Smoky, spicy chicken and a cool cilantro crema, all piled over rice. These chipotle chicken bowl start with a chipotle mayo marinade (marinate for 30 minutes) that keeps the thighs ridiculously juicy on the grill or in the air fryer. Everyone builds their own bowl, like they do at Chipotle which means everyone stops complaining. That is a win in my kitchen.
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The mayo is the trick here. I tested this marinade with and without it, and mayo wins every time. It carries the chipotle flavor deep into the chicken and keeps the thighs from drying out over high heat. I used the cilantro in the crema and the stems go right into the marinade. No waste.
We love Mexican inspired dishes in my house. Making bowls like this for my young boys make it fun and delicious, instead of the same old taco Tuesdays, which is fun too. It is nice to change from time to time.
Bowls are my weeknight formula, same as my beef rice bowl. Cook one great protein, put out the toppings, and let everyone at the table build their own. Minimal dishes, leftovers for lunch the next day. Win for everyone.
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How to make (VIDEO)
Brands I recommend to use for this recipe
- Chipotle peppers in adobo, one small can brings all the smoke you need. It's not spicy, it has so much flavor and smokiness.
- Mayonaise for the marinade, it is what keeps the chicken juicy over high heat. Trust me on this.
How to make (PICTURES)
- Step 1: Add the can of chipotle peppers, mayo, lime juice, cilantro stems, chili powder, salt, and pepper into a marinade. Coat the chicken thighs and marinate for 30 minutes or longer if you can.
- Step 2: Blend the cilantro, sour cream, cream cheese, water, salt, and lime juice into a smooth crema. Set it aside in the fridge until it is ready to use.
- Step 3: Air fry (375 for 20 minutes), grill or pan fry the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until charred and cooked through to 165°F.
- Step 4: Assemble your chipotle chicken bowls and serve it with the cilantro crema.
What to serve
- Fluffy rice and charred corn, my non-negotiable bowl base
- Shrimp tostadas if you are going full Baja night
- Smashed burger tacos for a mix and match taco spread
- A scoop of mango sorbet for dessert
- Extra cilantro crema and tortilla chips, because someone will ask.
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Chipotle Chicken Bowls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add the chipotle peppers, mayonnaise, lime juice, cilantro stems, chili powder, salt, and black pepper into a bowl, this is your marinade.1 small can chipotle peppers in adobo, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 lime, 1 handful cilantro stems, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Add the chicken thighs in the bowl and marinate for 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours.6 chicken thighs
- Blend the cilantro, sour cream, cream cheese, water, salt, and a squeeze of lime juice until smooth. Add more water to thin if needed.1 handful cilantro, ¼ cup sour cream, ¼ cup cream cheese, 2 tablespoons water, 1 teaspoon salt, fresh lime juice
- Air fry, grill or pan fry the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.Air fry: 20 minutes 375°F flip halfway Grill and Pan fry: 6 minutes on each side
- Assemble the bowls with rice, corn, veggies, and chicken. Top with cilantro crema, and fresh cilantro.cooked rice, corn, veggies, more cilantro
Notes
- The mayo in the marinade is what keeps the thighs juicy, do not skip it.
- Use half the can of chipotles for a milder bowl.
- Chicken, rice, and crema store separately in the fridge for up to 4 days for meal prep.
Nutrition
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Hi, I'm Carmen!
I'm the creator of Eat With Carmen, where I share Filipino and other Asian recipes I love and grew up eating, made simple for everyday cooking.
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Frequently Asked Questions for Chipotle Chicken Bowls
What is in a chipotle chicken bowl? A chipotle chicken bowl is smoky marinated chicken served over rice with corn, veggies, and a creamy sauce. This version uses a chipotle mayo marinade on chicken thighs with a blended cilantro crema on top.
Is the chipotle marinade spicy? It has a medium, smoky heat rather than a sharp burn. Use half the can of chipotles for a milder bowl, or add extra adobo sauce if you want more fire.
Why put mayo in a chicken marinade? Mayo helps the marinade cling to the chicken and keeps it juicy over high heat. It also helps the outside char instead of burn.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, chicken breasts work, just watch them closely. Pull them right at 165°F so they stay juicy. If you love this flavor lane, my hot honey cilantro lime chicken should be next on your list.
How long can I marinate the chicken? Anywhere from 30 minutes to 8 hours works. Past that, the lime juice starts breaking down the texture of the chicken.
What else can I use the cilantro crema on? Anything smoky or crispy. Spoon it over my baja fish tacos, roasted veggies, or fried eggs.
Can I meal prep chipotle chicken bowls? Yes, these are meal prep gold. Store the chicken, rice, and crema separately in the fridge for up to 4 days and assemble when you are ready to eat.
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