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Chipotle Chicken Bowl Recipe

4.6 from 52 reviews

This Chipotle Chicken Bowl is a vibrant, smoky, and flavorful one-bowl meal featuring marinated grilled chicken, warm black beans, charred corn, creamy chipotle sauce, and fresh avocado. Perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner, it combines smoky spices with fresh citrus and a creamy, spicy sauce for a satisfying and colorful dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Bowl Components

  • 1 cup cooked black beans (canned, rinsed)
  • 1 cup corn (grilled, roasted, or canned)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Creamy Chipotle Sauce

  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade, turning them to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight to deepen the flavor.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring char marks form. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
  4. Prepare the Beans and Corn: Warm the black beans in a small saucepan or microwave, seasoning with a pinch of cumin and salt. For the corn, char frozen or prepared corn in a hot, dry skillet for 3-4 minutes until golden and slightly caramelized.
  5. Make the Creamy Chipotle Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced chipotle peppers in adobo, garlic powder, and honey until smooth. Adjust the heat by adding more chipotle peppers to taste.
  6. Assemble the Bowl: In serving bowls, layer warm black beans, charred corn, sliced avocado, and sliced grilled chicken. Drizzle generously with the creamy chipotle sauce and sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top. Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra zing.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier alternative.
  • For extra heat, add more chipotle peppers or chili powder to the sauce.
  • Char the corn well to bring out a smoky flavor similar to grilling.
  • Serve with cooked rice or quinoa to make it a more filling meal.

Keywords: chipotle chicken bowl, grilled chicken, chipotle sauce, black beans, charred corn, healthy bowl, Mexican inspired, lime chicken bowl