Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, & Creamy Sauce Recipe
This Chipotle Chicken Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful meal combining smoky, spicy chicken with hearty black beans, sweet corn, creamy chipotle sauce, and fresh avocado. Perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner, it features a balance of smoky, tangy, and creamy elements that come together beautifully in every bite.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Beans and Corn
- 1 cup cooked black beans
- 1 cup corn (grilled, roasted, or canned)
Creamy Chipotle Sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Garnish
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse the meat.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken until fully cooked through and lightly charred on the outside, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain the juices.
- Prepare Beans and Corn: Warm the cooked black beans in a saucepan and season them with a pinch of cumin and salt to enhance the flavor. Prepare the corn by grilling or roasting it if fresh, or simply drain and warm canned corn.
- Make the Creamy Chipotle Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced chipotle peppers in adobo, garlic powder, and honey until smooth and well combined. This will add a creamy, tangy, and spicy kick to the bowl.
- Assemble the Bowl: In serving bowls, layer the warm black beans and corn, arrange sliced avocado and grilled chicken on top. Drizzle the creamy chipotle sauce over everything and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately for a fresh, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier outcome.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of chipotle chili powder and chipotle peppers.
- For a dairy-free option, use a vegan sour cream alternative.
- Grilling the corn adds a smoky flavor that complements the chipotle seasoning nicely.
- Leftover chicken and sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Keywords: chipotle chicken bowl, black beans, corn, creamy chipotle sauce, grilled chicken, healthy bowl, Mexican flavors
