Chipotle Chicken & Rice Bowl

Place an oven rack in the center of the oven; preheat to 450°F. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Line a sheet pan with foil. Cut off and discard the ends of the squash. Halve lengthwise; using a spoon, scoop out and discard the pulp and seeds. Cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Place on the sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Arrange in an even layer. Roast 20 to 22 minutes, or until browned and tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven.

Meanwhile, carefully rinse the rice (sifting through for any impurities). Drain thoroughly. In a small pot, combine the rice, a big pinch of salt, and 1 cup of water. Heat to boiling on high. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook, without stirring, 13 to 15 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Turn off the heat and fluff with a fork.

Meanwhile, peel and roughly chop 2 cloves of garlic. Drain and rinse the beans. Using a zester or the small side of a box grater, finely grate the lime to get 1 teaspoon. Halve the lime crosswise. In a bowl, combine the sour cream, cilantro sauce, and the juice of 1 lime half. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired.  

In a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the chopped garlic and spice blend; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until slightly softened. Add the drained beans and 1/2 cup of water (carefully, as the liquid may splatter); season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently and mashing the beans with the back of a spoon, 4 to 5 minutes, or until the beans are softened and the water has cooked off. Transfer to a bowl. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Cover with foil to keep warm. Rinse and wipe out the pan.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper. In the same pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned chicken. Cook, without stirring, 3 to 4 minutes, or until lightly browned. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, or until browned. Add the sugar, the juice of the remaining lime half (carefully, as the liquid may splatter), 2 tablespoons of water, and as much of the chile paste as you’d like, depending on how spicy you’d like the dish to be. Cook, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 minutes, or until the chicken is coated and cooked through. Turn off the heat. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Add the lime zest to the pot of cooked rice. Season with salt and pepper; stir to combine. Serve the finished rice topped with the cooked beans, roasted squash, cooked chicken (including any sauce from the pan), and cilantro sour cream. Enjoy!