Description
This Delicious Chipotle Chicken Bowl is a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Tender marinated chicken breasts are grilled to perfection and served atop fluffy cilantro-lime rice, with vibrant layers of corn, black beans, avocado, fresh vegetables, and a creamy chipotle sauce. This dish is easy to prepare in under an hour and offers a harmonious blend of smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors with optional garnishes for added richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chipotle seasoning or chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional, for extra flavor)
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
- 2 cups water or chicken broth (for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, or use a dairy-free option)
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Chipotle Sauce
- 3 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, chipotle seasoning or powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Bring the water or chicken broth along with salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rice, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff and Season Rice: Once rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork. Stir in olive oil, lime juice, and chopped cilantro to add freshness and subtle zing.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken breasts 6-7 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are cooked through. This ensures juicy and safely cooked chicken.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove chicken from heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This step helps retain the juices. Then slice the chicken thinly for easy serving in bowls.
- Prepare Chipotle Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, chipotle in adobo sauce, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cilantro-lime rice among individual serving bowls. Top with sliced grilled chicken, corn kernels, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, and avocado.
- Add Finishing Touches: Drizzle each bowl generously with the prepared chipotle sauce. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over before eating.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your delicious chipotle chicken bowls immediately for the best flavor and enjoyment. This dish combines smoky, spicy, and fresh elements into a balanced meal that’s perfect for any day.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate; marinating longer (up to 2 hours) will intensify the taste.
- Use chicken broth instead of water when cooking the rice to enhance flavor.
- For a healthier twist, substitute brown rice for white rice; cooking times may vary slightly.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of chipotle seasoning and chipotle in adobo sauce.
- Dairy-free options for cheese and sour cream work well for those with dietary restrictions.
- Make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
