Go Back

Honey Chipotle Meatball Bowls

A deliciously satisfying dish combining savory, spicy, and sweet flavors with tender meatballs, fresh corn salsa, and rice, perfect for family dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground chicken or turkey Lean and juicy protein for meatballs.
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped green onion Adds fresh element.
  • 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs Use gluten-free if needed.
  • 1 large egg Binder for meatballs.
  • 1 chipotle chile finely chopped Adds smokiness and heat.
  • 1 teaspoon adobo sauce Spicy flavor enhancer.
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro Adds freshness.
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder Warm spice.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin Earthy flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Adds savory aroma.
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt Essential for seasoning.
  • Fresh ground black pepper to taste For seasoning.
For the Sauce
  • 2 teaspoons finely minced chipotle chile in adobo sauce Additional heat.
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce For more smokiness.
  • 2 tablespoons honey Balances spice with sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth Moistening agent.
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water To thicken sauce.
  • Salt to taste For seasoning.
For the Corn Salsa
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen corn (defrosted) Sweet kernels.
  • 1 jalapeño deseeded and finely chopped Adds spice and crunch.
  • 1/3 cup diced red onion Color and mild taste.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro For garnish.
  • 1/2 of a lime juiced Adds tanginess.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste For seasoning.
For Serving
  • 2 cups cooked rice Base for bowls.
  • 1 avocado peeled and sliced (optional) Creamy addition.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine corn salsa ingredients and mix well.
  3. Preheat the oven to 450°F and prepare a baking sheet.
  4. In a large bowl, combine meatball ingredients and mix thoroughly. Roll into balls.
Cooking
  1. Bake meatballs for 10-12 minutes until golden.
  2. In a saucepan, combine sauce ingredients and bring to a boil. Thicken with cornstarch slurry.
  3. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and coat well.
Serving
  1. Assemble bowls with rice, meatballs, corn salsa, and optional avocado.
  2. Garnish with cilantro if desired.

Notes

Make meatballs ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. For more heat, add extra chipotle or cayenne.