Nora
Juicy, smoky, and bursting with color, this Chipotle Chicken Bowl is everything a fresh, wholesome meal should be. Picture tender, spice-rubbed chicken with a beautiful char, paired with sweet corn, creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, and plump cherry tomatoes—all tied together with black beans for heartiness and a dreamy creamy sauce for that final flavor hug.
Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch that powers you through the day or a weeknight dinner that hits all the marks, this bowl has it all. It’s customizable, vibrant, and offers a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Plus, the flavors and textures make every bite exciting—you’ll never get bored halfway through.
Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Chicken Bowl
This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. The chipotle seasoning infuses the chicken with a warm, smoky depth, while the mix of fresh vegetables keeps the dish light and energizing. The creamy sauce adds a luscious finish without overpowering the natural freshness of the ingredients. Best of all, it’s incredibly adaptable—swap in your favorite grains, adjust the spice to your liking, and load it up with toppings.
What Kind of Chicken Works Best for This Bowl?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to for a lean, quick-cooking protein that absorbs flavors beautifully. However, chicken thighs can also be used if you prefer a juicier, richer bite. The key is to ensure an even coating of chipotle seasoning and to cook it until just done to keep the meat tender and succulent.
Ingredients for the Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, & Creamy Sauce
Every ingredient in this bowl has a purpose—both for taste and nutrition. The chipotle chicken adds bold flavor and protein, black beans bring fiber and richness, while corn and fresh veggies give bursts of sweetness and crunch. The creamy sauce ties everything together with a smooth, tangy kick.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Lean and quick to cook, they soak up chipotle seasoning beautifully.
- Chipotle seasoning or chipotle in adobo – The smoky, slightly spicy star of the dish.
- Black beans – A hearty, fiber-packed base that pairs perfectly with smoky chicken.
- Corn kernels – Sweetness that balances the spice.
- Cooked rice or quinoa – The grain base for your bowl; adds fullness.
- Avocado – Creamy, healthy fat for richness.
- Cherry tomatoes – Fresh, juicy bursts of flavor.
- Lettuce or mixed greens – Crisp and refreshing contrast.
- Creamy sauce – A mayo or Greek yogurt-based dressing to bring it all together.
- Olive oil – For cooking and locking in flavors.
- Lime wedges – Fresh acidity to brighten the dish.
How To Make the Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, & Creamy Sauce
Step 1: Season and Marinate the Chicken
Coat the chicken breasts generously with chipotle seasoning, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Let them marinate for at least 20 minutes so the flavors can sink in.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium-high heat until fully cooked and slightly charred on the outside. This should take about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Let rest before slicing.
Step 3: Prepare the Bowl Base
While the chicken cooks, warm the black beans and corn. If using fresh corn, quickly char it in a pan for extra flavor. Prepare your rice or quinoa and add it as the base layer in your serving bowls.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
Layer lettuce or greens on top of the rice. Arrange sliced chicken, black beans, corn, avocado slices, and cherry tomatoes around the bowl for a colorful, balanced look.
Step 5: Add the Creamy Sauce
Drizzle your creamy sauce over the top. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh herbs if desired.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while the chicken is warm, letting everyone squeeze fresh lime over their bowl before digging in.
Serving and Storing Your Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, & Creamy Sauce
This recipe serves 4 hearty portions, making it perfect for family dinners or weekly meal prep. Serve the bowl immediately for the freshest flavor and texture, with the chicken warm and the vegetables crisp. If preparing ahead, store each component separately in airtight containers—this keeps the greens from wilting and the chicken from drying out. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken and beans before assembling for the best eating experience.
What to Serve With a Chipotle Chicken Bowl
1. Garlic-Lime Tortilla Chips
Crisp tortilla chips tossed with garlic powder and lime zest for a zesty crunch on the side.
2. Fresh Mango Salsa
The sweet and tangy flavors complement the smoky chipotle chicken perfectly.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Adds a caramelized sweetness and extra fiber to the meal.
4. Cilantro-Lime Rice
Swap or add to your base for even more brightness and flavor.
5. Grilled Veggie Skewers
Charred bell peppers, zucchini, and onions bring extra texture and color.
6. Guacamole & Salsa Bar
Perfect for adding more creamy or spicy options to your bowl.
7. Chilled Agua Fresca
A refreshing fruit-infused drink to balance the smoky spice.
Want More Chicken Bowl & Healthy Meal Ideas?
If you love this Chipotle Chicken Bowl, you might enjoy trying some of these other fresh, flavor-packed recipes:
- Homemade Pollo Loco – Juicy Chicken Recipes for a citrusy grilled chicken experience.
- A Hearty and Comforting Tuscan Bean Soup when you crave a warm, nourishing bowl.
- The Ultimate Cowboy Caviar Recipe for a colorful, protein-rich side dish.
- Classic Chicken Salad Recipe for a creamy, crunchy lunchtime favorite.
- Easy Veggie Patties – A Crispy, Flavorful Delight if you want a plant-based twist.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest healthy meal board so you can come back to it anytime.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap in quinoa for the rice? Go heavy on the chipotle spice? Maybe add extra avocado? I love hearing how you make these recipes your own.
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Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, & Creamy Sauce
Equipment
- Skillet or grill pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1.5 cup cooked black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1.5 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or thawed)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 cup shredded romaine or mixed greens
- 1 large avocado (sliced)
- 1 whole lime (cut into wedges)
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)
Creamy Sauce
- 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayo, or half/half)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 0.5 tsp chipotle chili powder (or 1 tsp adobo sauce)
- 0.25 tsp garlic powder
- 0.125 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Season chicken with chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss with olive oil; marinate 20 minutes (up to 12 hours chilled).
- Cook chicken on a hot grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat 5–7 minutes per side until charred and 165°F inside. Rest 5 minutes; slice.
- Warm black beans and corn; optionally char corn in a dry skillet for extra flavor.
- Whisk Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, chipotle, garlic powder, and salt to make a smooth, pourable sauce.
- Assemble bowls: rice base, then lettuce, sliced chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado. Drizzle sauce, garnish with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.