Over the years, I’ve perfected the recipe, and it’s become a family favorite. My kids, who are usually picky eaters, devour these Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa. There’s something about the sweet and smoky chicken combined with the fresh, vibrant salsa that just wins them over every time.

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile and fits perfectly into my busy mom life. I can prep the honey chipotle marinade in the morning, let the chicken soak all day, and then quickly grill it up for dinner. It’s also a great way to use up leftover grilled chicken or even rotisserie chicken if I’m really short on time. Honestly, it is so adaptable to your needs!

One “aha” moment I had was realizing that the key to the best Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa is balancing the sweet and spicy elements. The honey in the marinade tempers the heat from the chipotle peppers, creating a harmonious blend that is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try this Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa, it will become a staple in your house too!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious bowls:

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For the Honey Chipotle Chicken:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (plus 1 tablespoon adobo sauce)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Corn Salsa:

2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)

For the Cilantro Lime Rice:

2 cups cooked rice (I prefer long-grain or basmati)
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon butter
Salt to taste

For Serving (Optional):

Avocado slices
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija)
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Chopped green onions
Your favorite hot sauce

I always use local honey for my Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa because it has a richer flavor. But honestly, any good quality honey will do the trick!

When making Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa, you can find chipotle peppers in adobo sauce in the international aisle of most grocery stores. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with chipotle powder, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor.

Here’s a Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa trick I learned from my mom: marinate the chicken in a zip-top bag and squeeze out as much air as possible. This ensures that the marinade evenly coats the chicken.

For ingredient prep shortcuts for busy families making Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa, I like to buy pre-chopped veggies from the store. It saves a ton of time and makes dinner come together even faster.

To save money on the Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa ingredients, buy the chicken in bulk when it’s on sale and freeze it. It’s a great way to have it on hand whenever you’re in the mood for this dish.

To store leftover Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa ingredients, keep the corn salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to use it within 2-3 days.

How to Make – Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make these amazing Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa, step by step:

Hands preparing Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa

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Prepare the Honey Chipotle Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t worry if it looks a little clumpy at first; it will all come together.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the honey chipotle marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for even more flavor. I learned the hard way with Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa that the longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful and tender it will be.
Make the Corn Salsa: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the corn salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the corn kernels, red onion, red bell pepper, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and black beans (if using). Toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. In my kitchen, Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa usually tastes better if the salsa is made at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cook the Cilantro Lime Rice: While the chicken is marinating, cook the cilantro lime rice. If you are using a rice cooker just toss all the ingredients and go. If you’re using a stovetop method, cook the rice according to package directions. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and stir in the cilantro, lime juice, and butter. Season with salt to taste. Your Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa should smell like a vacation at this point!
Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). A USDA guide to safe cooking temperatures can be found here. Don’t worry if your Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa chicken gets a little char on it; that just adds to the flavor.
Rest and Slice the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cilantro lime rice among bowls. Top with sliced honey chipotle chicken, corn salsa, avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions, if desired. Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and vibrant Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa!

While the Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa is cooking, I usually set the table and get the drinks ready. It’s a great way to get the family involved and make dinner feel a little more special. I also sometimes put on some music and dance around the kitchen – it makes the cooking process even more fun!

Serving

My family absolutely loves these Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa, and I love how easy they are to customize. The kids love our Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa when I add extra cheese and a dollop of sour cream. My husband prefers his with a generous drizzle of hot sauce for that extra kick.

Some of my go-to side dishes that pair perfectly with Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa are:

Black Beans and Rice: A classic combination that adds extra heartiness to the meal.
Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: Perfect for scooping up any leftover salsa or adding a creamy element.
A Simple Green Salad: A light and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the bowl.

This Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or even a potluck. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s so easy to transport.

For presentation tips I’ve discovered, I like to arrange the ingredients in the bowl in a visually appealing way. I start with the rice as the base, then layer on the chicken, salsa, and toppings. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a drizzle of lime juice add the perfect finishing touch.

If you have extra Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa chicken, you can use it to make tacos, quesadillas, or even a salad for lunch the next day. It’s so versatile!

For a seasonal variation, try adding grilled peaches or mango to the corn salsa in the summer. The sweetness of the fruit complements the smoky chicken perfectly. I also like to add roasted butternut squash to the bowls in the fall for a cozy, autumnal twist.

My friends always ask for this Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa recipe whenever I make it for them. They love how flavorful and satisfying it is, and they’re always surprised at how easy it is to make. This recipe is such a great way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about my Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa recipe:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer a richer, more flavorful meat. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I make the honey chipotle marinade ahead of time? You sure can! In fact, I highly recommend it. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. You can make the honey chipotle marinade up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze the honey chipotle chicken? Yes, you can freeze the cooked honey chipotle chicken. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in a skillet or microwave.
What can I substitute for the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce? If you can’t find chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, you can substitute with chipotle powder. Start with about 1 teaspoon and add more to taste, depending on your spice preference. You can also use a few drops of your favorite hot sauce.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian? To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the chicken with grilled or roasted tofu or black beans. You can also add some grilled or roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes.
My corn salsa is too spicy! What can I do? You know what I do when my Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa salsa is too spicy? I add a little bit of sugar or honey to the salsa. This will help to balance out the heat from the chipotle peppers. You can also add some diced avocado or sour cream to the bowls to cool things down.
Can I use frozen corn for the corn salsa? Yes, you can use frozen corn for the corn salsa. Just make sure to thaw it completely before using it. You can also roast the frozen corn in the oven for a few minutes to add some extra flavor.

My Final Thoughts

This Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish that my whole family loves and it’s one that I feel proud to serve to others. It’s a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors, and it’s so easy to make.

Finished Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa

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My Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa Pro Tips:

Don’t skimp on the marinade time. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
Grill the chicken over medium-high heat. This will give it a nice char on the outside while keeping it juicy on the inside.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the toppings. Add your favorite ingredients to customize the bowls to your liking.

Here are a few Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa variations you can try with your family:

Spicy Version: Add more chipotle peppers or hot sauce to the marinade and salsa for an extra kick. My husband loves this version!
Sweet Version: Add a little bit of brown sugar or maple syrup to the marinade for a sweeter flavor. The kids always ask for this version.
Creamy Version: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to each bowl for a creamy texture.

I hope you enjoy making this Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa as much as my family and I do. It’s a dish that is sure to bring a smile to your face and a happy feeling to your stomach. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! I really hope that you will give my recipe a try, you might also like this Spicy Garlic Chicken Stir Fry With Rice recipe and Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs recipe.

So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think! Happy cooking!

Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls with Corn Salsa: A Flavor Fiesta

Print Recipe

These Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls are packed with flavor and nutrients! They’re easy to make and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Author: Zoubida
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 3 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the can of chipotle peppers)
1 lime, juiced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Cooked rice, for serving
Black beans, for serving
Corn, for serving
Avocado, sliced, for serving
Cilantro, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

In a bowl, combine the chicken, olive oil, honey, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Assemble the bowls: Add rice, black beans, corn, and avocado. Top with the honey chipotle chicken.
Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add more chipotle peppers. You can also use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Feel free to customize the bowls with your favorite toppings!