Pin Recipe These Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls are bursting with smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. The perfectly cooked chicken is drizzled with a spicy honey chipotle sauce, served over a fresh and colorful rice base with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado. Topped with a lime dressing and fresh cilantro, its a quick and delicious meal for any night of the week.
I first made these bowls for a weeknight dinner after craving something bold and satisfying. The honey chipotle sauce brought a fun kick to the chicken, and everyone went back for seconds!
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): 2 pieces
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Honey: 2 tablespoons
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped: 1 tablespoon
- Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon for chicken, 1/4 teaspoon for dressing
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon for chicken, 1/4 teaspoon for dressing
- Lime juice: Juice of 1/2 lime for chicken, 1 tablespoon for dressing
- Cooked white or brown rice (or cauliflower rice): 1 cup
- Black beans, drained and rinsed: 1/2 cup
- Cherry tomatoes, halved: 1 cup
- Corn (fresh, canned, or frozen): 1/2 cup
- Red onion, finely diced: 1/4 small
- Avocado, sliced: 1 small
- Chopped fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup
- Olive oil for dressing: 2 tablespoons
- Honey for dressing: 1/2 teaspoon
- Garlic powder for dressing: 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare the Honey Chipotle Chicken:
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, chopped chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with a little salt and pepper. Cook chicken for 6 & 8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature: 165°F). Once cooked, drizzle the honey chipotle sauce over the chicken and coat evenly. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- Assemble the Bowl Base:
- In each bowl, add rice (or cauliflower rice), black beans, cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, avocado slices, and cilantro.
- Make the Lime Dressing (Optional):
- Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle dressing over bowl ingredients.
- Combine and Serve:
- Top with sliced honey chipotle chicken and serve immediately.
Pin Recipe My kids love building their own bowls & choosing their favorite toppings. It's now our go-to for family taco night with a twist!
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these bowls topped with extra cilantro, lime wedges, or tortilla chips for added crunch. A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream pairs wonderfully.
Variations
Swap rice for cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb, or use quinoa for extra protein. For vegetarian, skip chicken and use roasted sweet potatoes.
Storage Tips
Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat the chicken gently before assembling your bowl.
Pin Recipe These bowls bring vibrant flavor and fun to dinner. Try customizing with your favorite toppings each time!
Recipe FAQs
- → How spicy are honey chipotle chicken bowls?
The spice level depends on the amount of chipotle peppers used. Adjust for mild or hot taste preferences.
- → Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly and remain tender. Cook until fully done and slice before serving.
- → What rice works best?
White, brown, or cauliflower rice are all suitable bases. Choose according to preference or dietary needs.
- → How can I make these bowls ahead?
Cook chicken and prep toppings in advance. Store separately and assemble just before eating for best texture.
- → What toppings can I add for extra crunch?
Tortilla strips or crushed chips add a crunchy topping to these bowls for added texture and flavor.
- → Is a lime dressing essential?
The lime dressing adds tang but is optional; bowls are delicious with or without it.