These chipotle chicken bowls are the perfect weeknight dinner idea when you’re looking for something quick and easy but also delicious and satisfying. Inspired by my go-to order at GYG, these burrito bowls are sure to become a favourite of yours as well!
If you’re looking for more easy and satisfying bowl recipes, make sure to also try these burger bowls, air fryer salmon bowls, and easy beef taco bowls.
This is a meal that I eat extremely frequently. It’s probably the main recipe that I have on repeat because I always feel like eating it. I’ve been eating this chipotle chicken bowl for at least the last year, mainly because I was craving GYG burrito bowls so frequently, that I decided that I needed an at home alternative to save my bank account.
This is the kind of recipe designed to be an inspiration to you for those nights when you don’t really know what to cook. I am not exaggerating when I say this is always the answer for me. And the best bit? It uses packet seasoning! This is a short cut type of meal as it’s designed to be low effort but high reward.
And to make this even easier, you can also use a store bought flavoured mayonnaise if you like. I usually also add a good amount of the Byron Bay Chilli Co. green jalapeno chilli sauce as well because it’s so delicious and works perfectly with this bowl.
Save this recipe for when you don’t know what to make for dinner, or when you’re craving GYG and want to cook at home instead.
Key Ingredients
This chipotle chicken bowl is my go-to for nights when I can’t really be bothered as it uses just a few ingredients to create a nutritious and super satisfying meal.
Note all ingredients and their quantities are laid out in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Chicken thighs – I prefer boneless skinless chicken thighs for these bowls as they have so much flavour and stay super juicy. You can however use chicken breast if you prefer but I do find they don’t have as much flavour.
- Chipotle seasoning – I love the McCormick Grill Mates Chipotle & Garlic American BBQ Dry Marinade as it is so full of flavour. But you can use any seasoning mix you like, or just use taco seasoning or even use a homemade taco seasoning instead.
- Mayonnaise – what brings these bowls together is a creamy, flavoured mayonnaise so make sure to use a good quality mayo that you like.
- Spices – the mayo is flavoured with a combination of ground coriander, black pepper and garlic powder. ½ Lemon juice – adds a freshness and tang to the mayo, but you can substitute with lime if you prefer.
- Rice – I just use plain long grain white rice, but you could also use brown rice or even use cauliflower rice or lettuce for a low carb option.
- Toppings – to complete our burrito style bowl we’re topping the rice and chicken with avocado and black beans but you can really use any toppings here you like.
Equipment and Tools
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Air fryer – While you don’t necessarily need an air fryer for this recipe, I think it makes it so much easier. I just upgraded to this one and it’s the perfect size when wanting to meal prep 4 serves.
Step-By-Step Instructions
I always cook my rice using a rice cooker, therefore to get started, this is the first thing I’ll do.
Once the rice is cooking, I can get started preparing the chicken. In a bowl, toss the chicken with some olive oil and the chipotle seasoning. I love this packet seasoning as it makes this process really easy and it’s also super delicious. I use about half of the packet roughly for this much chicken.
Once the chicken is well coated, place it in the basket of a preheated air fryer and cook for 20 minutes, turning halfway through. I recommend using a meat thermometer to confirm when the chicken has cooked – it should have an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F ). Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Don’t have an air fryer? That’s ok! You can cook the chicken thighs in the oven or in a frying pan instead and still get great results. See the notes section of the recipe card below for the alternative cooking methods.
While the chicken is cooking, mix the mayonnaise, ground coriander, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
👉Tip! Once the rice has finished cooking, I like to add the drained and rinsed black beans to the top of the rice and place the lid of the rice cooker back on for 2-5 minutes. The steam will heat the beans. You can then simply scoop out and serve the rice and beans together.
Finally, it’s time to assemble the bowls! Divide the cooked rice between four bowls and top each with black beans, sliced chicken thighs, and avocado. Drizzle with the mayo and serve immediately with corn chips or any other toppings you like.
Recipe FAQs
Yes you can! It does tend to cook a little faster and be less juicy than thighs but the process remains mostly the same. If using the air fryer, cook at 200°C (400°F) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway. In the oven, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 18-22 minutes. For pan-frying, cook for 4-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
You can! This recipe is a great one for meal prep as you can cook and store all of the elements such as the rice and beans, mayo, and chicken and store separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, heat in the microwave and assemble with the avocado just before serving.
If you do make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below! And tag any of your creations on Instagram with @eightforestlane as I would love to see.
More easy weeknight chicken dinners:
BBQ Chicken Bowls
Healthy Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry
One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
20 Minute Hoisin Chicken Stir Fry
Chipotle Chicken Bowl
Equipment
Ingredients
For the chipotle chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs approx 500-600 grams
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons chipotle seasoning mix or taco seasoning
For the mayo:
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Squeeze lemon juice
- Salt and lots of ground pepper to taste
For the bowls:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 avocado
- 1 x 400 gram can black beans drained and rinsed
- Corn chips to serve
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil and chipotle seasoning until well coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes, turning halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F ). Remove from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- While the chicken is cooking, mix the mayonnaise, ground coriander, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Divide the cooked rice between four bowls. Top each with black beans, sliced chicken thighs, and avocado. Drizzle with the mayo and serve with corn chips immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a guide only and is calculated using automated online tools, therefore we cannot guarantee the accuracy. We encourage you to make your own calculations based on the actual ingredients used in your recipe.
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