High Protein BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl Recipe
This Irresistible High Protein BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl is a flavorful and nutritious meal perfect for any day of the week. Packed with tender grilled chicken, vibrant veggies, and a tangy BBQ ranch sauce, it’s a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and customize.

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
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts and let them marinate for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
- Step 3: Prepare the brown rice or quinoa according to package instructions. While cooking, 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.
- Step 4: Divide the cooked grains into serving bowls. Arrange the corn, black beans, tomatoes, onion, greens, and sliced chicken on top.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the ranch dressing and BBQ sauce together. Drizzle the sauce over each bowl, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, and garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve warm or chilled.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken rub or mix some hot sauce into the BBQ ranch dressing.
- Swap brown rice or quinoa with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Use grilled vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to add extra flavor and nutrients.
- Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh.
- Prepare the components in advance and assemble bowls when ready for a quick meal.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain freshness. Reheat in the microwave until warm, or enjoy chilled as a refreshing meal.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat for this bowl?
Yes, this recipe works well with grilled turkey, steak, or shrimp. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is properly cooked.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
You can freeze the cooked chicken and grains separately, but the fresh vegetables and dressing are best added fresh after thawing for optimal texture and flavor.
PrintHigh Protein BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl Recipe
This High Protein BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl is a flavorful, nutritious meal featuring tender grilled chicken breast, wholesome brown rice or quinoa, and a colorful medley of fresh veggies. Topped with a tangy BBQ ranch dressing and shredded cheddar cheese, it’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner that balances protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Base and Vegetables
- 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 and 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
- 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 allow to marinate for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
- Cook and prepare grains and vegetables: Prepare brown rice or quinoa following package instructions. While grains are cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red onion, shred the lettuce or spinach, rinse and drain black beans, and heat corn if using frozen.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked grains evenly among serving bowls as the base. Arrange corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, diced onion, greens, and sliced chicken attractively on top of the grains.
- Make the dressing and garnish: In a small bowl, mix light ranch dressing with BBQ sauce. Drizzle this BBQ ranch dressing generously over each bowl. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve the bowls warm or chilled according to preference.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean protein; chicken thighs can be substituted for juicier meat.
- For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh and use vegan ranch dressing.
- Feel free to swap brown rice with quinoa or other whole grains like farro or bulgur for variation.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade or dressing.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; add dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Keywords: BBQ chicken bowl, high protein chicken recipe, healthy chicken bowl, grilled chicken recipe, protein-packed meals, easy chicken dinner, BBQ ranch dressing

