Name: Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, & Creamy Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
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

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Introduction

This Chipotle Chicken Bowl is a flavorful and satisfying meal featuring tender, smoky chicken paired with black beans, corn, and a creamy, tangy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, it offers a delightful balance of spicy, savory, and fresh flavors.

A bowl with four main layers starting from the bottom is filled with white rice, then topped with chopped green leafy vegetables visible around edges, followed by three separate sections of bright yellow corn, dark black beans, and golden-brown grilled chicken pieces with char marks. A creamy white sauce is drizzled over the corn, beans, and chicken, and a small bunch of fresh green cilantro is placed on top near the grilled chicken. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with halved green limes and a small white bowl filled with more creamy sauce nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Marinate the chicken in this mixture for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Step 2: Cook the marinated chicken on a grill or skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked and lightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly.
Step 3: Warm the cooked black beans in a small pot, seasoning with a pinch of cumin and salt to taste. Prepare the corn by grilling, roasting, or using canned corn warmed through.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced chipotle peppers in adobo, garlic powder, and honey until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Assemble the bowl by layering black beans, corn, avocado slices, and sliced chicken. Drizzle generously with the creamy chipotle sauce and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, use chipotle powder in the marinade and chipotle peppers in the sauce.
Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Add cooked rice or quinoa at the base to make the bowl more filling.
If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers and powder in the marinade and sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate to maintain its freshness. Reheat the chicken, beans, and corn gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling. Add fresh avocado and sauce after reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with a colorful layered dish. The bottom layer has grilled chicken pieces with a charred texture, featuring a mix of brown and golden colors. Next to the chicken, there are black beans on the right side with a shiny, dark purple-black color. Above the chicken, bright yellow corn kernels fill the left side of the bowl. In the center, there is a generous amount of fresh green chopped herbs, likely cilantro, adding a fresh, leafy texture. Light beige creamy sauce is drizzled in thick lines over the chicken, beans, corn, and herbs. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs. Just make sure to fully thaw them before marinating to ensure even cooking.

What can I use instead of sour cream in the sauce?

You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option or use a vegan alternative if desired. Both work well to create the creamy texture of the sauce.