Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls are a flavorful and satisfying meal combining smoky chipotle spice, the sweetness of honey, and the comfort of rice. Packed with protein and customizable toppings, these bowls are perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The balanced flavor profile and vibrant ingredients make every bite crave-worthy.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breasts or thighsolive oilchipotle peppers in adobo saucehoneylime juicegarlic powderonion powdersalt and pepperwhite or brown riceblack beanscornavocadotomatoescilantrored onionlime wedges
directions
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, honey, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Cook the marinated chicken on a grill or skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the rice according to package instructions.
Warm black beans and corn in a small saucepan or microwave.
Chop avocado, tomatoes, cilantro, and red onion for fresh toppings.
Slice the cooked chicken and assemble bowls with a base of rice, then top with chicken, beans, corn, and fresh toppings.
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and serve.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesMarinating time: 30 minutes (or overnight)Cooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 5 minutes (including marinating)
Variations
Swap white rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Add shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
Include sautéed bell peppers and onions for a fajita-style bowl.
Use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
Top with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.For freezing, store chicken and rice separately for best texture; freeze for up to 2 months.
FAQs
How spicy are the chipotle peppers?
They bring medium heat; you can adjust the amount for your spice preference.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, just toss it in the honey chipotle sauce and heat before serving.
Can I prep this ahead?
Yes, marinate and cook the chicken in advance; assemble bowls when ready to serve.
What toppings go best?
Fresh ones like avocado, cilantro, tomatoes, and lime juice pair well with the smoky-sweet chicken.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, if all ingredients (like adobo sauce) are gluten-free.
Can I use canned corn and beans?
Absolutely—just rinse and drain before heating.
Do I need to grill the chicken?
No, a stovetop skillet or oven will also work.
How do I make it less spicy?
Use less chipotle and more honey or lime to balance the heat.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it’s great for meal prepping larger batches.
Is this good for kids?
Yes, if you reduce the chipotle for a milder version.
Conclusion
Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls are a vibrant, nutritious, and delicious way to enjoy a balanced meal. With layers of bold flavor, customizable toppings, and wholesome ingredients, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite for family dinners or easy meal prep.
PrintHoney Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins (includes marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner / Meal‑prep bowl
- Method: Grilling or stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican‑inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet and smoky grilled chicken served over rice with avocado corn salsa and tangy garnishes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 chipotle chili in adobo + 1 tbsp adobo sauce, finely chopped
- ½ lime, juiced
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup grilled or thawed frozen corn
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded & finely diced
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- ½ lime juice
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Crumbled queso fresco or cotija
- Lime wedges & extra cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Whisk olive oil, chipotle, adobo sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic powder, cumin, cilantro, salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Add chicken to a freezer bag, pour marinade in, massage to coat, refrigerate 1–4 hours.
- Preheat grill or skillet to medium‑high (about 400–425 °F). Oil and cook chicken 5–6 min per side until internal temperature reaches 165 °F. Let rest 5–10 min, then slice or dice.
- Make salsa: in a bowl combine corn, avocado, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, cumin, salt and pepper; taste and adjust.
- Assemble bowls: divide rice among bowls, top with chicken, salsa, cheese, garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
- Marinate chicken 1–4 hours; overnight not necessary.
- Grill corn alongside chicken, or use fire‑roasted frozen corn.
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs, quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of rice.
- Omit chipotle for less heat, or substitute cumin with chili powder.