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Honey Chipotle Rice Bowls

Category: Dinner Solutions You'll Love

These southwestern bowls have honey-chipotle chicken, avocado salsa, and rice. Prep parts ahead; cook takes just 45 minutes. Great for meal prep!
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By Sophie Parker Sophie Parker
Updated on Thu, 08 May 2025 17:58:08 GMT
Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls Save
Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls | tastybysophie.com

These Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls are my answer to the constant "what should we eat tonight?" dilemma. Imagine this: juicy chicken coated with a sweet-hot honey chipotle glaze, sitting on fluffy rice and finished with a zesty avocado corn salsa that'll wake up your taste buds. I came up with this dish during an extremely hot summer when I wanted something filling yet refreshing.

I cooked these for my sister's crew recently, and my heat-cautious brother-in-law grabbed seconds. That's a clear sign a dish hits that perfect spot between tasty and crowd-pleasing.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Chicken: Pick boneless breasts or thighs; they're both great in this dish
  • Chipotle in Adobo: These small tins deliver major flavor. Use less at first if you're worried about heat
  • Fresh Corn: Summer grilled corn is best, but thawed fire-roasted works during cold months
  • Avocados: Look for ones with slight give when pressed for ideal ripeness
  • Honey: Try regional honey for extra flavor notes, though maple syrup works too
Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe Save
Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe | tastybysophie.com

Detailed Cooking Process

Marinade Wonders:
  • Mix that honey-chipotle combo till it's perfectly smooth
  • Rub your chicken thoroughly with the mixture
  • Set it aside for at least 60 minutes - worth the wait
  • Watch your timing - over 4 hours can make flavors too strong
Grill Success:
  • Get your grill around 400°F - perfect for those beautiful marks
  • Toss the corn on too while you're at it
  • Don't stab or flatten the chicken - keeps all the goodness inside
  • Look for those tasty browned edges forming
Salsa Creation:
  • Slice the warm grilled corn from the cob
  • Cut avocado into pieces matching your corn size
  • Put in just enough jalapeño for a nice kick
  • The lime juice adds tang and keeps avocado looking fresh

I found out how amazing it is to grill both chicken and corn together during a busy dinner party. It wasn't just a time-saver - the smoky taste it created was totally next-level.

Customizing Your Bowl

Some evenings I'll switch to cauliflower rice for a lighter option, or quinoa when I need more protein. That's what makes bowl meals so great - they're super adaptable! My children always ask for crushed tortilla chips sprinkled on top for some extra crunch.

Smart Cooking Tricks

  • Start your rice while chicken sits in marinade
  • Double up on salsa - it goes fast
  • Set aside marinade before adding raw chicken to pour on finished bowls

Let me share a great meal prep trick - I often cook twice the chicken and freeze half. Then when life gets crazy, I just need fresh salsa and rice, and dinner's almost done.

Easy Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls Save
Easy Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls | tastybysophie.com

Next-Day Deliciousness

These bowls actually taste better after chilling overnight - the flavors really come together. Just keep the avocado corn mix separate and add it fresh when ready to eat. I've caught my husband sneaking cold leftovers straight from the container at midnight - they're that tasty!

Last Thoughts

Making these bowls has become one of my favorite cooking routines. There's something really rewarding about crafting each part - cooking chicken until it's perfectly caramelized, watching corn kernels get those grill marks, and tossing that bright salsa together. It's more than just food; it's a mini celebration of flavors that brings everyone running to eat.

And here's a tiny confession - I sometimes grill extra corn just to munch on while cooking. Cook's bonus, right? Whether you're planning meals for your week or hosting a casual get-together, these bowls always hit the mark. They show that healthy food doesn't need to be bland - it can actually be something you crave.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prep ahead of time?
Yep, marinate the chicken and prep the toppings. Wait to make the salsa until it’s time to eat.
→ How spicy will this be?
It’s a medium heat thanks to the chipotle and jalapeño. Add more or less depending on your spice love!
→ Will other types of rice work?
Absolutely! Try brown rice, white rice, or even cauliflower rice if you want fewer carbs.
→ Don’t have a grill?
No worries, a pan works perfectly for cooking the chicken.
→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep each part in its own container. Salsa’s best when it’s freshly made.

Honey Chipotle Rice Bowls

Chicken marinated in honey-chipotle sauce, grilled up and served on rice with fresh avocado salsa and cheese. Sweet and spicy in perfect harmony.

Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
75 min
Total Time
105 min
By Sophie Parker: Sophie Parker

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Southwest

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Honey Chipotle Chicken

01 1 tablespoon honey
02 1 chipotle chile in adobo sauce and 1 tablespoon of the sauce
03 1 pound of chicken breasts, no bones or skin
04 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 ½ lime, squeezed for juice
06 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
07 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
08 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
09 Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Avocado Corn Salsa

10 1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped without seeds
11 1 cup of grilled corn (fresh or frozen works)
12 ½ lime, squeezed for juice
13 Salt and black pepper to taste
14 1 avocado, peeled and cubed
15 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
16 ½ teaspoon of cumin powder

→ For Serving

17 Crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco
18 2 cups of cooked rice
19 Lime wedges and extra cilantro for decorating

Steps

Step 01

Combine the marinade ingredients and toss them in a bag with the chicken. Let it sit for 1-4 hours.

Step 02

On a grill set to 400-425°F, cook the chicken about 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Step 03

Mix together corn, avocado, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and seasonings. Stir gently to combine.

Step 04

Set the cooked chicken aside for at least 5-10 minutes. Then, slice it up.

Step 05

Start layering your bowl with rice first, followed by chicken and the salsa. Sprinkle cheese on top and add a garnish of cilantro and lime wedges.

Notes

  1. Both fresh and frozen corn will work just fine
  2. Dial up or down the heat by adjusting the amount of chipotle and jalapeño

Required Tools

  • Grill or frying pan
  • Mixing bowls for prep
  • Plastic bag for marinating

Allergy Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains dairy (cheese)

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

These details are provided for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 470
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Proteins: 40 g