Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls

Sweet, smoky, and a little spicy—Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls are the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition in every bite.

This bowl was inspired by one of my favorite takeout cravings.

I used to order a similar dish every week—tender grilled chicken coated in a sticky chipotle glaze served over rice with roasted veggies.

Eventually, I decided to recreate it at home using real, wholesome ingredients and tweak it to be a little healthier and more budget-friendly.

It quickly became a staple in our household, and now I’m excited to share it with you.

Why you’ll love this

• Bold, balanced flavor: The honey chipotle sauce combines sweet, smoky, and spicy notes that coat the chicken beautifully.
• Easy to customize: Swap the grains, veggies, or protein to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Great for meal prep: These bowls store well in the fridge and reheat perfectly, making them ideal for lunches or quick dinners.
• Healthy and satisfying: Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich grains, and fresh veggies for a wholesome and hearty meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Cuisines: American, Tex-Mex
Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: $12–15

Equipment:

• Large skillet or grill pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chef’s knife and cutting board

Ingredients

For the Honey Chipotle Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from a can of chipotle peppers)
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bowls:

• 2 cups cooked brown rice or white rice
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, adobo sauce, chipotle pepper, lime juice, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and coat well. Let it marinate for at least 15–30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
2. Cook the chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
3. Prepare the bowl ingredients: While the chicken cooks, warm the black beans and corn in a small pan or microwave. Prepare the rice, slice the bell peppers and avocado.
4. Assemble the bowls: Divide the rice into four bowls. Top with sliced chicken, black beans, corn, bell peppers, and avocado. Drizzle with extra honey chipotle sauce if desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, estimated):

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 550mg

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the rest time: Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain its juices and makes slicing easier.
• Adjust spice level: Use more or less chipotle pepper depending on your heat tolerance.
• Double the sauce: Make extra honey chipotle sauce for drizzling on roasted veggies or tacos later in the week.
• Use leftovers wisely: Leftover chicken can be repurposed into wraps, salads, or quesadillas.

Print Pin

Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls

Sweet, smoky, and a little spicy—Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls are the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition in every bite.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 480kcal

Cost $12–15

Ingredients

For the Honey Chipotle Chicken

• 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo finely minced
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bowls

• 2 cups cooked brown rice or white rice
• 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn fresh, frozen, or canned
• 1 red bell pepper sliced
• 1 avocado sliced
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

• Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, adobo sauce, chipotle pepper, lime juice, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and coat well. Let it marinate for at least 15–30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
• Cook the chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
• Prepare the bowl ingredients: While the chicken cooks, warm the black beans and corn in a small pan or microwave. Prepare the rice, slice the bell peppers and avocado.
• Assemble the bowls: Divide the rice into four bowls. Top with sliced chicken, black beans, corn, bell peppers, and avocado. Drizzle with extra honey chipotle sauce if desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

• Don’t skip the rest time: Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain its juices and makes slicing easier.
• Adjust spice level: Use more or less chipotle pepper depending on your heat tolerance.
• Double the sauce: Make extra honey chipotle sauce for drizzling on roasted veggies or tacos later in the week.
• Use leftovers wisely: Leftover chicken can be repurposed into wraps, salads, or quesadillas.

Common Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

What can I substitute for chipotle peppers?
Smoked paprika and a dash of hot sauce can give a similar flavor if you’re out of chipotles.

Can I make this bowl vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the chicken with grilled tofu or roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty plant-based option.

How do I store leftovers?
Store components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope these Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls bring flavor and joy to your table.

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a hungry crew, this recipe is a keeper.

Happy cooking and see you in the next dish!