Go Back

High-Protein Chipotle Chicken Power Bowls – Fast, Flavorful, and Filling

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chipotle Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced, plus 1–2 tsp adobo sauce
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • For the Bowl Base: 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa (or cauliflower rice for lower carbs)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
  • Veggies and Toppings: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Fresh lime wedges
  • 2–3 tbsp crumbled cotija or shredded cheddar (optional)
  • Plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream (optional)
  • Hot sauce or extra adobo sauce (optional)

Method
 

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Let it sit 20–30 minutes (or up to 12 hours in the fridge).
  2. Cook your base: While the chicken marinates, cook brown rice or quinoa according to package directions. Fluff and set aside. Warm black beans and corn in a pan with a pinch of salt if you like.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high. Add the chicken and cook 5–7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature hits 165°F/74°C and juices run clear. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice or chop.
  4. Prep the veggies: Halve tomatoes, dice bell pepper, slice onion, and chop cilantro. Slice or dice the avocado last to keep it fresh.
  5. Assemble the bowls: Add a scoop of rice or quinoa to each bowl. Top with beans, corn, chicken, tomatoes, pepper, and onion. Add avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
  6. Finish with toppings: Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of cheese, and a dash of hot sauce if you want more heat.
  7. Taste and adjust: Add a pinch of salt, more lime, or a drizzle of olive oil to balance flavors.