How to get a lot of protein at Chipotle? Your Guide to High-Protein Orders

With a standard single serving of chicken offering up to 32 grams of protein, Chipotle is already a strong contender for a high-protein fast food meal. However, with a few strategic adjustments and savvy ingredient choices, you can learn how to get a lot of protein at Chipotle, transforming your next order into a true macro powerhouse for fueling your fitness goals.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals how to craft protein-packed Chipotle meals by leveraging key ingredients and ordering techniques. Maximize your intake with smart choices like double portions, bean additions, and the right base.

Key Points

• Start with a Bowl: A burrito bowl or salad base allows you to maximize protein and fillings while avoiding the high-carb tortilla.

• Double Your Protein: Ordering a double portion of chicken, steak, or sofritas is the most direct way to get a significant protein boost.

• Add Beans and Cheese: Incorporating black or pinto beans and cheese adds extra grams of protein and fiber to your meal.

• Load Up on Veggies: Fajita veggies add volume, vitamins, and a small amount of fiber with minimal calories, making the meal more filling.

• Use the Nutrition Calculator: Plan your meal with Chipotle's online nutrition calculator to see the exact protein and calorie count before ordering.

Your Foundation: Bowls and Salads Over Burritos

When your primary goal is maximizing protein, your starting point is crucial. Opting for a burrito bowl or a salad is the most effective strategy. While the flour tortilla in a standard burrito can add over 300 calories and 50 grams of carbs, skipping it in favor of a bowl gives you more room for nutrient-dense additions. For a low-carb base, choose romaine lettuce. To add a fiber and carbohydrate boost, select brown or white cilantro-lime rice, or go for cauliflower rice to keep carbs low.

The Power Players: Chipotle's Protein Options

Chipotle offers a variety of protein options, each with a different nutritional profile. Knowing which ones pack the biggest punch is key to a high-protein meal. The good news is, most of Chipotle's meat proteins are quite potent, with chicken and steak leading the pack.

Double Protein: The Ultimate Hack

One of the simplest and most effective ways to instantly double your protein is to request a double portion of your chosen meat. While this comes with an extra cost, it's the fastest way to get a significant protein boost. A double serving of chicken, for instance, can push your protein count into the 60+ gram range. For those who can't decide, a popular hack is to ask for 'half and half' with two different proteins, which often results in a more generous overall portion.

High-Protein Fillings and Toppings

Your journey to a high-protein meal doesn't stop at the main protein. Many other ingredients can contribute to your final macro count. Beans, for example, add both protein and fiber. Shredded cheese also offers a decent protein bump. The key is to add these without overdoing it on extra fat or calories, depending on your specific goals.

Other Protein Sources to Add:

• Black or Pinto Beans: A scoop of either adds around 8 grams of plant-based protein and substantial fiber.
• Cheese: While higher in fat, a sprinkle of cheese adds about 6 grams of protein.
• Sofritas: This plant-based braised tofu option offers a respectable amount of protein per serving, and doubling it can create a very protein-rich vegan or vegetarian meal.

Chipotle Protein Comparison Table

Ingredient (single serving)	Protein (g)	Calories	Additional Notes
Chicken	~32g	180	Leanest meat option.
Steak	~30g	190	Excellent protein, similar to chicken.
Barbacoa	~24g	170	Fewer calories but less protein than chicken/steak.
Carnitas	~26g	210	Higher in fat but still a solid protein choice.
Sofritas (tofu)	~8g	150	Plant-based option; double for more protein.
Black Beans	~8g	130	Adds fiber and plant-based protein.
Pinto Beans	~8g	130	Similar to black beans, great for fiber.
Cheese	~6g	110	Adds protein, but also fat and calories.

Sample High-Protein Chipotle Orders

Here are a few combinations to help you build your ultimate high-protein meal:

The Double-Meat Power Bowl

• Base: Romaine Lettuce or half brown rice, half lettuce
• Protein: Double Chicken or Double Steak
• Beans: Black Beans
• Veggies: Fajita Veggies
• Salsa: Fresh Tomato Salsa
• Toppings: Light Cheese (optional), Guacamole (optional)

The Lean & Green Protein Salad

• Base: Romaine Lettuce
• Protein: Chicken or Steak
• Beans: Black Beans
• Veggies: Double Fajita Veggies
• Salsa: Roasted Chili-Corn Salsa or Fresh Tomato Salsa
• Dressing: Chipotle-Honey Vinaigrette (ask for it on the side to control portion)

The Plant-Based Protein Boost

• Base: Brown Rice
• Protein: Double Sofritas
• Beans: Black Beans
• Veggies: Fajita Veggies
• Salsa: Roasted Chili-Corn Salsa
• Toppings: Guacamole (comes free with veggie meals)

How to Order for Max Protein at the Counter

Ordering strategically can help you get the most out of your meal. Be clear and confident with your requests. Start with the base, then clearly state your desired protein and the quantity ("I'll do a bowl with double chicken"). For extras like beans or veggies, you can request a bit more. Some customers report that asking for a smaller amount of rice and extra of another ingredient, like beans, can lead to a more balanced, protein-heavy scoop. To track your macros, you can use Chipotle's online nutrition calculator or a third-party app to build your meal virtually before you order. For general nutrition advice, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a reliable resource on protein sources.

Conclusion: Building Your Perfect High-Protein Meal

Getting a lot of protein at Chipotle is entirely achievable by being mindful of your choices. By opting for a bowl over a burrito, doubling your protein, and strategically adding other protein and fiber-rich ingredients like beans and cheese, you can create a satisfying and macro-friendly meal. Whether you're a meat-eater, vegetarian, or vegan, Chipotle's customizable menu offers a path to a protein-packed meal that aligns with your fitness and nutrition goals. Enjoying fast food doesn't have to mean compromising on your health objectives when you know these simple, effective hacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Chipotle protein has the most protein per serving?

Chicken typically has the highest protein content per standard serving at around 32g, closely followed by steak at 30g.

Can I get a lot of protein at Chipotle without eating meat?

Yes, you can order double sofritas (braised tofu) along with a scoop of black or pinto beans. A double sofritas bowl with beans can provide over 20 grams of plant-based protein.

How do I get double protein at Chipotle?

Simply ask the server for 'double chicken,' 'double steak,' or any other protein. Be aware that this will incur an extra charge.

Is it better to get a bowl or a burrito for high protein?

For maximizing protein, a bowl is a better choice as it eliminates the flour tortilla, which is high in calories and carbs, leaving more room for protein-rich ingredients.

Do beans add a lot of protein at Chipotle?

Yes, a scoop of black or pinto beans adds around 8 grams of additional protein and a healthy dose of fiber to your meal.

What's a high-protein, low-carb order at Chipotle?

Start with a salad base (romaine lettuce), add double chicken or steak, fajita veggies, and fresh tomato salsa. For healthy fats and more protein, consider adding guacamole.

How can I check the protein content of my Chipotle order?

You can use the official Chipotle nutrition calculator online or on their app to customize your meal and see the exact nutritional breakdown, including total protein.