Description
A high-protein Chipotle Chicken Bowl featuring smoky chipotle-marinated chicken served over cilantro-lime rice with seasoned black beans and fresh toppings for a flavorful Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 1/2 large red onion, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
- 2 tbsp adobo sauce (from can)
- 1 tbsp avocado oil (plus more for cooking)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp water (for marinade)
- 2 1/2 cups cooked rice (e.g., cilantro-lime rice)
- 1 (15-oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (4-oz) can diced green chiles
- Cilantro for garnish
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Chipotle Chicken Marinade: In a blender, combine the roughly chopped red onion, garlic cloves, chipotle pepper from adobo, adobo sauce, 1 tablespoon of avocado oil, dried oregano, cumin, kosher salt, fresh lime juice, and 2 tablespoons of water. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a large bowl or a zip-top bag. Pour the blended marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply infuse.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat an additional tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discarding excess marinade) and sear in the hot skillet for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice or shred as desired.
- Prepare the Black Beans (Optional): In a small saucepan, combine the rinsed black beans, green chiles, a tablespoon of adobo sauce, a splash of water, and a pinch of salt and cumin. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove any whole chipotle peppers before serving.
- Cook the Rice: Prepare your desired rice according to package instructions. For a cilantro-lime rice, cook with water and salt, then once tender, fluff with a fork and stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.
- Assemble the Bowls: Build your Chipotle Chicken Bowls by first layering the cooked rice at the bottom. Top with the sliced chipotle chicken, a generous portion of the seasoned black beans, and any optional fresh toppings such as sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, salsa, or shredded cheese. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor infusion.
- The black beans preparation is optional but recommended for added flavor.
- Customize toppings to suit dietary preferences or taste.
- Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safety.