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Easy Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans & Creamy Sauce

This Easy Chipotle Chicken Bowl is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines smoky, spicy chicken with wholesome black beans and corn, all brought together by a zesty, creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this bowl promises deliciousness in every bite!

Ingredients

Scale
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 12 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely minced
  • 12 tablespoons adobo sauce from the can
  • Ground cumin
  • Smoked paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Olive oil
  • Canned black beans, low-sodium, rinsed and drained
  • Frozen corn (thawed), canned corn (drained), or fresh corn cut from the cob
  • Optional seasoning: extra cumin, chili powder, fresh lime juice
  • Full-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • Freshly squeezed lime juice
  • Fresh chopped cilantro
  • Minced fresh garlic or garlic powder
  • A dash of adobo sauce
  • Rice (cooked white or brown, quinoa, or cauliflower rice)
  • Sliced or diced ripe avocado
  • Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
  • Optional toppings: diced red onion, cotija cheese, non-alcoholic hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Base: Start by cooking your chosen rice (or quinoa, or cauliflower rice) according to package directions.
  2. Marinate and Season the Chicken: While your rice cooks, prepare the chicken. Dice the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the diced chicken with a tablespoon of olive oil, the minced chipotle peppers, a tablespoon of adobo sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to an hour in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken (you might need another teaspoon of olive oil if your pan isn't non-stick). Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through, no longer pink, and lightly browned or slightly charred on the edges. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  4. Warm the Beans and Corn: In the same skillet (or a separate small pan), add the rinsed black beans and corn. You can add a splash of water, a pinch of cumin, and a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor. Heat for 3-5 minutes until warmed through. If you prefer charred corn, heat a dry skillet over high heat and cook the corn until some kernels are blistered and browned, then combine with the beans.
  5. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic (or garlic powder), a small dash of adobo sauce, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
  6. Assemble Your Bowls: To assemble, divide the cooked rice (or your chosen base) among individual serving bowls. Top each bowl generously with the chipotle chicken (or beef), a serving of the warm black beans, and the corn. Drizzle a generous amount of the creamy sauce over everything. Garnish each bowl with slices of fresh avocado, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a lime wedge. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

Keywords: These bowls are fantastic for meal prepping! Store components separately to maintain freshness. Customize your heat level by adjusting the amount of chipotle peppers and adobo sauce.