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Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls

Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls

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These Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls are a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors. Tender, juicy chicken is coated in a delicious honey chipotle glaze and served over a bed of fluffy rice with fresh toppings. This meal is easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold flavors: The combination of honey and chipotle creates a delicious balance of sweet and smoky spice.
  • Quick and easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Customizable: You can switch up the toppings, use different proteins, or make it vegetarian.
  • Meal prep-friendly: These rice bowls store well, making them a great option for meal prep.
  • Healthy and satisfying: With lean protein, whole grains, and fresh veggies, this meal is both nutritious and filling.

Ingredients

Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Chicken breasts or thighs
  • Honey
  • Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • Garlic
  • Lime juice
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • Black beans
  • Corn
  • Avocado
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Red onion
  • Cilantro
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt

Directions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together honey, chopped chipotle peppers, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Coat the chicken in the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
  4. Prepare the rice: While the chicken is cooking, prepare your rice and set it aside.
  5. Assemble the bowls: Divide the rice into bowls, then top with sliced chicken, black beans, corn, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
  6. Add toppings: Drizzle with sour cream or Greek yogurt, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken for grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas.
  • Spice level: Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers.
  • Grilled version: Instead of pan-searing, grill the chicken for extra smoky flavor.
  • Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce instead of regular rice.
  • Extra crunch: Top with crushed tortilla chips for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
  • Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls

FAQs

How spicy are these bowls?

The spice level depends on the amount of chipotle peppers used. You can adjust it to your preference.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes! Try shrimp, steak, tofu, or even shredded rotisserie chicken.

What type of rice works best?

Any rice will work, but jasmine, basmati, brown, or cauliflower rice are great options.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can meal prep by storing ingredients separately and assembling them when ready to eat.

Can I use store-bought chipotle sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought chipotle sauce can be a quick alternative to making your own marinade.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Skip the sour cream or use a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Yes, grilling adds an extra smoky flavor that pairs well with the chipotle glaze.

What toppings go well with this dish?

Try adding shredded cheese, pickled onions, jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too runny, let it simmer for a few minutes until it reduces and thickens.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! This recipe scales well, making it great for meal prep or serving a crowd.

Conclusion

Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls are a delicious and satisfying meal that comes together quickly. With a perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors, fresh toppings, and endless customization options, this recipe is sure to be a favorite. Whether you’re meal prepping or making a quick weeknight dinner, these bowls are an excellent choice!

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Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls

Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course, Bowl
  • Method: Stovetop, Grilled
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

These Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls are packed with juicy, smoky chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings. The sweet and spicy honey chipotle sauce takes this dish to the next level!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

For the Honey Chipotle Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp adobo sauce (from canned chipotle peppers)

  • 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced (adjust for spice level)

  • 1/4 cup honey

  • 1 tbsp lime juice

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 tsp cumin

For the Bowls:

 

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)

  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)

  • 1 avocado, sliced

  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, cotija, or Mexican blend)

  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Marinate and Cook the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

  2. In a small bowl, mix honey, adobo sauce, chipotle peppers, lime juice, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and cumin.

  3. Pour half the sauce over the chicken and let marinate for 15-30 minutes.

  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F internal temp).

  5. Brush with the remaining sauce in the last minute of cooking. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing.

2. Assemble the Bowls

  1. Divide cooked rice into serving bowls.

  2. Top with sliced chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cheese.

  3. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

3. Drizzle with Extra Sauce & Serve

 

  • If desired, drizzle extra honey chipotle sauce over the bowls before serving

Notes

  • For a grilled version, cook the chicken on a grill at 400°F for 5-7 minutes per side.

  • Adjust the chipotle level based on your spice preference.

 

  • Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different base.

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