Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, and Creamy Sauce

Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, and Creamy Sauce is the perfect meal for anyone craving a burst of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. This colorful and hearty dish combines spicy marinated chicken, wholesome black beans, sweet corn, and a creamy sauce that ties everything together. Ideal for lunch or dinner, it’s easy to customize based on your preferences. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious bowl!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: Approximately 470
• Protein: 34 grams
• Carbohydrates: 38 grams
• Fat: 24 grams
• Fiber: 10 grams
• Sugar: 3 grams
• Sodium: 800 mg

Why Make This Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, and Creamy Sauce

This Chipotle Chicken Bowl is a fantastic option for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. It’s packed with protein from the chicken and black beans, making it filling and nutritious. The clever blend of spices provides a smokey flavor, while the creamy sauce adds a delightful tang. Plus, it involves minimal clean-up, as everything can be cooked in one pan!

How to Make Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, and Creamy Sauce

Follow these straightforward steps to create a delicious Chipotle Chicken Bowl in no time.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (fresh preferred)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cooked black beans (canned works great, rinsed)
• 1 cup corn (grilled, roasted, or canned)
• 1 avocado (sliced)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (for sauce)
• 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo (minced)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon honey

Directions:

• Step 1: Preparation

  In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined. Add the chicken and turn to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.

• Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

  Heat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken has char marks. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.

• Step 3: Preparing Black Beans and Corn

  While the chicken rests, warm black beans in a small saucepan or microwave. Add a pinch of cumin and salt for extra flavor. For the corn, char frozen corn in a hot dry skillet for 3-4 minutes until golden spots appear.

• Step 4: Making the Creamy Sauce

  Make the creamy chipotle sauce by whisking together sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced chipotle peppers, garlic powder, and honey in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the heat level as desired.

• Step 5: Assembling the Bowl

  Build bowls by layering warm black beans, charred corn, sliced avocado, and sliced chicken. Drizzle generously with the creamy chipotle sauce and finish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

How to Serve Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, and Creamy Sauce

This bowl is best served warm and can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with tortilla chips for extra crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice for added texture and nourishment.

How to Store Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, and Creamy Sauce

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the components separate until you’re ready to eat. Reheat the chicken and beans on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, and Creamy Sauce

• Marinating your chicken for a longer period (up to overnight) maximizes flavor.
• If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the number of chipotle peppers used.
• Use fresh grilled corn in the summertime for a sweeter bite.
• Feel free to substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative for a lighter option.

Delicious Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for grilled zucchini or extra beans and add some grilled bell peppers.
• Spicy Kick: Include jalapeños or hot sauce in the creamy sauce for an extra kick.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or even roasted sweet potatoes for different textures and flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I prep this bowl in advance? Yes! Marinate the chicken the night before and prepare the other ingredients ahead of time for quick assembly.
• What can I use instead of sour cream? Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt can be great alternatives.
• How can I make this bowl lower in calories? Opt for skinless chicken and measure your sauces to keep portions in check.
• Can I cook the chicken in the oven? Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, depending on the thickness, until fully cooked.
• What if I don’t have chipotle chili powder? You can use cayenne pepper for heat or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, although it will alter the taste slightly.

Conclusion

This Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, and Creamy Sauce is not only easy to prepare but also satisfying and full of flavor. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without a tedious clean-up. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or meal prepping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So roll up your sleeves and get cooking – you won’t be disappointed!

Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans, Corn, and Creamy Sauce

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: High Protein

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Description

A colorful and hearty Chipotle Chicken Bowl combining spicy marinated chicken, black beans, corn, and a creamy sauce, perfect for lunch or dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (fresh preferred)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cooked black beans (canned works great, rinsed)
• 1 cup corn (grilled, roasted, or canned)
• 1 avocado (sliced)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (for sauce)
• 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo (minced)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon honey

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Instructions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined. Add the chicken and turn to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Heat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
3. While the chicken rests, warm black beans in a small saucepan or microwave with a pinch of cumin and salt. For the corn, char in a hot dry skillet for 3-4 minutes until golden spots appear.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced chipotle peppers, garlic powder, and honey. Adjust the heat level as desired.
5. Assemble bowls by layering warm black beans, charred corn, sliced avocado, and sliced chicken. Drizzle with the creamy chipotle sauce and finish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Marinating chicken overnight maximizes flavor. Optionally, serve over quinoa or brown rice for added texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 80mg