Description
These Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls are a flavorful and vibrant meal combining tender, spicy-sweet chicken with fresh vegetables and wholesome rice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish balances smoky chipotle heat with honey’s natural sweetness, layered over a bed of rice and beans for a filling, nutritious bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Bowls
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup corn (optional)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Lime Dressing (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the Honey Chipotle Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and lime juice until smooth and well combined.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them for 6 to 8 minutes on each side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Glaze the Chicken: Drizzle the honey chipotle sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Allow the chicken to rest in the sauce for 5 minutes to absorb flavors, then slice into strips.
- Prepare the Bowls: In individual serving bowls, start by layering the cooked rice as the base. Top with black beans, cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, and avocado slices. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for added freshness and aroma.
- Finish with Dressing and Chicken: Optionally, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a light lime dressing. Drizzle this over the assembled bowls. Finally, place the sliced honey chipotle chicken on top and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute the black beans for pinto or kidney beans based on preference.
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb, gluten-free option.
- The lime dressing is optional but adds a nice tangy brightness to the bowl.
- Adjust chipotle peppers amount depending on your spice tolerance.
- For meal prep, keep components separate and assemble before eating to maintain freshness.
