Name: Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, & Creamy Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups cooked white or brown rice; 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 1 avocado, diced; 2 cups chopped romaine or leaf lettuce; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ¼ teaspoon salt

Juicy grilled chicken with a smoky chipotle crust, nestled beside creamy black beans, sweet corn, and buttery avocado—this Chipotle Chicken Bowl is a weeknight dinner hero. Topped with a smooth, tangy, and smoky sauce, every bite is balanced with bold spice and cool creaminess. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a hearty bowl for dinner, this one checks all the boxes: satisfying, nutritious, and loaded with texture.

The real game-changer here? That dreamy sauce. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it ties everything together in the most delicious way. Pour it generously over warm chicken and veggies, and you’ll instantly have a restaurant-style burrito bowl in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the recipe, having the right tools on hand will make everything faster, cleaner, and tastier.

Cast Iron or Grill Pan: Essential for getting that beautiful char on the chipotle-seasoned chicken. The even heat distribution brings out the smoky flavors that make this dish shine.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: Makes prepping ingredients like avocado, lettuce, and grilled corn quick and precise. Nobody wants uneven slices or a struggle with slicing chicken.
Blender or Food Processor: Used to whip up the creamy chipotle sauce until smooth and silky. You want a pourable texture that glides over the bowl.

Mixing Bowls: For tossing ingredients like lettuce or black beans with seasoning. Keeps flavors evenly distributed.
Meal Prep Containers (optional): If you’re planning to portion this out for lunches, airtight containers will keep everything fresh.

With these tools ready to go, the process becomes streamlined, and cleanup is a breeze. Time to get cooking!

Ingredients for the Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, & Creamy Sauce

Each component of this bowl is intentionally chosen for flavor and balance. Here’s what makes this bowl irresistible:

Chicken Breast: Lean, high in protein, and perfect for absorbing that chipotle marinade. A great base for the bowl.
Chipotle Chili Powder: Provides the smoky heat and signature boldness to the chicken.

Olive Oil: Used in the marinade and for grilling. It helps seal in flavor and moisture.
Garlic Powder & Cumin: These deepen the savory base of the chicken, enhancing the Mexican-style seasoning.
Salt & Pepper: Essential to round out and elevate all the flavors.

Cooked White or Brown Rice: The hearty bed that holds the bowl together.
Canned Black Beans: Creamy and rich, they add protein and earthy flavor.
Corn Kernels (Fresh or Frozen): Adds sweetness and texture contrast.

Avocado: Brings creamy, cooling richness.
Chopped Romaine or Leaf Lettuce: Offers crunch and freshness to offset the warm elements.
Fresh Cilantro: A final herbal punch for brightness.

For the Creamy Chipotle Sauce:

Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: The creamy base with a tangy kick.
Mayonnaise: Adds silkiness and depth.
Lime Juice: Balances the richness with acidity.

Chipotle in Adobo Sauce: Smoky, spicy, and the flavor centerpiece of the sauce.
Garlic Powder, Cumin, and Salt: To round out the flavor and echo the seasoning on the chicken.

How To Make the Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, & Creamy Sauce

Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Chicken

Combine olive oil, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Rub it all over the chicken breasts and let them marinate for at least 20 minutes (or overnight for max flavor). Grill or sear the chicken on a hot pan until nicely charred and cooked through. Rest and slice.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Chipotle Sauce

In a blender or food processor, blend together Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, lime juice, chipotle in adobo, garlic powder, cumin, and salt until smooth. Adjust heat with extra chipotle if desired.

Step 3: Prep the Base Ingredients

Warm the rice and season lightly with salt. Heat up the black beans and corn separately, seasoning each with a pinch of cumin and salt if you’d like. Dice avocado and chop the lettuce.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

In a large bowl, layer rice at the bottom. Add sliced chicken, black beans, corn, lettuce, and avocado around the bowl in sections. Drizzle generously with creamy chipotle sauce and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top.

Step 5: Serve Fresh

Serve immediately while warm. Optional: squeeze a little more lime over the top for extra zing.

How to Serve and Store the Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, & Creamy Sauce

This bowl is best served freshly assembled while the chicken and rice are still warm, and the sauce is creamy and cool. Arrange each ingredient in its own section within the bowl for a visually satisfying presentation, then drizzle the sauce on top. Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime for a bright finish.

For storing, keep all components separate to maintain texture. Store chicken, rice, beans, and corn in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce should be kept in a sealed jar or container and stirred before each use. Avocado and lettuce should be prepped fresh just before serving to avoid browning and wilting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is the chipotle sauce?

The sauce has a mild to medium heat, depending on how much chipotle in adobo you use. Add more or less to suit your taste.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and pack more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it can be! Make sure to use gluten-free mayonnaise and double-check any store-bought seasonings.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap the chicken for grilled tofu, roasted sweet potatoes, or extra beans.

What other grains can I use instead of rice?

Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or farro are all great alternatives depending on your dietary preference.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made 3-4 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using.

Want More Chicken Bowl Ideas?

If you’re all about meals that are hearty, bold, and easy to build in a bowl, you’ll definitely want to try these delicious recipes next:

• Sweet & Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta for a saucy, tangy pasta twist.
• Savory Chicken Wraps with Garlic Cream Sauce if you love creamy chicken combos.
• Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps with bright lime and spice flavors.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole if you’re in the mood for warm, cheesy comfort.
• Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for a low-effort, flavor-packed dinner.

And for even more dinner inspiration, check out my daily updated recipes over on Pinterest: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s just a click away when cravings hit.

Tried it? Tell me how it turned out! Did you go extra spicy or keep it mild? Swap anything in the bowl? I love seeing your variations and helping answer your cooking questions. Drop your tweaks or feedback in the comments!

Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, & Creamy Sauce

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Chipotle Chicken Bowl is the ultimate hearty, flavor-packed dinner. Grilled, smoky chipotle chicken paired with black beans, sweet corn, avocado, and a tangy creamy sauce makes for a customizable and satisfying bowl everyone will love.

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken breasts and let marinate for at least 20 minutes or overnight.

2. Cook the chicken: Grill or pan-sear chicken until cooked through and nicely charred. Let rest, then slice.

3. Make the sauce: Blend Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayo, lime juice, chipotle in adobo, garlic powder, cumin, and salt until smooth. Adjust spice to taste.

4. Prep the bowl ingredients: Warm rice, heat beans and corn, dice avocado, and chop lettuce.

5. Assemble: In a bowl, layer rice, then arrange chicken, beans, corn, lettuce, and avocado. Drizzle with sauce and top with fresh cilantro.

6. Serve warm with optional extra lime juice.