Zesty Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans & Corn Recipe

Whipping up a delectable chipotle chicken bowl promises a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Bold spices and fresh ingredients combine for a mouthwatering meal that satisfies serious cravings.

Mexican-inspired comfort arrives packed with protein and vibrant colors.

Tender chicken mingles with smoky seasonings, creating a perfect balance of heat and richness.

Crisp corn kernels and creamy black beans add delightful texture to every forkful.

Each ingredient plays a starring role in this quick and easy recipe.

Prepare to experience a restaurant-quality dish that comes together faster than you can say “delicious dinner.” Grab your apron and let’s make magic happen!

Chipotle Bowl With Corn – What’s To Love

• Chipotle powder and smoked paprika create a bold, smoky flavor that transforms ordinary chicken into a taste explosion.
• Marinate the chicken in minutes, cook in a skillet, and assemble the bowl – perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunch breaks.
• Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours, catering to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Loaded with protein from chicken, fiber from beans, and nutrients from corn, this bowl offers a balanced and satisfying meal in one delicious package.

Ingredients For Corn And Black Bean Bowl

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat marinated with spicy and smoky seasonings.

• Chipotle Powder, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Cumin, Brown Sugar, Salt, Pepper: Blend of spices for deep, complex flavor.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices and adds moisture.

• Rice: Hearty foundation for the bowl.

• Black Beans, Corn: Protein-rich and sweet accompaniments.

• Mayonnaise or Yogurt, Sour Cream, Lime Juice: Creamy and tangy sauce base.

• Cilantro: Bright, herbal topping.

• Lime Wedges: Extra citrus brightness.

Putting Together Chipotle Chicken With Corn

Step 1: Craft Zesty Marinade

Combine olive oil, chipotle powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.

Whisk these ingredients until they form a harmonious, fragrant blend that will infuse incredible flavor into the chicken.

Step 2: Massage Chicken with Marinade

Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with the spice mixture, ensuring every inch is covered.

Let the chicken soak up the robust flavors by marinating for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.

Step 3: Sizzle Chicken to Perfection

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, creating a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.

Allow the chicken to rest briefly before slicing to lock in the juices.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Chipotle Sauce

• Mayonnaise or yogurt
• Sour cream
• Lime juice
• Chipotle powder

Whisk these ingredients until smooth and creamy, creating a tangy sauce that will elevate the entire dish.

Step 5: Prepare Supporting Ingredients

Warm black beans and corn if desired.

Sprinkle a pinch of salt to enhance their natural flavors.

Step 6: Assemble Vibrant Bowl

• Rice as the base
• Sliced chicken
• Black beans
• Corn
• Fresh cilantro
• Generous drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Present the bowl immediately, offering extra lime wedges on the side for an additional burst of citrusy brightness.

Dig in and savor the explosion of flavors!

Cooking Tips For Chicken Corn Bowl

• Let chicken soak in spices for at least 15 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe, perfectly cooked protein.
• Modify creamy sauce by using Greek yogurt for a lighter version or adding extra chipotle powder for more heat.
• Replace chicken with grilled tofu or roasted portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
• Experiment with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or brown rice to add nutritional diversity and suit different dietary needs.

Storing Chicken Corn Bowl The Right Way

• Store leftover chicken and components separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep sauces and dry ingredients divided to maintain freshness.
• Pack cooled chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 months. Separate sauce and fresh ingredients to prevent sogginess.
• Warm chicken and rice together at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Quickly reheat sliced chicken in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, adding a little broth to maintain moisture and prevent toughness.

Sides That Work With Chipotle Corn Bowl

• Flavor-Boosting Drink Pairing: Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona with a lime wedge perfectly complements the smoky chipotle flavors and cuts through the creamy sauce.
• Refreshing Beverage Option: Tangy margarita with fresh lime juice balances the spicy chicken and adds a zesty tropical twist to the meal.
• Complementary Wine Choice: Crisp, light-bodied white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc neutralizes the dish's heat while enhancing its complex spice profile.
• Texture-Matching Side Suggestion: Crisp tortilla chips or warm corn tortillas provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy sauce and tender chicken, creating a satisfying textural experience.

Alternate Styles For Chipotle Corn Bowl

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, marinated in the same spice blend for a plant-based protein option.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and add extra vegetable nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free, using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce if needed.
• Dairy-Free Sauce Alternative: Use coconut yogurt or cashew cream instead of mayo and sour cream to create a creamy sauce without dairy ingredients.

FAQs

• How spicy is this Chipotle Chicken Bowl?

The chipotle powder adds a medium heat level that’s flavorful without being overwhelming. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of chipotle powder in the marinade and sauce.

• Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works great with shredded pork, grilled steak, or even tofu. Just follow the same marinating and cooking technique for your preferred protein.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific spice and sauce ingredients to ensure they haven’t been processed in a facility with gluten-containing products.

• How long should I marinate the chicken?

Aim for at least 15 minutes, but for maximum flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Don’t marinate longer than that, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the chicken’s texture.

Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, & Creamy Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor spicy Chipotle Chicken Bowl goodness, blending Mexican-inspired flavors with zesty ingredients. Hearty layers of tender chicken, black beans, and creamy sauce invite you to dive into a delicious culinary adventure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) chipotle powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) brown sugar
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients and Toppings:

• 1 cup cooked rice (white or cilantro-lime rice)
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) chipotle powder (for sauce)
• Optional: extra lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by whisking olive oil with chipotle powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a mixing vessel.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with the spice blend, allowing flavors to penetrate for a minimum of 15 minutes at room temperature.
3. Preheat a grill pan or skillet to medium-high heat (around 375°F), ensuring a sizzling surface for optimal chicken searing.
4. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, achieving a golden-brown exterior and internal temperature of 165°F, then let rest for 3-4 minutes to preserve juiciness.
5. Prepare the creamy sauce by blending mayo or yogurt, sour cream, fresh lime juice, and an extra dash of chipotle powder until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Gently warm black beans and corn in a separate pan, seasoning with a delicate sprinkle of salt to enhance natural flavors.
7. Assemble the bowl by creating a base of fluffy rice, strategically layering sliced chicken, beans, and corn for visual appeal.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and generously drizzle the creamy chipotle sauce over the entire composition.
9. Serve immediately, offering additional lime wedges for guests to customize their culinary experience.

Notes

• Let the chicken soak in the spice blend for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper, more intense flavor.
• Easily replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives for a versatile meal that suits different dietary preferences.
• Adjust the creamy sauce thickness by adding more mayo or yogurt for a lighter texture, or less for a more concentrated taste.
• Reduce chipotle powder for a milder version or add extra for spice lovers who crave a fiery kick.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg