This honey chipotle chicken rice bowl is one of my favorite ways to pack flavor, texture, and color into a single dish. Juicy, smoky-sweet chicken sits on a bed of fluffy rice and is topped with fresh veggies, creamy avocado, and a tangy drizzle that brings everything together. It’s the perfect mix of comfort and bold flavor—all in one satisfying bowl.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how this rice bowl hits all the right notes—sweet, smoky, spicy, and fresh. The honey chipotle marinade gives the chicken a deep, rich flavor, while the rice and toppings keep things balanced and hearty. It’s also super customizable, so I can use whatever veggies I have on hand or swap in quinoa or cauliflower rice when I’m keeping it lighter. It works for lunch, dinner, and even meal prep.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the chicken marinade:
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
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Honey
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Olive oil
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Garlic (minced)
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Lime juice
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
For the bowls:
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Cooked white or brown rice
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Black beans (rinsed and drained)
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Corn (fresh, canned, or grilled)
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Cherry tomatoes or diced tomatoes
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Avocado (sliced or diced)
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Red onion (thinly sliced)
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Cilantro
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Lime wedges
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Optional: shredded cheese, sour cream, or a chipotle-lime crema
directions
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I start by blending the marinade ingredients (chipotle peppers, honey, olive oil, garlic, lime juice, salt, pepper, and paprika) into a smooth sauce.
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I pour the marinade over the chicken and let it sit for at least 30 minutes—or up to overnight in the fridge.
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I heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes per side. Then I let it rest before slicing.
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I build each bowl starting with a scoop of rice, followed by black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and red onion.
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I top it all with the sliced honey chipotle chicken and sprinkle on fresh cilantro.
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I finish with lime juice and, if I want extra flavor, a spoonful of chipotle-lime crema or sour cream.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4. It takes about 15 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to marinate, and 20 minutes to cook—ready in about 1 hour including marinating time.
Variations
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I swap the rice for quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even a salad base if I’m going low-carb.
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For extra crunch, I add shredded lettuce or crushed tortilla chips on top.
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I use grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
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Sometimes I stir a bit of lime zest or chopped cilantro into the rice for added flavor.
storage/reheating
I store the chicken, rice, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the rice and chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop, then assemble the bowl fresh with the cold toppings. I avoid reheating avocado or fresh veggies so they stay crisp.
FAQs
How spicy is the chipotle marinade?
It has a gentle heat with a smoky flavor, but I can adjust the spice level by using fewer chipotle peppers or removing the seeds.
Can I grill the chicken instead of using a pan?
Yes, grilling gives the chicken an even smokier flavor, which works perfectly with the marinade.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely. I prep all the components in advance and assemble bowls throughout the week—it stays fresh and flavorful.
What other sauces can I use?
I sometimes drizzle with chipotle mayo, avocado crema, or just plain Greek yogurt with lime and salt for a creamy finish.
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes, I shred the rotisserie chicken and toss it in warmed-up honey chipotle sauce for a quick shortcut.
Conclusion
This honey chipotle chicken rice bowl is a total flavor bomb and one of my favorite ways to make a healthy, filling meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this bowl delivers every time with its perfect mix of heat, sweetness, and fresh toppings.
Print
Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowl
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course, Bowl
- Method: Grilled, Skillet
- Cuisine: Southwestern, Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowl is a flavor-packed meal made with smoky-sweet marinated chicken, fluffy rice, fresh veggies, and creamy toppings. It’s the perfect healthy bowl recipe for lunch or dinner, loaded with bold Southwest-inspired flavors. Great for meal prep, this chipotle chicken rice bowl is customizable, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- For the chicken marinade:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- For the bowls:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or grilled)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes or diced tomatoes
- 1 avocado, sliced or diced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Optional: shredded cheese, sour cream, or chipotle-lime crema
Instructions
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Blend chipotle peppers, honey, olive oil, garlic, lime juice, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika into a smooth marinade.
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Pour marinade over chicken and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
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Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 6–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Rest before slicing.
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Build bowls with a base of rice, then layer on black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and red onion.
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Add sliced chicken, sprinkle with cilantro, and finish with a squeeze of lime.
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Top with cheese, sour cream, or chipotle-lime crema if desired.
Notes
- Swap rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or salad greens for low-carb options.
- Add shredded lettuce or crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
- Use grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian alternative.
- Mix chopped cilantro or lime zest into rice for extra flavor.
- Store components separately and assemble fresh for best texture.
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