Description

Recreate your favorite fast-casual meal at home with smoky, grilled chicken thighs, cilantro lime rice, and fresh toppings. This recipe offers authentic flavor, easy meal prep capabilities, and customizable options.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
2 tbsp adobo sauce (from canned chipotle peppers)
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 can (15oz) black beans, rinsed
1 ear fresh corn
2 large ripe avocados
1 medium red onion, sliced into half-moons
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt (for pickling)
Juice of 2 limes
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Sour cream
Cotija cheese (or feta)

Instructions

Rinse jasmine rice until water runs clear. Cook with 1.5 cups water. Once done, fluff with a fork and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Keep warm.
Place sliced red onion in a jar with vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Shake and let sit for at least 30 minutes to pickle.
In a bowl, mix adobo sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss chicken thighs in the mixture to coat evenly.
Preheat smoker or charcoal grill to 225°F (107°C) using hickory or mesquite pellets. Place chicken over indirect heat and smoke for 30-40 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
While chicken rests, grill corn on high heat until charred on all sides. Remove kernels from the cob.
Heat black beans in a small pot with a pinch of cumin and splash of water until warm. Drain well.
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain.
Assemble bowls with cilantro lime rice, black beans, sliced chicken, charred corn, avocado, and pickled onions. Top with sour cream and cotija cheese. Drizzle with extra adobo sauce if desired.

Notes

Chicken thighs are recommended over breasts to prevent drying out. Rinse beans thoroughly to reduce sodium. Rice should be rinsed until clear to prevent mushiness. Store components separately for meal prep to maintain texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 650
Sodium: 800
Fat: 25
Carbohydrates: 60
Fiber: 10
Protein: 35

Keywords: chipotle copycat, chicken burrito bowl, meal prep, smoked chicken, cilantro lime rice, quick pickled onions, healthy dinner, gluten-free option