Go Back

Smoky Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowl

A colorful, flavor-packed bowl layered with smoky chipotle chicken, fluffy rice, creamy avocado, black beans, fresh radishes, and a sprinkle of cilantro — finished with a bright squeeze of lime.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the Chipotle Chicken:

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from canned chipotle chilies
  • 1 –2 chipotle chilies finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bowls:

  • 2 cups cooked white rice or brown rice
  • 1 cup canned black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 avocado diced or sliced
  • 4 –5 radishes thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 lime cut into wedges

Optional Add-ons:

  • Chipotle crema chipotle blended into sour cream
  • Shredded cheese
  • Extra chipotle sauce drizzle

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken:

  • In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, adobo sauce, chopped chipotle chilies, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).

Cook the Chicken:

  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the marinated chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice sear.
  • Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Assemble the Rice Bowls:

  • Divide the cooked rice evenly between bowls.
  • Top each bowl with sliced chicken, a scoop of black beans, avocado slices, radish slices, and a sprinkle of cilantro.

Finish and Serve:

  • Squeeze fresh lime over each bowl.
  • Add optional chipotle crema, cheese, or extra chipotle sauce if desired.
  • Enjoy immediately — or pack into meal prep containers for easy lunches!

Notes:

  • Adjust the heat: Use more or fewer chipotle chilies depending on how spicy you like it.
  • Meal prep tip: Store the rice, chicken, and toppings separately and assemble when ready to eat for the freshest bowls.
  • Shortcuts: Use pre-cooked rice (like frozen or microwave packs) and rotisserie chicken for an even faster meal.
Keyword chicken, rice