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Looking for a bold, colorful meal that’s easy to throw together and seriously satisfying? Chili’s fresh Mex bowl hits all the right notes. Loaded with grilled chipotle chicken, seasoned rice, black beans, sweet corn, creamy avocado and vibrant pico de gallo, it’s a flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this bowl delivers the kind of layered taste and texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.

A Tex Mex bowl of southwest salad with corn, black beans, avocado, tortilla strips, and creamy dressing, garnished with lime—perfect as a Chili's copycat rice bowl or burrito filling.

This Fresh Mex bowl is a layered dish featuring perfectly grilled chipotle chicken, zesty rice, black beans, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and fresh toppings in every bite.

If you enjoy Tex Mex flavors, try slow cooker Tex Mex quinoa taco bowls as well, or this smoked elote (Mexican corn) or how about a white chicken chili?

Close-up of sliced grilled chicken with avocado, corn, black beans, and tortilla strips on a salad, inspired by a Tex Mex rice bowl for a Chili's Copycat experience.

Why You’ll Love It

Flavor-packed and satisfying: Every layer adds something—spice, crunch, creaminess, or bold heat.
Great for meal prep: It keeps well and can be portioned out for the week.
Customizable ingredients: Mix and match proteins, grains or toppings based on what you love.
Weeknight-friendly: Comes together fast with pantry staples and simple prep.

Close-up of a southwestern salad topped with crispy tortilla strips, corn, beans, and creamy dressing—a Chili's Copycat that's perfect for an easy dinner or as a fresh twist on your favorite burrito or rice bowl.

Chili’s Copycat Fresh Mex Bowl Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Mexican rice: A flavorful base that holds everything together and adds subtle spice.
Chicken breasts: Sliced thin and infused with chipotle broth, then grilled for smoky flavor.
Chicken broth: Used to poach and flavor the chicken before grilling.
Chipotle sauce: Adds a smoky, spicy kick that defines the flavor profile of the dish.
Spices: To bring warmth, depth and complexity to the grilled chicken.
Southwest corn: Sweet and crisp with extra flavor from red peppers.
Black beans: Hearty and protein-rich, they pair perfectly with the other toppings.
Pico de gallo: Adds freshness and acidity to balance the richness.
Red onion: A sharp bite that brightens the bowl.
Avocados: Creamy and cooling to offset the heat of the chipotle.
Tortilla strips: Crunchy garnish for texture and fun.
Cilantro: A fresh, herbal finish.

Ingredients for a Tex Mex chicken rice bowl arranged on a wooden table, including chicken, rice, beans, spices, and vegetables.

How to Make Fresh Mex Bowls

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Cook the rice: Prepare Mexican rice according to package directions and set aside.
Simmer the chicken: Cook chicken briefly in chipotle sauce and broth to infuse flavor.
Season and grill: Mix spices, rub onto chicken, then grill until lightly charred.
Sauté beans and corn: Heat with chipotle sauce until warm and combined.
Assemble the bowl: Layer rice, beans and corn, pico, onion, avocado and chicken. Top with tortilla strips and cilantro.

Chili's Copycat oval bowl with grilled chicken, tortilla strips, avocado, corn, beans, lime, and fresh veggies on a wooden table—an easy dinner perfect as a burrito or rice bowl alternative.

Substitutions and Variations

Use rotisserie chicken instead: A time-saving swap that still tastes great with the chipotle sauce.
Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice: For a lower-carb or gluten-free option.
Add cheese or sour cream: For a creamier, tangier twist if you want it more indulgent.
Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and add grilled tofu or extra beans and veggies.
Gluten-free option: Check the ingredients on your broth and swap the tortilla strips for gluten-free tortilla strips or a different topping.
Another protein: Although the chicken is especially good in a Chilis Tex Mex bowl, it’s not the only option. Try shrimp, pork or even beef. You can substitute seafood, beef or vegetable broth too, if you like, to complement the protein. Just bear in mind different proteins have different cooking times, so adjust that accordingly.

A bowl of Tex Mex Southwest chicken salad topped with tortilla strips, corn, beans, and creamy dressing—an easy dinner inspired by your favorite Chili’s copycat recipe.

Serving Suggestions

For lunch: I like sour cream and/or guacamole ranch with my chipotle fresh Mex bowl. And I also add a lime wedge like they do at Chili’s. You might like yours with some shrimp ceviche or beef taquitos on the side, or perhaps with street corn nachos.
With soup: This bowl pairs beautifully with chicken enchilada soup or green chile chicken soup.

A Chili's Copycat Fresh Mex Bowl: a bowl of southwest chicken salad topped with tortilla strips, corn, beans, and creamy dressing—an easy dinner bursting with flavor.

How to Store Chili’s Copycat Fresh Mex Bowls

Store: These bowls are best served fresh but leftovers will keep for a day or so in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Freeze: It will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. Don’t add the tortilla strips and cilantro until you’re ready to serve it though.
Thaw: Defrost overnight in the fridge.

Enjoy a Fresh Mex Bowl—a southwest chicken salad topped with tortilla strips, corn, black beans, zesty sauce, and lime slices. It’s the perfect easy dinner bursting with Tex Mex flavors.

Top Tips

Let the chicken rest before slicing: This keeps it juicy and helps it hold flavor.
Prep toppings ahead: Dice onion, pico and avocado while the chicken cooks to save time.
Don’t skip the chipotle simmer: It makes the chicken extra flavorful and tender.
Serve family-style or individually: Both options work beautifully depending on your crowd.

Close-up of sliced grilled chicken with avocado, corn, black beans, and tortilla strips on a salad, inspired by a Tex Mex rice bowl for a Chili's Copycat experience.

Chili’s Fresh Mex Bowl FAQs

Can I make this fresh Mex bowl ahead of time?

Yes, all the components can be prepped in advance. Assemble when ready to eat.

Where can I buy chipotle sauce?

Kroger, Walmart and Amazon all carry chipotle sauce. Any Mexican grocery store will also have it, along with all the other ingredients.

Is this a spicy recipe?

It has a mild to medium heat level from the chipotle sauce, but you can adjust to taste.

Close-up of sliced, seasoned grilled chicken breast with visible spices and crispy tortilla strips, just like a Chili's Copycat Tex Mex Fresh Mex Bowl.

Chili’s Chipotle Bowl Recipe

5 from 64 votes

Fresh Mex Bowl

Craving something bold, colorful and satisfying? This fresh Mex bowl is packed with smoky chipotle chicken, black beans, avocado and more. It’s easy, customizable and perfect for busy nights.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients 

To Garnish

  • 1 Cup tortilla strips, crispy
  • 2 Tablespoon cilantro, freshly chopped

Instructions 

  • Prepare rice according to package directions. Start this first, typically the directions will entail bringing water to a boil, adding rice, lowering heat to a simmer, and cooking for 25 plus minutes.
  • Pour chicken broth and ¼ cup chipotle sauce into a large saucepan or Dutch oven and whisk. Once boiling, add the chicken. Cook for 5 minutes. This will not be enough to cook the chicken but is just enough time for the meat to absorb the flavor of the chipotle sauce and broth. It will also be extra juicy.
  • Meanwhile, preheat a grill pan over high heat.
  • Combine cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and oregano in a small bowl or ramekin.
  • Remove chicken from the saucepan. Season both sides of the chicken.
  • Lightly spray the grill pan with nonstick cooking spray that has a high smoke point.
  • Add the chicken to the grill pan and sear for 2 minutes per side. Remove and set onto a wooden cutting board to rest.
  • Meanwhile, add the corn, black beans, and 2 Tablespoons of chipotle sauce to a small pan or skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes.
  • Thinly slice the chicken breast into strips.
  • Either arrange into individual bowls, or into a large, shallow serving dish.
  • First add the rice, then the corn and black beans, next add the pico de gallo, diced red onion, and avocado slices. Top with tortilla strips and garnish with cilantro.

Notes

Let the chicken rest before slicing: This keeps it juicy and helps it hold flavor.
Prep toppings ahead: Dice onion, pico and avocado while the chicken cooks to save time.
Don’t skip the chipotle simmer: It makes the chicken extra flavorful and tender.
Serve family-style or individually: Both options work beautifully depending on your crowd.

Nutrition

Calories: 369kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 816mg | Potassium: 963mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 588IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

This fresh Chili’s chipotle chicken fresh Mex bowl is everything you want in a fast, flavorful meal—spiced chicken, hearty rice, fresh toppings and tons of texture. It’s the kind of bowl that satisfies cravings without weighing you down. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week or just want a new go-to dinner, this Chilis chipotle chicken fresh Mex bowl recipe brings big flavor and flexibility to your table every time.

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Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

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Recipe Rating




5 from 64 votes (59 ratings without comment)

10 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Made this a few months ago and making it again this weekend. My family loves it, it is delicious and to be honest, hard to stop eating! I stop and order it every time I am at Chili’s and was so happy to be able to duplicate it at home! THANK YOU!

    1. There is two steps for cooking chicken. In Step #2 you cook it for 5 minutes in the broth mixture. Then in Step #7 you grill it, 2 minutes per side. If you had thick breasts you will probably want to check and cook more if needed. I hope that helps.

        1. I used thousand island but it’s pretty good with the Chili’s house-made ranch (or regular ranch dressing)

          1. 5 stars
            There is a Taco Bell chipotle creamy sauce that Kroger/Bakers/King Soopers sells. It is soo good with this recipe.