Irresistible High Protein BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl Recipe
This Irresistible High Protein BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl is a flavorful, nutritious meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Featuring tender grilled chicken breast seasoned with smoky spices, served over a bed of brown rice or quinoa, and topped with fresh corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, red onions, shredded greens, and a delicious blend of BBQ sauce and light ranch dressing. Finished with shredded cheddar cheese and optional fresh herbs, this bowl is a satisfying, balanced dish rich in protein and vibrant textures.
- 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
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
Base and 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
Sauce 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 breast and let it marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken on the pan and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices, then slice it into strips.
- Prepare Grains and Vegetables: Cook brown rice or quinoa as per package instructions. Meanwhile, prep the vegetables by halving the cherry tomatoes, dicing the red onion, shredding the lettuce or baby spinach, rinsing the black beans thoroughly, and heating the corn kernels if using frozen.
- Assemble the Bowl: In individual serving bowls, start by adding the cooked grains as the base. Arrange the corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, diced onion, shredded greens, and sliced chicken on top, distributing everything evenly.
- Add Sauce and Garnish: Mix the light ranch dressing and BBQ sauce together until well combined. Drizzle this sauce mixture generously over each bowl. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve the bowls warm or chilled according to preference.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Brown rice or quinoa provides a healthy whole grain base; feel free to use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb variation.
- Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce and ranch dressing to fit your taste and dietary preferences.
- For a dairy-free alternative, omit the cheddar cheese and use dairy-free ranch dressing.
- This bowl can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep.
Keywords: BBQ chicken bowl, high protein meal, grilled chicken recipe, healthy chicken bowl, BBQ ranch chicken, brown rice chicken bowl, quinoa bowl
