Dinner

Chipotle Chicken Bowl Recipe

ByMariam Harutyunyan October 30, 2025October 30, 2025

Introduction

This Chipotle Chicken Bowl is a flavorful and easy meal that combines smoky, spicy chicken with fresh toppings. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, it’s packed with bold tastes and satisfying textures.

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with six distinct layers of food arranged in a circular pattern. The base layer is white rice with small green bits mixed in, covering half the bowl. On top, clockwise from the top left, there is a pile of yellow corn kernels, a lime wedge, red salsa with a chunky texture, a scoop of light green guacamole with a creamy look, grilled chicken pieces with browned edges stacked in the center, and shiny black beans in one section. The colors are bright and fresh, creating a vibrant and inviting dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound boneless chicken thighs
2 chipotle in adobo peppers

2 teaspoons chipotle in adobo sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 lime, juiced

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups rice
1 (15 oz) can black beans

1 cup corn salsa
1/3 cup guacamole
1/2 cup salsa

Instructions

Step 1: Finely chop the chipotle peppers and mix them with the chipotle sauce, olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
Step 2: Toss the chicken thighs in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Grill or cook the chicken in a large skillet over high heat for about 6 minutes on each side, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165º F and is cooked through.

Step 4: While the chicken is marinating and cooking, prepare the rice and get your toppings such as black beans, corn salsa, guacamole, and salsa ready.
Step 5: Assemble the bowls by layering rice on the bottom, topping with chopped chicken, and adding your favorite toppings to finish.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, consider grilling the chicken over charcoal.

Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, adjusting cooking time as needed.
Add fresh cilantro or diced avocado for added freshness and creaminess.
Use brown rice or quinoa as a nutritious alternative to white rice.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add fresh toppings after reheating for best texture and flavor.