This BBQ Chicken Ranch Bowl is a tasty mix of grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy ranch dressing, all served over rice or lettuce. It’s a colorful and satisfying meal!
I love how simple this bowl is to make. Just toss everything together and enjoy! Plus, it’s like a party in a bowl—fun and full of flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to here for their lean protein. If you’re looking for a quicker option, shredded rotisserie chicken is perfect! It adds flavor without extra cooking time.
BBQ Sauce: You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce for ease. If watching sugar intake, opt for a low-sugar version or make a homemade BBQ sauce using ketchup and vinegar.
Quinoa: This grain is high in protein and gluten-free. If you don’t have quinoa, consider brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. They both work well in this bowl!
Black Beans: They add a nice creamy texture and fiber. Canned beans are very convenient—just rinse and they’re ready to go. If you want a different flavor, try chickpeas instead.
Red Cabbage: I love using red cabbage for its crunch and color. If unavailable, green cabbage or even mixed greens can be used instead for freshness without losing too much texture.
How Do I Cook Quinoa Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking quinoa may seem tricky, but it’s pretty simple when you follow these steps! It’s all about the water-to-quinoa ratio and timing.
- For every 1 cup of quinoa, use 2 cups of water or broth. This helps it fluff up nicely!
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and cover it. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, remove it from heat but don’t uncover it yet! Let it sit for an additional 5 minutes to finish steaming.
- Finally, fluff it with a fork—not a spoon! This helps keep it light and airy.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly cooked quinoa every time!
What is the Best Way to Cook Chicken in a Skillet?
Cooking chicken in a skillet helps keep it juicy and flavorful. Here are some tips for success:
- Start by patting the chicken dry and seasoning it with salt and pepper—that really enhances the flavor!
- Heat your skillet to medium-high and add olive oil before placing the chicken in. It should sizzle!
- Cook the chicken without moving it for the first few minutes. This allows a nice golden brown crust to form.
- Flip it after 5-6 minutes, ensuring it cooks evenly on both sides. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—it should reach 165°F.
Letting the chicken rest after cooking locks in juices, making it tender and delicious!
BBQ Chicken Ranch Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bowl:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or chicken broth (for cooking quinoa)
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This BBQ Chicken Ranch Bowl should take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 15 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking, and the rest of the time is for assembling the bowl. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Quinoa:
Start by cooking the quinoa! In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed quinoa and pour in the water or chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. Once done, take it off the heat and keep it covered for another 5 minutes. Finally, fluff it with a fork to make it nice and airy!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the quinoa is cooking, let’s get the chicken ready. First, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and let it cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until it’s fully cooked and nicely browned.
3. Add the BBQ Sauce:
Once your chicken is cooked through, brush the BBQ sauce over both sides of the chicken in the skillet. Allow it to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on each side, just enough to caramelize the sauce a little. After that, take the chicken off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
4. Assemble the Bowl:
Now it’s time to make the bowl! Start by dividing the cooked quinoa between serving bowls. Next, arrange the black beans, shredded red cabbage, diced tomato, sliced avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced BBQ chicken all on top of the quinoa, creating a colorful display.
5. Drizzle with Ranch:
Finish it off by drizzling the ranch dressing over everything. If you like, sprinkle with some chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh touch!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
That’s it! Your BBQ Chicken Ranch Bowl is ready to serve. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal, packed with flavor and nutrition!
This bowl perfectly balances the smoky BBQ chicken with fresh veggies and a creamy ranch touch—ideal for a filling and delightful meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! However, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can safely thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the quick method by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about an hour.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the components separately if possible to maintain freshness. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to the quinoa to keep it moist.
What Can I Substitute for Quinoa?
If you don’t have quinoa on hand, brown rice or bulgur are great alternatives and can be cooked similarly. For a low-carb option, consider using cauliflower rice or even a mix of leafy greens as the base!
Can I Make This Bowl Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make this bowl vegetarian by omitting the chicken. Add more black beans or include grilled veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for protein and flavor. Tofu is another excellent protein substitute that works well in this dish!