Dinner

Chipotle Chicken Bowl Recipe

Name: Chipotle Chicken Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 27 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless chicken thighs; 2 chipotle in adobo peppers, finely chopped; 2 teaspoons chipotle in adobo sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lime, juiced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups cooked rice; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn salsa; 1/3 cup guacamole; 1/2 cup salsa

Bylilan Sage October 19, 2025October 19, 2025

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Introduction

This Chipotle Chicken Bowl is a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines smoky, spicy chicken with fresh toppings and rice. Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, it delivers bold tastes with simple ingredients.

A white bowl filled with five distinct layers: a base of white rice mixed with small green herb pieces on the left side and a similar white rice base visible on the right, topped with chunks of grilled chicken in the center with light brown, slightly charred edges; to the left of the chicken is a layer of shiny black beans; to the right side, bright yellow corn kernels with small green herb pieces scattered; next to the corn, a small portion of red salsa with finely chopped vegetables; and finally, a dollop of light green guacamole sits in the lower right section. A half lime wedge stands upright behind the corn layer. The white bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth featuring thin blue and red patterns tucked under it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound boneless chicken thighs
2 chipotle in adobo peppers
2 teaspoons chipotle in adobo sauce
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 lime (juiced)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups rice
1 15 oz can black beans
1 cup corn salsa
1/3 cup guacamole
1/2 cup salsa

Instructions

Step 1: Finely chop the 2 chipotle in adobo peppers and mix them with the chipotle in adobo sauce, olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Toss the mixture with the chicken thighs, cover, and place in the fridge to marinate for at least 2 hours, up to 24 hours.
Step 3: Grill or cook the chicken in a large skillet over high heat for about 6 minutes per side, until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
Step 4: While the chicken is marinating and cooking, prepare your toppings and cook the rice so everything is ready to assemble.
Step 5: Assemble the bowls by placing a layer of rice at the bottom, then add chopped chicken, black beans, corn salsa, guacamole, salsa, or any other desired toppings.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika to the marinade.
Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
Use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier alternative to white rice.
Add fresh cilantro or diced avocado for extra freshness and creaminess.
If you want less heat, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or omit the adobo sauce.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. Assemble bowls fresh to keep toppings like guacamole and salsa vibrant.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with six main parts arranged in sections: fluffy white rice with green herb pieces on one side, bright yellow corn kernels next to it, a smooth green guacamole scoop, fresh red salsa with visible tomato chunks and herbs, tender grilled chicken pieces in the center with a light golden brown color and some grilled marks, and shiny black beans sitting beside the chicken. A wedge of lime is placed upright on the edge of the rice section. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with some green herbs blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and good flavor absorption.

What can I use instead of chipotle in adobo?

If you don’t have chipotle in adobo, you can substitute with smoked paprika and a bit of hot sauce or chili powder to mimic the smoky and spicy flavor.