Description
Sizzling honey chipotle chicken rice bowls deliver a spicy-sweet symphony of flavors that dance across Mexican-inspired culinary landscapes. Succulent chicken glazed with smoky chipotle and golden honey nestles perfectly over fluffy rice, creating a meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tbsps honey
- 1 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Juice of ½ lime
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice (or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
- ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- ¼ small red onion, finely diced
- 1 small avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Marinade Preparation: Whisk olive oil, honey, chipotle peppers, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and lime juice in a bowl to create a vibrant flavor base.
- Chicken Infusion: Thoroughly coat chicken breasts in the marinade, allowing the ingredients to penetrate and tenderize for a minimum of 15 minutes or overnight for enhanced taste.
- Grilling Method: Sear chicken in a preheated grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat, cooking 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165F (75C), ensuring juicy and perfectly cooked protein.
- Resting and Slicing: Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into elegant strips that showcase the caramelized marinade.
- Bowl Component Assembly: Simultaneously prepare rice, warm black beans and corn, and chop fresh tomatoes, onion, and creamy avocado to create a colorful and nutritious base.
- Optional Zesty Dressing: Blend olive oil, lime juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a tangy complementary sauce.
- Final Composition: Layer rice (or greens) in bowls, strategically arranging sliced chicken, black beans, tomatoes, corn, red onion, and avocado for a visually appealing and balanced meal.
- Finishing Touches: Drizzle with lime dressing, garnish with fresh cilantro, and optionally add hot sauce or Greek yogurt for personalized flavor enhancement.
Notes
- Let chicken absorb marinade for at least 15 minutes, but overnight soaking intensifies flavor and tenderness.
- Maintain medium-high temperature while cooking chicken to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization of honey-chipotle glaze.
- Swap rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb version or use quinoa for protein-rich alternative; replace chicken with tofu for vegetarian option.
- Adjust chipotle and honey quantities to match personal spice tolerance while maintaining sweet-smoky harmony in the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg