When you’re looking for a high-protein, flavor-loaded dish that doubles as a quick lunch or a reliable meal prep option, Grilled Chipotle Honey Chicken Protein Bowls are the answer. 

These bowls combine tender chicken thighs marinated in a smoky, zesty sauce with sweet roasted potatoes, creamy cottage cheese, and chunks of ripe avocado.

All drizzled with a hint of pure honey and crushed red pepper. Whether you’re a fan of chipotle peppers, love real food made from real ingredients, or just want a new go-to for weeknight dinners, this bowl has you covered.

Let’s break down how to make this delicious honey chipotle chicken bowl, step-by-step. We’ll also highlight the best ways to customize it with your favorite toppings and sides.

Why You Need to Make These Chipotle Honey Chicken Bowls

There are countless reasons to make this Chipotle Honey Chicken Bowl, but we’ll start with the basics—this dish is healthy, simple, and absolutely bursting with flavor.

Chipotle Honey Chicken Protein Bowls.
Photos from this recipe are from Brittany Scott (Instagram: @the_salted_bite)
  • First off, it’s made with real ingredients. You’ve got fresh chicken pieces, a tangy marinade made from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and a sweet but smoky chipotle honey sauce that brings everything together. It’s a great example of how healthy things can also be crave-worthy.
  • Second, it’s incredibly easy to make. The marinade comes together in a food processor or blender, and the chicken cooks quickly on the grill. With minimal prep and a quick cook time, it’s the best way to feed a hungry family or meal prep for the week.
  • Third, it’s packed with flavorful protein. Whether you use chicken breasts or juicy chicken thighs, each bite is loaded with that perfect chipotle heat balanced by a touch of hot honey. This combo gives you the smoky, sweet, and spicy profile that makes each bowl completely irresistible.

If you’re trying to eat more real food while keeping it exciting, this grilled chipotle honey chicken is your favorite way to do it.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chipotle Honey Chicken Protein Bowls

To make this amazing bowl, start by gathering the following:

Chicken Marinade:

  • 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • ¼ cup avocado oil or olive oil
  • 4 cloves chopped garlic
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • Juice from 1 lime

For the Chicken & Bowl:

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • Hot honey
  • Red pepper flakes

Chipotle Honey Sauce:

  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo
  • ½ cup raw honey
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Juice from 1 lime

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chipotle Honey Chicken Protein Bowls

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a food processor or blender, combine the chipotle peppers, avocado oil, chopped garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, and lime juice. Blend until smooth.

Chipotle Honey Chicken marinade.

Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or large ziplock bag, then pour the marinade over the top. Seal the bag and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.

Chipotle honey chicken marinating.

Step 2: Prep the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into ½-inch pieces. Toss with olive oil or avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

Sweet potatoes cubed.

Air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes until crispy and golden. These sweet potatoes are the perfect complement to the chipotle honey chicken.

Sweet potatoes in the air fryer.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6–8 minutes, flipping every 2 minutes.

Chortle honey chicken being grilled.

Remove the chicken once it reaches an internal temperature hits 165°F. Look for those perfect char marks that add depth and texture.

Grilled chipotle honey chicken on the grill.

Cut the grilled chicken into bite-sized chunks then place them in a large bowl.

Chipotle honey chicken cut up into bite size pieces.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Blend the chipotle peppers, raw honey, smoked paprika, and lime juice until smooth. The sauce should be a deep red color.

Pour it over the chopped chicken while it’s still hot so it soaks in all the sweet and smoky flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Chipotle Honey Chicken Protein Bowls

To assemble your honey chipotle chicken bowl, layer the ingredients separately:

  • A scoop of chipotle honey chicken
  • A handful of crispy sweet potato cubes
  • Chunks of fresh avocado
  • Cottage cheese

Top with hot honey, crushed red pepper flakes, and serve with a lime wedge for that final hit of brightness.

Chipotle Honey chicken protein bowls.

Alternative Sides: Make It Your Own

The beauty of this grilled chipotle honey chicken bowl is how customizable it is. You can easily swap out or add ingredients depending on your taste, dietary needs, or what you’ve got in the fridge.

Rice Options

Want to bulk it up with grains? Try:

  • Brown rice for fiber and a hearty bite
  • White rice for a classic base
  • Cilantro lime rice for a fresh, zesty twist
  • Cauliflower rice if you’re going low-carb

Each of these choices adds texture and soaks up the chipotle honey sauce beautifully.

Beans and Veggies

Boost the plant power with:

  • Black beans for protein and richness
  • Grilled fresh corn for sweetness
  • Sautéed red onion for crunch and spice

Roasted or grilled veggies like bell peppers or zucchini also pair perfectly with the chipotle heat of the chicken.

Sauces & Toppings

Mix up your flavor game by adding:

  • Creamy chipotle mayo for even more smoky depth
  • A dollop of sour cream to cool it all down
  • Your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, green onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce if you want to kick it up a notch

Next time you make this bowl, don’t be afraid to experiment!

Tips for Success

  • Always use fresh chicken—whether you’re using chicken breasts or thighs, freshness matters for flavor and texture.
  • Marinate for as long as possible to infuse the meat with bold flavor.
  • Use a large skillet if you don’t have a grill. Just heat it to medium-high heat and sear the chicken pieces until fully cooked.
  • For meal prep, portion everything into containers with your preferred base (like rice or sweet potatoes) and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Store extra chipotle honey sauce in a small airtight container—it’s great drizzled over veggies or eggs.

Final Thoughts on Chipotle Honey Chicken Protein Bowls

This Grilled Chipotle Honey Chicken Protein Bowl is more than just another trendy dish—it’s the perfect mix of sweet, smoky, spicy, and creamy, made with real ingredients that your body will thank you for.

It’s one of the best ways to eat healthy without giving up bold flavor. Perfect for quick lunches, weeknight dinners, or meal prep, this is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.

So next time you’re craving something delicious and satisfying, grab your chicken marinade, fire up the grill, and give this bowl a try. You just might find your new favorite way to enjoy healthy things.

More Easy Recipes to try!

Chipotle Honey Chicken Tacos
These tacos combine sweet heat and smoky flavor with juicy chipotle honey chicken, fresh guacamole and a hint of lime. Perfect for taco night, they’re packed with bold spices and balanced by just the right touch of sweetness in every bite.

Easy Cajun Chicken Alfredo
Creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor, this Easy Cajun Chicken Alfredo blends tender seasoned chicken with rich alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. A one-pan comfort meal that delivers bold Cajun heat and cheesy goodness—ideal for quick weeknight dinners or date-night indulgence.

Steak and Shrimp Fried Rice
This surf and turf fried rice features savory steak, juicy shrimp, and seasoned rice stir-fried to perfection. With hints of garlic, soy, and green onion, it’s a fast, flavorful meal that brings restaurant-style quality straight to your kitchen in minutes

Jalapeño Popper Salmon Pinwheel
Spicy, creamy, and rich, these Jalapeño Popper Salmon Pinwheels wrap tender salmon around a bold filling of cream cheese, jalapeños, and crispy bacon. Baked to perfection, it’s a low-carb, flavor-packed twist that’s perfect for dinner parties or impressive meal prep.

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Chipotle Honey Chicken Protein Bowls.

Chipotle Honey Chicken Protein Bowls

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Chipotle Honey Chicken Protein Bowls are the perfect healthy meal. Grilled chipotle chicken, sweet potatoes, cottage cheese and fresh avocado.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 protein bowls 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 2 cups Cottage Cheese
  • 2 tbsp Hot Honey
  • 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes

Marinade

  • 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • ¼ cup avocado oil
  • 4 cloves chopped garlic
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • Juice from 1 lime

Chipotle Honey Sauce

  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo 
  • ½ cup raw honey
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Juice from 1 lime

Instructions

  • Author: Nick Nesgoda
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

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