Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowl

This Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowl is the perfect mix of sweet, smoky, and a little spicy.

Juicy, caramelized chicken, fluffy rice, and all your favorite toppings—it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone happy. Plus, it’s super easy to customize for picky eaters! Let’s get cooking.

this recipe!

What You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce (or more for extra heat)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Rice:

• 1 cup white rice (jasmine or basmati)
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp butter

Toppings & Extras:

• ½ cup black beans (drained & rinsed)
• ½ cup corn (cooked)
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• ½ avocado (sliced)
• ¼ cup red onion (diced)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1 lime (cut into wedges)
• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Pro Tips for the Best Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowls

1. Control the spice level! Chipotle in adobo sauce can get spicy. Start with a little and add more if you like heat.
2. Get that caramelization! Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring so it gets a nice golden-brown crust.
3. Rice hack! Rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch and get fluffy, separate grains.
4. Toppings make it fun! Set up a little topping bar so everyone can build their own bowl just the way they like it.
5. Shortcut? Use store-bought rotisserie chicken and toss it in the honey chipotle sauce for a super quick version.

Tools You’ll Need

• Cutting board & sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons & cups
• Medium saucepan with lid
• Large skillet
• Spatula or tongs

Substitutions & Variations

• Swap the protein: Try shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced steak.
• Make it low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce instead of rice.
• Dairy-free option: Skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
• Add crunch: Crushed tortilla chips or pepitas are a great topping!

Make-Ahead Tips

• The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance.
• Cooked rice stays good in the fridge for up to 4 days—just reheat with a splash of water.
• Chop veggies and prep toppings ahead of time to save time when assembling.

How to Make It

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix honey, chipotle sauce, olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss until fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours in the fridge).

Step 2: Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, bring water (or chicken broth), salt, and butter to a boil. Stir in rice, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken (along with any extra sauce). Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is caramelized and cooked through.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

Divide the fluffy rice into bowls. Top with cooked chicken, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice on top.

Leftovers & Storage

• Fridge: Store everything separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Cooked chicken and rice can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave with a little water.
• Reheating Tip: Sprinkle a little water over the rice before microwaving to bring back moisture.

Time to Dig In!

This Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowl is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—sweet, smoky, and packed with fresh toppings. Try it out, make it your own, and let me know in the comments how your family liked it! Got questions? Drop them below, and I’d love to help. 🍽️😊