The Chipotle Chicken Fresh Mex Bowl from Chili's features tender grilled chipotle-spiced chicken, seasoned rice, black beans, fresh pico de gallo, and creamy guacamole, all served over a bed of crisp lettuce for a vibrant and flavorful Tex-Mex experience.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Rice cooker or saucepan
- Can opener
- Spoon
- Tongs
- Serving bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans
- 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 2 limes
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 small clove garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for guacamole)
- 4 cups shredded romaine lettuce
Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for tender, evenly cooked meat when preparing your Chipotle Chicken Fresh Mex Bowl. Fresh pico de gallo made from diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeno adds vibrant flavor and a spicy kick, balanced by creamy guacamole prepared with ripe avocados, lime juice, garlic, and salt. Cook the rice thoroughly using a rice cooker or saucepan to ensure a perfect base for the bowl. Canned black beans should be rinsed and drained to reduce sodium and improve texture. Your Chipotle Chicken Fresh Mex Bowl from Chili's copycat menu brings together smoky, spicy, and fresh ingredients served over crisp romaine lettuce for a satisfying Tex-Mex meal.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or grill pan.
- Mix chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Coat chicken breasts with olive oil.
- Rub spice mix onto chicken breasts.
- Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, until cooked through.
- Remove chicken and let rest.
- Cook rice in rice cooker or saucepan.
- Warm black beans in a small saucepan or microwave.
- Dice tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
- Mix tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and juice from 1 lime to make pico de gallo.
- Peel and mash avocados in a bowl.
- Mince garlic clove and add to avocados.
- Add juice from 1 lime and 1/2 teaspoon salt to avocado, mix for guacamole.
- Shred romaine lettuce and divide among serving bowls.
- Slice grilled chicken.
- Layer rice over lettuce in each bowl.
- Add black beans on top of rice.
- Add sliced chicken on top.
- Spoon pico de gallo over.
- Add a generous scoop of guacamole.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Chipotle Chicken Fresh Mex Bowl from Chili's copycat menu offers a smoky and tangy profile thanks to its chipotle chili powder and fresh lime juice. If fresh jalapeno is unavailable, substitute with canned green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to maintain heat without overpowering the dish. When guacamole is not accessible, mashed avocado with a splash of lime juice, salt, and minced garlic provides a simple alternative. Using precooked or leftover rice can save time without compromising texture or flavor in your bowl. Remember to pat dry the chicken breasts before seasoning for better grill marks and enhanced taste in Your creation.
Tips
Ensure that your grill or grill pan is fully preheated before placing the chicken to achieve perfect sear marks and even cooking. Letting the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain its juices and enhances tenderness. When preparing guacamole, use ripe avocados and add lime juice gradually to avoid over-acidifying while keeping the creamy texture. Always drain and rinse canned black beans to reduce excess sodium and improve flavor in your Chipotle Chicken Fresh Mex Bowl.
Nutritions
The Chipotle Chicken Fresh Mex Bowl offers a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Grilled chicken breast provides lean protein essential for muscle repair and satiety. Black beans and brown rice contribute to a good source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and steady energy release. Fresh pico de gallo and guacamole add vitamins, antioxidants, and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, making this meal both nutritious and satisfying for your diet.
Storage
Store leftover Chipotle Chicken Fresh Mex Bowl components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and texture. Refrigerate cooked chicken, rice, beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, and lettuce individually for up to 3 days, with guacamole ideally consumed within 1 day to prevent browning. Before reheating, remove lettuce and guacamole to keep your bowl crisp and vibrant.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap chipotle chili powder with ancho chili powder for a milder smoky flavor while preserving the Tex-Mex profile. Use quinoa instead of rice to boost protein and add a nutty taste. Substitute black beans with pinto beans or refried beans for a creamier texture. Your grilled chicken can be marinated overnight in the spice blend and olive oil to intensify the flavor and tenderness.
Allergies
The Chipotle Chicken Fresh Mex Bowl contains ingredients like chicken, black beans, and avocado, which may trigger allergies in some individuals. You should be cautious if you have poultry, legume, or avocado allergies, as these components are central to the dish. Cross-contact with spices such as garlic, onion, or chili powder may also cause reactions for those with sensitivities to these seasonings.
Why this recipe?
Chipotle Chicken Fresh Mex Bowl from Chili's restaurant is popular for its bold, smoky chipotle flavor combined with tender, grilled chicken and fresh ingredients like black beans, corn, and cilantro-lime rice. The bowl offers a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and vitamins, appealing to health-conscious diners seeking a satisfying yet nutritious meal. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the spice level and ingredient freshness while enjoying a cost-effective, homemade alternative. Your taste buds will appreciate replicating the vibrant flavors and wholesome textures that make this dish a favorite at Chili's.