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Easy Flavor-Packed BBQ Chicken Bowl Recipe for Quick Healthy Dinners

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A quick and easy BBQ chicken bowl recipe that combines juicy, smoky chicken with fresh veggies and rice for a healthy, flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (about 400 g cooked) — jasmine or basmati preferred
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 medium avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Optional: sliced jalapeños or hot sauce
  • Optional extras: Greek yogurt or sour cream for dolloping
  • Optional extras: pickled red onions

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine BBQ sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 10 minutes (up to 1 hour in fridge for better flavor).
  2. Prepare 2 cups cooked rice according to package instructions. Rinse rice under cold water before cooking for fluffiness (takes about 15-20 minutes).
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side (12-14 minutes total) until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and edges caramelize. Lower heat or add splash of water/extra BBQ sauce if sauce starts to burn.
  4. Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain.
  5. Warm black beans and corn kernels in a small saucepan or microwave until heated through.
  6. Divide cooked rice between serving bowls. Top with sliced BBQ chicken, black beans, corn, diced avocado, shredded cheddar, and chopped cilantro. Squeeze lime wedges over the top and add optional jalapeños or hot sauce.
  7. Add dollops of Greek yogurt or sour cream and sprinkle pickled red onions if using. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 10 minutes but up to 1 hour for better flavor. Rinse rice before cooking for fluffier texture. Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good sear. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. Use medium-high heat to balance caramelization without burning BBQ sauce. Swap rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Use gluten-free BBQ sauce to keep recipe gluten-free.

Nutrition

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