This BBQ Chicken Ranch Bowl is a tasty mix of juicy chicken, creamy ranch, and fresh veggies. It’s like a party in a bowl that’s also healthy!
I like to pile it high with toppings—who doesn’t love extra crunch? Plus, it’s quick to whip up for lunch or dinner, making it a weeknight winner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is great for this dish because it cooks quickly and stays tender. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a fantastic substitution—just shred and add!
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to add flavor. If you want a healthier option, look for low-sugar or homemade versions. You can also swap it with teriyaki sauce for a different twist!
Rice: White rice is easy and classic, but brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice are excellent substitutes if you want something healthier or gluten-free.
Corn: Fresh corn adds sweetness, but canned or frozen corn works too. If you’re looking for a twist, black beans or chickpeas can be a fun alternative.
Ranch Dressing: Classic ranch is delicious, but you could use yogurt for a healthier option or even a vinaigrette for a lighter touch. I sometimes like to make my own ranch to control the flavors!
How Do I Get the Chicken Just Right?
Cooking chicken to perfection is key to a great bowl. Here’s how I do it:
- **Preheat:** Make sure your oven or grill is hot enough. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
- **Season Well:** Salt and pepper are basic but essential—for more flavor, add garlic powder or paprika.
- **Cook Thoroughly:** Use a meat thermometer; the chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it’s cooked but still juicy.
- **Rest the Chicken:** After cooking, let it sit for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices locked in!
Following these steps will help you get moist and flavorful chicken every time!
BBQ Chicken Ranch Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1/2 avocado, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
- 1/2 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh lime wedges for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ Chicken Ranch Bowl takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 25 minutes of cooking time. In total, you should have this colorful meal ready to enjoy in about 35-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) or get a grill pan ready over medium-high heat. While it heats up, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper and drizzle them with olive oil.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts on the grill pan or in the oven. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. You can check if it’s ready by cutting into the thickest part; it should not be pink inside.
3. Flavor with BBQ Sauce:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat and brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce over the top. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to let the flavors meld, then slice or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
4. Assemble Your Bowl:
In large serving bowls, start with a base of cooked white rice. Then, neatly arrange the BBQ chicken pieces, corn, avocado slices, quartered grape tomatoes, shredded cabbage, and chopped red onion on top in colorful sections for a beautiful presentation.
5. Add the Finishing Touches:
Drizzle ranch dressing over the top of everything. For a fresh finish, sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top. If you love a zesty kick, serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the bowl.
6. Enjoy!
Dig in right away and savor the mix of flavors and textures in this hearty and colorful BBQ Chicken Ranch Bowl!
This bowl is perfect for a filling yet nutritious meal and is great for leftovers too. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Bowl?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred or chop it into pieces, warm it up if desired, and proceed with the recipe!
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Dressing?
If you’re looking for alternatives to ranch dressing, you can use Greek yogurt mixed with herbs for a lighter option or opt for a vinaigrette for a tangy twist. Homemade ranch or any creamy dressing you love would work well too!
Can I Make This Bowl Vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for protein. Use a plant-based BBQ sauce and swap the ranch dressing with a vegan version or avocado for creaminess!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the freshness, try to store the toppings separately and assemble just before serving. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to prevent dryness.