Description
Spicy-sweet honey chipotle chicken rice bowls deliver a flavor explosion that dances across Mexican-inspired culinary landscapes. Hearty grains, tender chicken, and zesty sauce create perfect harmony for hungry diners seeking bold and satisfying meal experiences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Bowl Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup corn
- ¼ small red onion, finely diced
- 1 small avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Dressing/Marinade Components:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of ½ lime
Instructions
- Whisk a vibrant marinade combining zesty honey, smoky chipotle peppers, earthy spices, tangy lime juice, and rich olive oil until thoroughly blended.
- Submerge chicken breasts completely in the marinade, ensuring every crevice is coated, and allow flavors to penetrate for a minimum of 15 minutes or refrigerate overnight for intensified taste.
- Preheat a grill pan or skillet to medium-high heat, creating an ideal searing environment for the marinated chicken.
- Carefully place chicken into the hot pan, cooking each side for 5-6 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms and internal temperature reaches 165F (75C).
- Remove chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring tender, succulent meat.
- Slice chicken into appealing diagonal strips, revealing perfectly cooked interior.
- Prepare complementary bowl components by cooking fluffy rice, warming black beans and corn, and chopping fresh tomatoes, red onion, and creamy avocado.
- Create an optional zesty lime dressing by whisking olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey, and seasonings until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Construct bowls by layering a base of rice or greens, then artfully arranging sliced chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, red onion, and avocado.
- Finish by drizzling lime dressing over the bowl and garnishing with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
- Enhance the experience with optional hot sauce or a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt for additional depth and personalization.
Notes
- Customize the marinade by adjusting chipotle peppers for heat control, using less for mild flavor or more for spice lovers.
- Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the same delicious flavor profile.
- Meal prep friendly by marinating chicken overnight and chopping vegetables in advance, saving time during busy weekdays.
- Use cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative to traditional rice, reducing overall calorie and carbohydrate intake while keeping the dish nutritious and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg