Irresistible High Protein BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl Recipe

Introduction

This irresistible high protein BBQ ranch chicken bowl is a flavorful and nutritious meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Packed with tender grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy ranch-BBQ sauce, it’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups (320 g) cooked brown rice or quinoa
• 1 cup (150 g) corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 cup (150 g) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup (75 g) diced red onion
• 1/2 cup (75 g) shredded lettuce or baby spinach
• 1/4 cup (60 g) light ranch dressing
• 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup (30 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional: fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts and let them marinate for 10 minutes.
2. Step 2: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
3. Step 3: Prepare your grains according to package instructions. Meanwhile, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red onion, shred the lettuce or spinach, rinse the black beans, and heat the corn if using frozen.
4. Step 4: Assemble the bowls by placing the cooked brown rice or quinoa as the base. Arrange corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, diced onion, greens, and sliced chicken on top.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the ranch dressing and BBQ sauce. Drizzle this sauce over each bowl, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve warm or chilled.

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken rub or a dash of hot sauce to the ranch-BBQ drizzle.
• Swap out chicken for grilled tofu or shrimp for a different protein option.
• Use mixed greens instead of lettuce or spinach for added texture and flavor complexity.
• To make this recipe dairy-free, omit the cheddar cheese and use a dairy-free ranch dressing.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain freshness. Reheat in the microwave until warm, or enjoy cold as a refreshing meal.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and safety.

What can I substitute for the ranch dressing?

You can use Greek yogurt mixed with herbs, a vinaigrette, or your favorite creamy dressing as a flavorful alternative to ranch.

Irresistible High Protein BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 62 reviews

This Irresistible High Protein BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl combines flavorful grilled chicken with wholesome grains and fresh vegetables, topped with a tangy BBQ ranch dressing and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a nutritious, balanced meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner that’s both satisfying and delicious.

• Author: Felix
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Marinade

• 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Grains & Veggies

• 2 cups (320 g) cooked brown rice or quinoa
• 1 cup (150 g) corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 cup (150 g) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup (75 g) diced red onion
• 1/2 cup (75 g) shredded lettuce or baby spinach

Dressing & Toppings

• 1/4 cup (60 g) light ranch dressing
• 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup (30 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional: fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts and let them marinate for 10 minutes to enhance the flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing into strips to retain juices.
3. Prepare the Grains and Vegetables: Cook brown rice or quinoa according to package instructions. Meanwhile, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red onion, shred the lettuce or baby spinach, rinse the black beans, and heat the corn if using frozen. Set all ingredients aside.
4. Assemble the Bowl: Place the cooked grains as a base in each bowl. Arrange corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, diced onion, shredded greens, and sliced chicken attractively on top.
5. Make and Add Dressing: Mix the light ranch dressing with the BBQ sauce in a small bowl until combined. Drizzle this BBQ ranch dressing over each bowl, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve warm or chilled.

Notes

• For spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade.
• Substitute quinoa with brown rice or another whole grain based on preference.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breast for a juicier texture.
• To make it vegetarian, replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian ranch dressing.
• This bowl can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately to keep ingredients fresh before assembly.

Keywords: BBQ chicken bowl, high protein chicken recipe, healthy chicken bowl, ranch chicken bowl, grilled chicken recipe, healthy bowls