What is the healthiest Chipotle order for protein?

December 20, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Chipotle's own nutrition data, their grilled chicken offers the most protein per serving among all the standard meat options. This makes it a top choice when determining what is the healthiest Chipotle order for protein.

Quick Summary

This guide provides expert tips for building a healthy, high-protein Chipotle meal. Learn which bases, proteins, and toppings to choose to maximize nutrition and minimize calories, creating a perfectly balanced bowl for your dietary goals.

Key Points

Start with a Bowl or Salad: Skip the flour tortilla to drastically cut calories and carbohydrates, opting for romaine lettuce or a Supergreens blend as your base.
Choose Double Chicken or Steak: Grilled chicken provides the highest protein count per serving, with steak close behind, making double portions the best way to maximize protein.
Load Up on Veggies: Request double fajita vegetables to add volume, fiber, and vitamins with minimal calories.
Opt for Low-Calorie Salsas: Use fresh tomato or tomatillo green-chili salsa for flavor without adding significant calories from fat.
Limit High-Calorie Toppings: Be mindful of toppings like cheese, sour cream, and queso, as they can quickly increase the fat and calorie count of your meal.

Building a Healthy High-Protein Chipotle Bowl

Crafting a nutritious, high-protein meal at Chipotle is all about making smart, strategic choices from the base up. While a standard burrito can be heavy on carbs and calories due to the large flour tortilla, a bowl or salad provides a healthier foundation. By focusing on lean proteins and nutrient-dense vegetables, you can create a satisfying and macro-friendly meal that supports your health goals. The key is to understand the nutritional profile of each ingredient and assemble your bowl with purpose, balancing protein, healthy fats, and fiber.

Choose Your Base Wisely

The first step to a healthy, high-protein order is selecting the right base. The large flour tortilla used for burritos adds 320 calories and 50g of carbohydrates before any fillings are even added. Opting for a bowl is the simplest way to reduce this calorie count significantly.

Salad: A base of romaine lettuce adds minimal calories and boosts fiber intake. This is an excellent choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet. You can even get the Supergreens lettuce blend for added nutrients.
Bowl (No Rice): For a slightly more filling option without the carbs, a bowl with a double portion of fajita vegetables is a great alternative to rice.
Bowl (Light Rice): If you still want some carbs for energy, especially post-workout, ask for a light portion of cilantro-lime brown rice. It offers more fiber than the white rice option.

Select Your Protein Powerhouse

The protein is the centerpiece of your meal and crucial for muscle repair and satiety. Your choice of protein dramatically affects the overall nutrition of your order. You can compare the options below to make an informed decision.


Protein Option	Calories (4oz)	Protein (g)	Fat (g)	Key Notes
Chicken	180	32	7	Highest protein content, lean option.
Steak	190	30	6.5	Leanest beef option, good flavor.
Sofritas	150	7	4.6	Plant-based protein, lower in calories but also protein.
Barbacoa	170	29	8	Shredded beef, moderate fat and high in sodium.
Carnitas	210	26	12	Highest fat and calorie protein option.

For the highest protein-to-calorie ratio, grilled chicken is the clear winner. If you want to further increase your protein count, you can order a double portion, adding another 32g of protein.

Load Up on Low-Calorie, High-Flavor Toppings

Toppings can make or break the nutritional value of your meal. High-fat options like cheese, sour cream, and queso can quickly increase your calorie count. Focus instead on fresh, flavorful, and nutrient-rich additions.

Fajita Vegetables: Sautéed bell peppers and onions add texture, volume, and vital nutrients with minimal calories (just 20 per serving). Ask for extra to load up on veggies.
Fresh Tomato Salsa (Pico de Gallo): This provides a refreshing taste without adding significant calories or fat.
Tomatillo Green-Chili Salsa: A flavorful, low-sodium salsa that adds a nice kick.
Black Beans: A scoop of black beans offers fiber and an extra 8 grams of plant-based protein.
Guacamole (in moderation): While higher in calories (230 per serving), guacamole provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber that help you feel full. Consider ordering a side of guac and using a smaller portion to control calories.

Putting It All Together: The Healthiest High-Protein Order

One of the best high-protein orders you can build is a salad or bowl with double chicken. Here is a sample macro-friendly order:

Base: Romaine Lettuce or Supergreens
Protein: Double Chicken
Veggies: Double Fajita Vegetables
Toppings: Fresh Tomato Salsa, Tomatillo-Green Chili Salsa
Optional: Small scoop of black beans for extra fiber and protein.

This combination maximizes protein and fiber while keeping calories and fat in check. A similar order can yield over 60 grams of protein, making it ideal for post-workout recovery or a satisfying, balanced meal. For a slightly different flavor profile, you could swap the chicken for double steak, which also offers a significant protein boost.

Conclusion

Building the healthiest Chipotle order for protein is a straightforward process when you prioritize lean meats, nutrient-dense vegetables, and flavorful but low-calorie salsas. The best approach is to start with a salad or bowl base to avoid the high-calorie tortilla. From there, double up on grilled chicken or steak to maximize your protein intake. By adding plenty of fajita vegetables, fresh salsa, and a moderate portion of healthy fats like guacamole, you can enjoy a delicious, satiating, and perfectly balanced meal that aligns with your nutritional goals. Chipotle's customizable menu empowers you to take control of your diet, even when eating out.

For more information on ingredient nutrition and customization, visit the official Chipotle Nutrition Calculator.(https://www.chipotle.com/nutrition-calculator)

Frequently Asked Questions

Chipotle's grilled chicken contains the most protein per standard 4oz serving, with approximately 32 grams. Double chicken will obviously provide even more protein.

Yes, black beans and pinto beans are a solid source of plant-based protein and fiber. A standard serving of beans adds about 8 grams of protein to your meal.

Order a bowl with a base of romaine lettuce or Supergreens. Add a double portion of chicken or steak, extra fajita veggies, and your choice of fresh salsa. Skip the rice, beans, and high-carb toppings.

Guacamole provides healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber, but it is high in calories. For a balanced meal, use a smaller portion to enjoy the flavor and healthy fats without overdoing the calories.

For the healthiest option, a light portion of brown rice is preferable to white rice. It offers more fiber and is a complex carbohydrate, providing sustained energy.

To reduce sodium, focus on fresh, unprocessed ingredients. Opt for the Tomatillo-Green Chili Salsa, which is lower in sodium, and be mindful of sodium-heavy proteins and toppings like sofritas and cheese.

For a plant-based, high-protein meal, order a bowl with a base of romaine lettuce, double sofritas, and black beans. Load it up with fajita veggies and fresh salsa for a well-rounded meal.