Name: Chipotle Chicken Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); 1 tsp chipotle chili powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; Juice of 1 lime; 2 cups cooked white or brown rice; 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed); 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or roasted); 1 cup guacamole; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese; 1 cup shredded lettuce; 1/2 cup pico de gallo (tomatoes, onion, jalapeño); 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)

The Chipotle Chicken Bowl is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that blends smoky, spicy grilled chicken with a medley of fresh and savory toppings. Perfectly seasoned with chipotle chili and garlic, the chicken offers a satisfying contrast to the creamy guacamole, crisp romaine, sweet corn, tangy salsa, and melty cheese, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s a meal that manages to be both hearty and refreshing, ideal for lunch or a quick dinner.

What makes this bowl special is its adaptability—customize it with what you have on hand or according to your dietary needs. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or throwing together a last-minute family meal, the Chipotle Chicken Bowl delivers bold flavor in every bite.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect for this bowl. Thighs provide more flavor and tenderness, while breasts are leaner and just as tasty when marinated well. You want chicken that can soak up the chipotle seasoning and hold up when grilled or pan-seared.

Ingredients for the Chipotle Chicken Bowl

Chicken: The star of the show, seasoned with a chipotle spice blend for smoky heat.

Chipotle Seasoning: A mix of chipotle chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a hint of lime juice to infuse the chicken with bold flavor.

Rice: Fluffy white rice (or brown if preferred) serves as the hearty base that absorbs the juices and sauces.

Black Beans: These add creaminess and protein, complementing the smoky chicken.

Corn: Sweetness and crunch in every spoonful—fresh, canned, or roasted.

Guacamole: Creamy, zesty, and refreshing—a must for texture contrast.

Shredded Cheese: Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend brings melty richness to the mix.

Lettuce and Pico de Gallo: Freshness and acidity to balance the hearty components.

Sour Cream (Optional): Adds a cool and tangy element if you like an extra creamy touch.

How To Make the Chipotle Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Season and Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and lime juice. Coat the chicken thoroughly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Grill or pan-sear the marinated chicken over medium-high heat until fully cooked and charred on the edges. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

Step 3: Prepare the Base

Cook your rice according to package instructions. While it cooks, warm the black beans and corn in separate saucepans or in the microwave until heated through.

Step 4: Chop the Fresh Toppings

Dice tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeño for a quick pico de gallo. Shred the lettuce and prepare fresh guacamole if not using store-bought.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

In a large bowl, layer rice first, then top with sliced chicken, black beans, corn, guacamole, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and cheese. Add a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Serving and Storing Your Chipotle Chicken Bowl

Serve the Chipotle Chicken Bowl warm, ideally right after assembly. It makes a satisfying single-bowl meal, perfect for dinner or lunch. If meal prepping, keep wet ingredients like guacamole and sour cream separate until ready to eat to avoid soggy textures.

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken, rice, beans, and corn before reassembling your bowl with the fresh toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bowl vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the chicken for grilled tofu, tempeh, or extra beans for a delicious vegetarian version.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

Reduce or skip the chipotle chili powder and opt for smoked paprika and garlic powder instead.

Can I use a different grain instead of rice?

Yes, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even couscous can work as great substitutes.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Omit the cheese and sour cream, or use plant-based alternatives.

Is it freezer-friendly?

You can freeze the cooked chicken, rice, and beans separately, but avoid freezing fresh toppings like lettuce and guacamole.

Can I add more toppings?

Definitely! Try jalapeño slices, tortilla strips, hot sauce, or grilled peppers for extra flavor and crunch.

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Chipotle Chicken Bowl, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot

Savory Chicken Wraps with Garlic Cream Sauce

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the guac or light on the spice? Did you add extra toppings?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other make mealtime more flavorful.

Chipotle Chicken Bowl

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 2-3 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A vibrant and satisfying one-bowl meal featuring smoky chipotle-marinated chicken paired with fluffy rice, creamy guacamole, sweet corn, black beans, shredded cheese, and fresh toppings. Great for a flavorful dinner or easy meal prep.

Instructions

Marinate Chicken: Mix chipotle chili, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and lime juice in a bowl. Coat the chicken thoroughly and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Cook Chicken: Grill or sear the chicken on medium-high heat until fully cooked. Let rest and slice into strips.
Prepare Base: Cook rice as directed. Warm black beans and corn separately.
Chop Fresh Ingredients: Dice tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and shred the lettuce.