This BBQ Chicken Ranch Bowl is a fun and tasty meal! It’s packed with juicy chicken, zesty ranch dressing, and a mix of veggies. Perfect for a busy day!
I love how colorful it looks with all those fresh toppings. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients—who doesn’t love that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here for their tenderness. If you prefer another protein, feel free to substitute with grilled tofu, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a plant-based option.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce—sweet, spicy, or tangy! If you’re out, homemade sauce made from ketchup, vinegar, and spices is an easy substitute. You can even use teriyaki sauce for a different spin.
Brown Rice: Brown rice is a hearty base, but quinoa or cauliflower rice are great alternatives. Quinoa adds protein, while cauliflower rice keeps things lighter.
Veggies: I love cherry tomatoes and avocado for their freshness. However, you can swap in any favorite veggies like corn, black beans, or zucchini for more variety and color.
Ranch Dressing: While store-bought ranch is convenient, you can create a simpler version using Greek yogurt, herbs, and a splash of buttermilk. This is a healthier option, as well!
How Do You Grill Chicken Perfectly Every Time?
Grilling chicken to perfection can be tricky, but it’s all about the method! Here are some tips for juicy and flavorful chicken:
- Start with room-temperature chicken. Letting it sit out for about 15 minutes helps it cook evenly.
- Make sure your grill is preheated properly. A hot grill creates beautiful grill marks and prevents sticking.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F for safe doneness.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This keeps the juices inside, resulting in tender meat.
- Lastly, brush your BBQ sauce on at the end of cooking so it doesn’t burn. This way, you get that caramelized flavor without the char!
BBQ Chicken Ranch Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup cooked brown rice (or your preferred grain)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced in half and pitted
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: sliced scallions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes in total—around 10 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for cooking and assembling the bowl. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and gets those nice grill marks!
2. Seasoning the Chicken:
While the grill heats up, season the chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Brush them with olive oil to keep them juicy and flavorful as they grill.
3. Grilling the Chicken:
Once your grill is ready, place the chicken breasts on it. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and have nice grill marks—make sure they reach 165°F internally. This will give you delicious, charred chicken!
4. Adding BBQ Sauce:
Remove the chicken from the grill and brush it generously with BBQ sauce. Let the sauce warm and set on the chicken for a couple of minutes while you prepare the bowls.
5. Assembling the Bowl:
In a serving bowl, put an even layer of cooked brown rice as your base. Then, chop the grilled BBQ chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it on top of the rice.
6. Adding Fresh Veggies:
Next, garnish the bowl with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, diced red onion, green bell pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. You can pile these on however you like to make it look colorful!
7. Drizzling with Ranch:
Now, drizzle ranch dressing over the top to your liking! This creamy addition pairs perfectly with the BBQ chicken.
8. Final Touches:
If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh cilantro and sliced scallions on top for an extra pop of flavor. It makes the bowl look nice and bright!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your BBQ Chicken Ranch Bowl immediately and enjoy the lovely combination of smoky chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy ranch. It’s a delightful dish that’s sure to please!
This BBQ Chicken Ranch Bowl is not just tasty but also vibrant and satisfying, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner. Enjoy your cooking!
Can I Use Different Grains in This Bowl?
Absolutely! While brown rice is great, you can also use quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Just make sure to cook them according to their respective package instructions before assembling the bowl.
Can I Make This Bowl Vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or even roasted chickpeas to keep it hearty and satisfying. Swapping the BBQ sauce for a tangy marinade will still give you that delicious flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove, keeping in mind that avocados may brown, so it’s best to store them separately if possible.
Can I Prep This Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can grill the chicken and prepare the rice in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge, and assemble the bowls fresh when you’re ready to eat. This makes for quick meals during the week!