Name: Spicy-Sweet Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed); 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced; 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the can); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 cup grilled corn (fresh or frozen); 1 ripe avocado, diced; ¼ cup red onion, finely diced; 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional); ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 2 tbsp lime juice; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (or quinoa, cauliflower rice, etc.); Lime wedges, for serving; Extra cilantro, for garnish; Queso fresco or feta cheese (optional)

Description

This Spicy-Sweet Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowl is the perfect blend of smoky heat, sweet honey, and tangy lime, served over a bed of fluffy rice and topped with a fresh avocado corn salsa. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that works great for weeknight dinners or meal prep. With juicy marinated chicken, zesty toppings, and customizable grains, this dish brings bold flavors to the table in just 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Honey Chipotle Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the can)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the Avocado Corn Salsa:

1 cup grilled corn (fresh or frozen)
1 ripe avocado, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice Bowl:

2 cups cooked white or brown rice (or quinoa, cauliflower rice, etc.)
Lime wedges, for serving
Extra cilantro, for garnish
Queso fresco or feta cheese (optional)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, lime juice, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 6 hours for deeper flavor).
Grill or Sear the Chicken:
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Prepare the Avocado Corn Salsa:
- If using fresh corn, grill it until lightly charred, then cut the kernels off the cob. If using frozen corn, thaw and sauté in a dry pan for a few minutes.
- In a bowl, combine corn, avocado, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Toss gently.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide cooked rice into bowls.
- Top with sliced honey chipotle chicken.
- Spoon avocado corn salsa over the top.
- Garnish with extra cilantro, queso fresco, and lime wedges.
Serve & Enjoy!

Notes

For a milder version: Reduce or omit the chipotle peppers in adobo.
For a spicier kick: Add an extra chipotle pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
Meal prep: Store chicken, rice, and salsa separately in airtight containers. Reheat before serving.
Grain swaps: Substitute rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or farro for variety.
Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling / Searing
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

Calories: 424 kcal
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 65mg
Protein: 31g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: spicy honey chipotle chicken, rice bowl, meal prep, grilled chicken, avocado salsa