Tasty Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans Recipe – Zesty Joy

Crafting a mouthwatering chipotle chicken bowl brings incredible flavor combinations to your dinner table.

Smoky spices dance with tender chicken pieces, creating a vibrant meal.

Bold sweet potatoes add rich, caramelized notes that complement the protein perfectly.

Creamy black beans provide a hearty base for this satisfying dish.

Zesty cilantro lime sauce connects each ingredient with tangy brightness.

Crisp textures and layers of southwestern-inspired seasonings make you crave every single bite.

This recipe promises a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen.

What Makes This Chipotle Bowl Delicious

• Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich sweet potatoes, and nutrient-dense black beans, this recipe offers a balanced and nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adding extra veggies, or adjusting spice levels to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Streamline your cooking process with simple techniques like sheet pan roasting and single-skillet chicken cooking, making cleanup a breeze and saving precious kitchen time.

Chipotle Chicken Bowl Ingredient Breakdown

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base for the hearty bowl.

• Black Beans: Protein-rich and fiber-packed component.

• Sweet Potatoes: Nutritious and sweet root vegetable for roasting.

• Chipotle Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Flavor-enhancing spice blend.

• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps with cooking.

• Greek Yogurt, Cilantro, Lime Juice, Garlic: Creamy and tangy sauce base.

• Fresh Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Bright, fresh flavor enhancers.

How To Make Chipotle Chicken With Black Beans

Step 1: Prepare Zesty Chicken Marinade

Slice chicken breasts horizontally into thinner pieces.

• Olive oil
• Chipotle chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Thoroughly coat chicken and allow flavors to meld for 15-30 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Roast Spiced Sweet Potato Cubes

Preheat oven to 425°F.

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Spread evenly on baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway to ensure golden edges.

Step 3: Sear Perfectly Seasoned Chicken

Heat skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook marinated chicken 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Allow chicken to rest before slicing.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce

• Greek yogurt
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime juice
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Salt

Process until silky smooth and vibrant green.

Step 5: Warm Spiced Black Beans

• Cumin
• Salt
• Lime juice

Heat for 5-7 minutes until steaming.

Step 6: Create Stunning Chicken Bowl

• Warmed black beans
• Roasted sweet potato cubes
• Sliced chicken

Drizzle generously with cilantro lime sauce.

Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Useful Tips For Chipotle Chicken Bowl

• Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to ensure deep, rich spice penetration and tender meat texture.
• Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and achieve perfectly caramelized edges without burning.
• Add water in small increments if the cilantro lime sauce feels too thick, creating a smooth, drizzle-friendly texture.
• Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, preventing dry meat and maintaining maximum tenderness.
• Replace Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt for a vegan version, and use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken for plant-based protein.

Store And Reheat Chipotle Chicken Bowl

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Separate sauce, chicken, and vegetables to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Pack individual components in freezer-safe containers. Chicken and sweet potatoes can freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place chicken and sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Warm chicken and sweet potatoes in a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Stir gently to prevent burning and ensure even heating. Serve with fresh sauce for best flavor.

What Pairs With Chipotle Chicken Bowl

• Spice-Matching Craft Beer: Select a hoppy IPA with citrus undertones that complement the chipotle's smoky heat and bright cilantro lime sauce.
• Texture-Balancing Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of chicken and provide refreshing acidity.
• Flavor-Enhancing Cocktail Option: Craft a zesty margarita with fresh lime juice and a touch of agave to mirror the dish's southwestern profile and elevate the meal's complexity.
• Complementary Non-Alcoholic Drink: Brew a cold prickly pear iced tea that offers subtle sweetness and herbal notes matching the bowl's vibrant flavor spectrum.

Creative Variations For Chipotle Chicken Bowl

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, marinated in the same chipotle spice blend for a plant-based protein option.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Substitute sweet potatoes with cauliflower florets, use full-fat Greek yogurt in the sauce, and add extra avocado for healthy fats.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free, and serve with cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains for a lighter base.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Reduce salt in marinade and sauce, use no-salt-added black beans, and rely on herbs and spices like cumin and garlic powder for flavor intensity.

FAQs

• How spicy is this Chipotle Chicken Bowl?

The chipotle chili powder adds a moderate heat level, typically medium spiciness. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of chipotle powder or use a milder chili powder.

• Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked properly.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. However, always check individual spice and ingredient labels to confirm there’s no cross-contamination if you have severe gluten sensitivity.

• What if I don't have a blender for the sauce?

You can finely chop the cilantro and whisk the sauce ingredients together in a bowl. The texture might be slightly less smooth, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Sweet Potatoes, and Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Sizzling chipotle chicken bowl blends Mexican-inspired flavors into a nutritious, zesty meal packed with smoky spices and fresh ingredients. Creamy cilantro lime sauce and tender chicken make this hearty bowl a perfect weeknight dinner sure to satisfy hungry palates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by slicing breasts horizontally, then coat with a vibrant mixture of chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Allow the flavors to meld for 15–30 minutes at room temperature.
2. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toss sweet potato cubes with aromatic spices, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, rotating midway to achieve caramelized edges.
3. Sear the marinated chicken in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side, ensuring it’s thoroughly cooked. Let the chicken rest briefly before slicing to retain its juiciness.
4. Create a creamy cilantro lime sauce by blending Greek yogurt with fresh cilantro, zesty lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Warm the black beans in a saucepan, infusing them with cumin, salt, and a splash of lime juice for 5–7 minutes, enhancing their natural flavor profile.
6. Construct the bowl by layering seasoned black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, and sliced chicken. Finish with a generous drizzle of cilantro lime sauce, then garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges for a burst of brightness.

Notes

• Enhance the chicken’s flavor by scoring the surface before marinating to help the spices penetrate deeper.
• Prevent sweet potatoes from sticking by using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat during roasting.
• Ensure chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Create a dairy-free version by substituting Greek yogurt with coconut or cashew yogurt in the cilantro lime sauce.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg