Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

Introduction

These Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls combine sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. With tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy lime dressing, they’re easy to assemble and full of vibrant taste.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 1 cup cooked white or brown rice (or cauliflower rice for low-carb option)
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1/4 small red onion, finely diced
• 1 small avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, chopped chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and lime juice to prepare the honey chipotle sauce.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Step 3: Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
4. Step 4: Once cooked, drizzle the honey chipotle sauce over the chicken to coat evenly. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
5. Step 5: Assemble the bowl by adding cooked rice or cauliflower rice to each serving bowl, then top with black beans, cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, avocado slices, and chopped cilantro.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to make the lime dressing (optional).
7. Step 7: Drizzle the lime dressing over the bowl ingredients for extra flavor.
8. Step 8: Top each bowl with the sliced honey chipotle chicken and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat.
• Use cauliflower rice to keep the dish low-carb and lighter.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance the heat.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts on top.
• Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to control the spice level.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and bowl components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warm. Assemble bowls fresh before serving to keep ingredients vibrant and textures intact.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.

Is there a vegetarian version of this bowl?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with grilled tofu, roasted chickpeas, or extra beans and vegetables to keep it hearty and delicious.

Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 62 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

A flavorful and vibrant Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowl featuring tender chicken breasts glazed with a sweet and smoky honey chipotle sauce, served over a base of rice, black beans, fresh vegetables, and a tangy lime dressing. This hearty and balanced meal combines spicy, sweet, and fresh elements for a deliciously satisfying dish perfect for lunch or dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Honey Chipotle Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1/2 lime

For the Bowl

• 1 cup cooked white or brown rice (or cauliflower rice for low-carb option)
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1/4 small red onion, finely diced
• 1 small avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Lime Dressing (Optional)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Honey Chipotle Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and lime juice until fully combined to create the flavorful glaze for the chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Glaze the Chicken: Once cooked, drizzle the prepared honey chipotle sauce evenly over the chicken in the skillet, allowing the sauce to coat the chicken thoroughly. Let the chicken rest in the skillet for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
4. Slice the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice it into thin strips for easy serving and layering in the bowls.
5. Assemble the Bowl Base: Distribute cooked rice (or cauliflower rice) into serving bowls. Top with black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, corn, finely diced red onion, avocado slices, and chopped fresh cilantro, creating a colorful and nutritious base.
6. Make the Lime Dressing (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined to make a fresh, tangy dressing for the bowl.
7. Drizzle the Dressing: Drizzle the lime dressing evenly over the assembled bowl ingredients to add an extra layer of flavor and brightness.
8. Finish and Serve: Top each bowl with the sliced honey chipotle chicken and serve immediately while warm, enjoying the combination of sweet, smoky chicken and fresh, vibrant vegetables.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier result.
• For a low-carb option, replace the rice with cauliflower rice.
• Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers based on your preferred spice level.
• The lime dressing is optional but adds a refreshing contrast to the smoky chicken.
• Leftover chicken and components can be stored separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Keywords: Honey Chipotle Chicken, Rice Bowl, Mexican Chicken Bowl, Spicy Chicken, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Easy Dinner Bowl, Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowl