This post may contain affiliate links, please see the privacy policy for details.
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.
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.
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.
Chili’s Fresh Mex Bowl FAQs
Yes, all the components can be prepped in advance. Assemble when ready to eat.
Kroger, Walmart and Amazon all carry chipotle sauce. Any Mexican grocery store will also have it, along with all the other ingredients.
It has a mild to medium heat level from the chipotle sauce, but you can adjust to taste.
Chili’s Chipotle Bowl Recipe
Fresh Mex Bowl
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Package Mexican rice, 7 Ounces
- 1 Pound chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, thinly sliced
- 3 Cups chicken broth
- ¼ Cup plus 2 Tablespoons chipotle sauce
- ½ Teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ Teaspoon ancho chili powder
- ¼ Teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ Teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ Teaspoon black pepper
- ½ Teaspoon oregano, fresh, Mexican if possible
- 1 Can corn, southwest, 14 Ounces, drained
- 1 Can black beans, 14 Ounces, drained and rinsed
- 1 Cup pico de gallo
- 1 red onion, diced
- 2 avocados, sliced
- nonstick cooking spray, as needed
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
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
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.
Other Recipes to Try
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.
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!
Such a delicious dinner! So much flavor!
My Mexican-loving taste buds are happy!!
How long to cook chicken until it’s done?
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.
What sauce is drizzled on the salad
I used thousand island but it’s pretty good with the Chili’s house-made ranch (or regular ranch dressing)
There is a Taco Bell chipotle creamy sauce that Kroger/Bakers/King Soopers sells. It is soo good with this recipe.
Ooh now THAT sounds good!! Thanks for the tip.
I need to try this one out!