Chipotle Honey Chicken Bowls
Chipotle just dropped their new honey chipotle chicken bowl—and while it’s a solid fast-casual option, you don’t need to drop $12 every lunch break to get those sweet-spicy gains. This homemade version is just as bold, way more macro-friendly, and a whole lot cheaper to make in bulk. You’re getting charred, juicy chicken with a smoky chipotle glaze, roasted peppers and onions, and fluffy lime-infused jasmine rice. Every bite hits that sweet-spicy balance that somehow keeps getting better as the week goes on.
I built this bowl because I was tired of meal prep that felt like punishment. You know the ones—dry chicken breast, soggy veggies, flavorless carbs. Not this time. The chicken gets marinated for max flavor, seared for crisp edges, and paired with roasted veg that adds both char and sweetness. Finish it all with a splash of lime and maybe a little drizzle of extra glaze, and you’ve got a bowl that hits like your favorite burrito spot—but with 53g of protein and none of the regret.
Whether you’re cutting, maintaining, or just trying to stop ordering DoorDash five days a week, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s quick, craveable, and built for performance.
Chipotle Honey Chicken Bowls
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Chipotle Honey Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil for marinade
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp chipotle powder or 1-2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking
For the Roasted Peppers & Onions:
- 2 bell peppers red, yellow, or green, sliced
- 1 large onion sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
For Serving:
- 1 cup jasmine rice dry
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Fresh lime wedges
- Chopped fresh cilantro optional, for garnish
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, chipotle powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp chipotle powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper
- Add chicken and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor).2 lbs boneless
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.2 tbsp olive oil
- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Lower heat to medium, cover, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Roast the Peppers & Onions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Toss sliced bell peppers and onions with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.2 bell peppers, 1 large onion, 1 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until softened and slightly charred.
Cook the Rice:
- Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear.1 cup jasmine rice
- Cook according to your preferred method. I love my rice cooker!
- Once done, fluff with a fork and stir in lime juice for extra flavor.1 tbsp lime juice
Assemble & Serve:
- Divide cooked rice into meal prep containers.
- Top with sliced chipotle honey chicken and roasted peppers & onions.
- Garnish with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro (if using).Fresh lime wedges, Chopped fresh cilantro
Nutrition
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Why You’ll Love These Chipotle Honey Chicken Bowls
Let’s be honest: bland meal prep can get real boring, real fast. Enter Chipotle Honey Chicken. This bad boy is sweet, smoky, and absolutely outrageous. We’re talking charred, juicy chicken, fire-roasted peppers & onions, and lime-infused rice—all coming together in one macro-friendly masterpiece.
The marinade brings heat and honey in perfect balance, with chipotle, garlic, and smoked paprika taking the lead. Each bite packs that sticky glaze you crave without derailing your macros. And with 53g of protein and just 633 calories per serving? You already know it’s meal prep gold.
Ingredient Substitutions & Customizations
Protein Options
Swap chicken breast for thighs, shrimp, or tofu to keep the flavor but shake up the base.
Make It Mild
Dial back the chipotle and red pepper flakes to cut the heat while keeping the sweet.
Add More Veggies
Toss in roasted zucchini, mushrooms, or sweet corn to stretch servings and boost fiber.
Lower the Carbs
Swap jasmine rice for cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage slaw.
No Lime? No Problem
Use lemon juice in a pinch—you’ll still get that fresh tang.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chipotle Honey Chicken
Marinate Longer = Better Flavor
Even 30 minutes helps, but letting it sit overnight transforms the flavor.
Rest the Chicken
After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. It keeps the juices locked in.
Use Two Pans
To avoid overcrowding, sear the chicken in two batches or use two skillets to get that perfect crust.
Roast Veggies Hot
Crank your oven to 400°F and flip halfway through for perfectly charred edges.
Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
Storage
Keep bowls in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store lime wedges separately for max freshness.
Reheating
Microwave in 90-second bursts. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep everything moist.
What to Serve With
It’s complete as-is, but you could add avocado (if not allergic), hot sauce, or a little shredded cheese.
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh lime wedges
- Chopped cilantro
- Crumbled queso fresco
- Extra drizzle of chipotle honey sauce
- Thinly sliced jalapeños (if you like the heat)
FAQs
Can I grill the chicken instead of searing it?
Absolutely. Grilling adds an extra layer of smokiness that pairs great with the honey and chipotle.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes! It stores great for up to 5 days in the fridge. Use it for tacos, bowls, or salads.
Is this recipe meal prep-friendly?
100%. It reheats like a champ and the flavors even deepen over time.
What kind of rice works best?
Jasmine rice is my go-to, but brown rice or cilantro-lime rice also work great.
Is it spicy?
It has a noticeable kick from the chipotle and red pepper flakes, but it’s balanced by the honey. You can scale the heat up or down to taste.
6 Other High-Protein Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re looking for the ultimate macro-friendly protein source, chicken is your go-to. These high-protein chicken recipes are designed for serious meal prep success—packed with lean protein, balanced macros, and bold flavor that makes clean eating feel like cheating.
Whether you’re cutting, bulking, or just maintaining a high-protein lifestyle, these chicken meals are perfect for your weekly rotation. Each one is built for easy tracking, quick reheats, and serious meal prep efficiency. From chicken rice bowls to high-protein pastas and oven-roasted classics, these recipes cover all the best ways to prep chicken for muscle-building, fat loss, or just leveling up your lunch game. If you’ve been searching for “healthy chicken meal prep,” “easy high-protein chicken meals,” or “fitness-friendly chicken recipes,” this is where your next prep week starts.
My most popular High-Protein Meal prep Recipes (they slap)
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- Chipotle Honey Chicken Bowls – 53g of protein per bowl with smoky-sweet flavor and lime-infused jasmine rice—perfect for muscle-building meal prep.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta – High-protein chicken pasta with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that reheats like a dream.
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And as always, if you made it all the way down here and still haven’t found your perfect macro-packed meal, you can explore my full recipe catalogue—over 60+ free high-protein meal prep recipes—linked right here.
The blueprint to high-protein meal prep
Want to see how I structure high-protein meal prep recipes like this to hit real fitness goals—whether you’re cutting, bulking, or just trying to stay lean? Check out my full meal prep strategy here to learn how I use macro-friendly meals to stay consistent all week long.