This recipe is designed for those seeking a delicious and satisfying meal that aligns with a healthy lifestyle. It’s packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and bold, smoky flavors, while being highly adaptable to fit your dietary needs, whether you’re low-carb, high-protein, or simply focused on eating whole foods.

Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chipotle Chicken

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (or more to taste)
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Bowl

1 cup cooked quinoa, brown rice, or a large bed of mixed greens (for low-carb)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
1 red onion, finely diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, diced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Optional Toppings

Salsa or pico de gallo
Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (for a creamy topping)
Shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese (use sparingly for a healthier option)
Sliced jalapeños
Extra lime wedges

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, minced chipotle peppers, and salt and pepper.
Cook the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the bowl and toss until evenly coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown on all sides.
Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the chicken broth and lime juice to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and the chicken is cooked through. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide your base of choice (quinoa, brown rice, or mixed greens) among four bowls.
Build Your Bowl: Top each bowl with a generous portion of the chipotle chicken. Arrange the black beans, corn, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado in separate sections over the chicken.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro over each bowl and add any of your desired optional toppings. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.

Why This Recipe is a Healthy Choice

High-Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety.
Fresh, Whole Ingredients: This recipe uses a wide array of vegetables, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Adaptable for Your Diet:
- Low-Carb: Choose a base of mixed greens or cauliflower rice instead of quinoa or brown rice.
- High-Protein: Double up on the chicken or add a dollop of Greek yogurt for an extra protein boost.
- Fiber-Rich: The combination of black beans, corn, and your choice of quinoa or brown rice makes this a great source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel full longer.

Short on time but craving that smoky, spicy flavor? This recipe is for you. It’s a quick shortcut to the classic dish, which you can find in our Chipotle Chicken Recipe for Tacos, Burritos, and More.