How to Maximize Protein at Chipotle? Your Ultimate Guide

November 19, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know a 'Double Chicken Burrito Bowl' at Chipotle can deliver an impressive 85 grams of protein, making it an excellent meal for muscle building and satiety? Discover how to maximize protein at Chipotle using strategic ordering and intelligent ingredient choices for a nutritionally-dense meal.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines the optimal protein sources and ordering strategies for creating high-protein meals at Chipotle. Learn how to craft filling and nutritious bowls or salads by selecting the right bases, toppings, and double protein options for your goals.

Key Points

Double Your Protein: Opt for double portions of chicken, steak, or sofritas to significantly increase your total protein count.
Choose the Right Base: Start with a Supergreens salad base for lower carbs or brown rice for complex carbs and fiber.
Load Up on Veggies: Add extra fajita veggies for volume, nutrients, and fiber with minimal calories.
Add Beans for a Boost: Include black and/or pinto beans for extra plant-based protein and satiety.
Be Selective with Toppings: Prioritize salsas and skip calorie-heavy items like vinaigrette, heavy sour cream, or excess cheese if focusing on a lean meal.
Use the App for Consistency: Order via the Chipotle app for more accurate double protein portions.
Consider Your Goal: Adjust your meal based on whether you need a high-calorie, post-workout refuel (include rice and guac) or a leaner, low-carb option (salad base).

Building Your High-Protein Chipotle Meal

Chipotle's customizable menu makes it an ideal spot for those looking to build a high-protein meal on the go. The key is understanding which ingredients offer the most nutritional bang for your buck. By focusing on lean protein sources and nutrient-dense additions, you can construct a delicious and satisfying meal that supports your fitness goals.

Choosing Your Base

The foundation of your meal sets the stage for success. While a large flour tortilla adds significant carbs and calories, opting for a bowl or salad provides a more flexible canvas for protein-heavy creations. For the lowest-carb option, choose the Supergreens base, which is simply a bed of fresh romaine lettuce. If you prefer some complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, brown rice is an excellent option with more fiber than white rice. For those managing calories more strictly, ask for 'light' rice or skip it altogether.

Optimizing Protein Selections

The most direct way to maximize your protein is to select the right protein sources and ask for double portions. This is where your ordering strategy truly comes into play. Chipotle offers several protein options, each with a different macronutrient profile.

Double Chicken: Double chicken is a top contender for any high-protein meal, offering up to 64 grams of protein in a double portion.
Double Steak: Double steak is another excellent option with up to 60 grams of protein in a double serving.
Double Barbacoa: Shredded beef barbacoa offers a solid protein boost with around 58-60 grams in a double portion.
Beans: Black and pinto beans are packed with plant-based protein and fiber. A standard serving of black beans adds 8 grams of protein. Requesting both can significantly increase your protein and fiber intake.
Double Sofritas: For a plant-based option, double sofritas, made from seasoned tofu, can provide around 34 grams of protein.

Strategic Topping Choices

Prioritize toppings that boost protein, add micronutrients, and enhance flavor without excessive calories or saturated fats. Fajita veggies add flavor and volume for only 20 calories. Salsas are low in calories and add a nice zing. A light sprinkle of cheese can provide some additional protein. Guacamole is high in healthy fats and calories; use sparingly if watching calories. Avoid the Chipotle vinaigrette, which adds 220 calories.

High-Protein Order Comparison Table


Item (Double Portion)	Base Recommendation	Calories (approx.)	Protein (approx.)
Double Chicken Bowl	Brown Rice & Romaine	800+	85g
Double Steak Salad	Supergreens Lettuce	550+	66g
Double Sofritas Bowl	Brown Rice & Romaine	650+	42g
Chicken & Steak Bowl	Supergreens Lettuce	500+	65g
Double Barbacoa Bowl	Brown Rice & Black Beans	850+	72g

Sample High-Protein Orders

The 'Maximum Muscle' Bowl

This order focuses on maximizing protein: burrito bowl with double chicken (or steak), black beans, fajita veggies, fresh tomato salsa, tomatillo-green chili salsa, a light amount of cheese, romaine lettuce, and optional guacamole.

The 'Lean & Clean' Salad

For lower calories: salad base with double chicken, fajita veggies, fresh tomato salsa, corn salsa, extra romaine lettuce, and optional hot sauce (skipping cheese and sour cream).

The 'Plant-Powered' Bowl

High-protein vegan option: bowl with double sofritas, black and pinto beans, fajita veggies, corn salsa, fresh tomato salsa, and guacamole.

How to Ensure You Get Your Double Protein

To help ensure you receive a full double portion, consider ordering through the Chipotle app. When ordering in person, be polite and clearly ask for 'double chicken' or 'double steak'. You can also politely observe the portioning and ask for a bit more if needed.

Conclusion

Maximizing protein at Chipotle involves strategic choices in your base, doubling protein options, and selecting toppings wisely. This transforms a standard meal into a nutritious fuel source tailored to your dietary goals, whether focusing on lean muscle or plant-based protein. Use Chipotle's nutrition calculator [https://www.chipotle.com/nutrition] for precise macro tracking.

Frequently Asked Questions

The highest protein single item is the Double Chicken Burrito Bowl, which can contain up to 85 grams of protein, depending on toppings.

Vegetarians and vegans can maximize protein by ordering double sofritas along with both black and pinto beans. Sofritas provide plant-based protein, and the beans offer additional fiber and protein.

It depends on your goals. Brown rice provides complex carbohydrates and fiber for energy, which is great for a post-workout meal. For lower carbs and calories, you can opt for a lighter portion or skip the rice entirely.

While fajita veggies do not add a significant amount of protein, they add bulk and essential micronutrients without adding excessive calories, helping you feel fuller.

Cheese does contain protein, but it is also calorie-dense. A light portion can boost protein, but heavy portions can increase overall calories significantly. It's best used sparingly for flavor.

Plain grilled chicken is generally considered one of the leanest protein options available at Chipotle, providing a significant amount of protein with less fat than other meats.

Stick to the fresh salsas, like fresh tomato or tomatillo-green chili salsa, and use Chipotle's various hot sauces. These add flavor and spice without the high fat content of sour cream, queso, or the vinaigrette dressing.