Name: Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, & Creamy Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup cooked black beans; 1 cup corn grilled, roasted, or canned; 1 avocado sliced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped; 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo minced; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon honey; 2 tablespoons lime juice (for sauce)

A Chipotle Chicken Bowl is everything you love about a hearty, satisfying meal in one colorful bowl. Juicy, smoky chicken meets creamy sauce, black beans, sweet corn, and fresh avocado slices for a dish that’s as comforting as it is nourishing. Each bite delivers a balance of protein, vegetables, and bold flavors, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

This bowl is also versatile—you can keep it simple with the basics or add toppings like shredded cheese, salsa, or crispy tortilla strips for extra crunch. Whether you’re craving something wholesome or looking for a meal to impress, this recipe delivers every time.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. Breasts stay lean and light, while thighs offer juicier bites with extra flavor. Marinating the chicken in a chipotle-spiced mix helps lock in smoky heat and tenderness. If you want to save time, you can even use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken tossed in chipotle seasoning.

Ingredients for the Chipotle Chicken Bowl

Chicken – The star protein, marinated with chipotle seasoning for smoky spice.
Black Beans – Adds plant-based protein and hearty texture.
Corn – Provides sweetness that balances the smoky chicken.
Avocado – Creamy and rich, offering healthy fats.
Fresh Cilantro – Brings brightness and a pop of fresh herb flavor.
Creamy Chipotle Sauce – A tangy, smoky dressing that ties everything together.
Lime Juice – Adds acidity and freshness to lift all the flavors.
Olive Oil & Spices – Essential for marinating the chicken and enhancing the flavors.

How To Make the Chipotle Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium-high heat until cooked through and lightly charred, about 6–7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 3: Prepare the Base Ingredients

Warm the black beans on the stovetop or microwave, season with a pinch of cumin and salt. For the corn, you can use grilled, roasted, or canned corn depending on preference.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Chipotle Sauce

Whisk together sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, minced chipotle peppers in adobo, garlic powder, and a touch of honey for balance. Adjust spice level to your liking.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowl

In a serving bowl, layer black beans, corn, avocado slices, and sliced chicken. Drizzle generously with the creamy chipotle sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro. Add lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Serving and Storing the Chipotle Chicken Bowl

This bowl is best served warm, right after assembling, so the chicken stays juicy and the creamy sauce slightly melts into the beans and corn. If you’re meal prepping, store each component separately in airtight containers—chicken, beans, corn, and sauce last up to 4 days in the fridge. Assemble just before eating to keep the avocado fresh and vibrant.

For longer storage, the cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before adding to a fresh bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the chicken with grilled tofu, roasted vegetables, or even extra beans for a fully plant-based bowl.

What can I use instead of chipotle peppers?

Smoked paprika mixed with a little cayenne pepper makes a good substitute if you don’t have chipotle peppers on hand.

How can I make it spicier?

Add extra chipotle peppers, hot sauce, or sliced jalapeños to kick up the heat.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Definitely. Store components separately and assemble when ready to eat for the freshest flavor and texture.

What’s the best base for this bowl?

Rice or quinoa makes a great foundation if you want a more filling, grain-based meal.

Want More Bowl Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Chipotle Chicken Bowl, you’ll enjoy these other hearty dishes from Life with Jam:

Grilled Chicken Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce for another protein-packed bowl with a garlicky kick.
Tasty Pineapple Chicken and Rice when you’re craving sweet and savory tropical flavors.
Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for an easy, slow-cooked comfort dish.
Healthy Mediterranean Salmon Dinner if you’re looking for lighter seafood inspiration.
Irresistible Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet for a cozy pasta-based bowl option.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime.

And let me know in the comments how your Chipotle Chicken Bowl turned out. Did you make it spicier, add rice, or keep it light with just the beans and veggies?

I love hearing how others customize these recipes. Questions are welcome too—let’s inspire each other in the kitchen! For even more recipe inspiration, check out my Pinterest Life with Jam.

Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, & Creamy Sauce

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 2 bowls

Print Recipe

Description

A smoky and flavorful chicken bowl layered with black beans, corn, avocado, and drizzled with creamy chipotle sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.