keep in mind when ordering at Chipotle:
| Item | Calories | Fat | Sodium |
| — | — | — | — |
| Chicken Burrito | 500 | 20g | 1000mg |
| Steak Tacos | 400 | 25g | 800mg |
| Veggie Burrito | 450 | 15g | 900mg |
Healthy Chipotle Options
If you’re looking for a healthy Chipotle option, consider the following:
- Chicken or Veggie Bowl: A bowl filled with chicken or veggie protein, brown rice, and vegetables.
- Steak Salad: A salad filled with steak, mixed greens, and vegetables.
- Black Bean and Corn Tacos: A trio of tacos filled with black beans, corn, and salsa.
Chipotle Hacks and Secrets
Here are a few Chipotle hacks and secrets to keep in mind:
- Ask for Extra Salsa: If you love salsa, ask for extra. It’s free!
- Get a Free Drink: If you order a meal, you can get a free drink. Just ask!
- Customize Your Meal: Don’t be afraid to customize your meal. Chipotle employees are happy to accommodate special requests.
Chipotle Rewards and Loyalty Program
Chipotle offers a rewards and loyalty program that rewards customers for frequent purchases. Here’s how it works:
- Earn Points: Earn points for every purchase you make at Chipotle.
- Redeem Rewards: Redeem points for free menu items and other rewards.
- Get Exclusive Offers: Get exclusive offers and discounts as a loyalty program member.
Chipotle App and Online Ordering
Chipotle offers an app and online ordering system that makes it easy to order your favorite meals. Here’s how it works:
- Order Online: Order your meal online and pick it up at your local Chipotle.
- Use the App: Use the Chipotle app to order and pay for your meal.
- Get Rewards: Earn rewards and points for ordering online and through the app.
In conclusion, the best Chipotle order is the one that you customize to your liking. With a variety of protein options, vegetables, salsa, guacamole, and cheese, the possibilities are endless. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new combinations of ingredients and flavors. And remember, with Chipotle’s commitment to using high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients, you can feel good about what you’re eating.
What is the best protein to order at Chipotle?
The best protein to order at Chipotle largely depends on personal preference. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken or steak might be the way to go. However, if you’re in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, the carnitas or chorizo are great choices. The carnitas is slow-cooked pork that is tender and full of flavor, while the chorizo is a spicy Mexican sausage that adds a nice kick to your meal.
If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, don’t worry – Chipotle has you covered. The sofritas, which are organic tofu that’s been braised in chipotle adobo, are a great option. They’re flavorful, filling, and can be paired with a variety of toppings to create a delicious meal.
What are the best toppings to get at Chipotle?
When it comes to toppings, the options can be overwhelming. However, some of the best toppings to get at Chipotle include the salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. The salsa adds a nice burst of flavor, while the guacamole provides a creamy texture. The sour cream helps to cool down the heat from any spicy toppings you may have added.
In addition to these staples, you may also want to consider adding some diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or diced avocado to your meal. These toppings add freshness and texture, and can help to round out your meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect order.
What is the difference between a bowl, burrito, tacos, and salad at Chipotle?
At Chipotle, you have the option to order your meal in a variety of formats, including a bowl, burrito, tacos, or salad. The main difference between these options is the vessel in which your meal is served. A bowl is a great option if you want to load up on toppings, as it provides a large, open space to pile everything on. A burrito, on the other hand, is a great option if you want a more portable meal.
Tacos are a great option if you want to try a few different toppings or proteins, as you can order multiple tacos with different fillings. A salad is a great option if you’re looking for a lighter meal, as it allows you to load up on greens and veggies. Ultimately, the choice between these options comes down to personal preference and what you’re in the mood for.
Can I customize my order at Chipotle?
One of the best things about Chipotle is the ability to customize your order. Whether you want to swap out the protein, add extra toppings, or hold the cheese, the staff at Chipotle are happy to accommodate your requests. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for what you want – after all, it’s your meal!
Some popular customizations include asking for extra salsa or guacamole, swapping out the rice for beans, or adding diced onions or bell peppers to your meal. You can also ask for your meal to be made “light” or “extra hot,” depending on your preference.
How do I order at Chipotle like a pro?
Ordering at Chipotle can seem intimidating, especially if you’re new to the restaurant. However, with a few simple tips, you can order like a pro. First, start by ordering your protein – this will help the staff to guide you through the rest of the ordering process. Next, choose your vessel (bowl, burrito, tacos, or salad), and then start adding your toppings.
Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations or clarification if you need it. The staff at Chipotle are happy to help and can offer suggestions based on your preferences. Finally, be sure to speak clearly and confidently – this will help to ensure that your order is made correctly.
Can I make my Chipotle order healthier?
While Chipotle can be a healthy option, there are definitely ways to make your meal healthier. One of the easiest ways to do this is to opt for brown rice instead of white rice, which is higher in fiber and nutrients. You can also choose to go easy on the cheese and sour cream, which are high in calories and fat.
In addition to these tweaks, you may also want to consider adding some extra veggies to your meal, such as diced tomatoes or shredded lettuce. These add freshness and texture, and can help to round out your meal. Finally, be sure to choose a lean protein, such as chicken or steak, to keep your meal healthy and balanced.
Can I save money on my Chipotle order?
While Chipotle can be a bit pricey, there are definitely ways to save money on your order. One of the easiest ways to do this is to opt for a smaller size, such as a kid’s meal or a smaller burrito. You can also choose to go easy on the toppings, which can add up quickly.
In addition to these tweaks, you may also want to consider taking advantage of Chipotle’s promotions and deals. The restaurant often offers discounts and special offers, especially for students and military personnel. Finally, be sure to sign up for Chipotle’s rewards program, which can help you earn points and rewards towards free meals.