Fresh Mex Bowl

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.