Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a total preparation and cooking time of just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of honey perfectly balances the smoky heat from the chipotle peppers, creating a mouthwatering glaze for the chicken.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and healthy fats from avocado, this bowl is both satisfying and nourishing.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit dietary preferences by substituting the chicken with tofu or shrimp, and adding your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Honey Chipotle Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, minced chipotle peppers, and honey. Stir well and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it thoroughly with the honey chipotle sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top each with the honey chipotle chicken, diced red bell pepper, corn kernels, black beans, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro.
- Finish with Lime Juice: Squeeze fresh lime juice over each bowl and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: Around 15 minutes.
- Total Time: 25 minutes.
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef strips to suit your preference.
- Grain Base: Replace rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or mixed greens for a different base.
- Additional Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed zucchini, roasted sweet potatoes, or cherry tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to control the heat, or add a dash of smoked paprika for extra smokiness without additional spice.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If using the microwave, cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate to retain moisture.
- Freezing: The honey chipotle chicken can be frozen separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and assembling the bowls.
FAQs
What are chipotle peppers in adobo sauce?
Chipotle peppers are smoked and dried jalapeños, and when canned in adobo sauce—a tangy, slightly sweet tomato-based sauce—they offer a rich, smoky flavor with moderate heat.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all components in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the bowls just before serving to maintain freshness.
How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas. For a vegan adaptation, ensure that the honey is replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided that all ingredients used (such as canned beans and chipotle peppers) are certified gluten-free. Always check labels to be certain.
What type of rice works best for this bowl?
Any type of rice can be used, including white, brown, or jasmine rice. Choose your favorite or what’s available.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To reduce the heat, use fewer chipotle peppers or remove the seeds before mincing. For more spice, add extra chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely. If you have pre-cooked chicken, simply toss it in the honey chipotle sauce until well-coated and heated through.
What other toppings can I add?
Feel free to add shredded cheese, sour cream, pickled jalapeños, or a squeeze of additional lime juice to enhance
