BBQ Chicken Power Bowl

This BBQ Chicken Power Bowl offers a nutritious and flavourful meal solution, combining tender, smoky barbecue chicken with vibrant vegetables and wholesome grains in a single bowl. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners, satisfying lunches, or make-ahead meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for busy schedules.

• Balanced Nutrition: Packed with protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fresh produce.

• Customisable: Swap components to suit dietary preferences or what’s in your pantry.

• Meal-Prep Friendly: Components can be prepared ahead of time for grab-and-go meals.

• Bold Flavours: Smoky BBQ chicken paired with a tangy yoghurt dressing and crisp veggies.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus 2 tbsp for dressing)

• 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice

• 4 cups mixed greens or chopped romaine lettuce

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 avocado, sliced

• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

• ½ red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup Greek yoghurt

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp water (to thin dressing, if desired)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

directions

1. Season the chicken. Pat chicken dry, then coat evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Cook the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook 5–7 minutes per side, brushing with BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

3. Prepare grains and vegetables. Cook quinoa or rice according to package instructions. Meanwhile, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the avocado, thinly slice the red onion, and drain and rinse the beans and corn.

4. Make the dressing. Whisk together Greek yoghurt, additional BBQ sauce, lime juice, and water until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Assemble the bowls. Divide quinoa or rice among four bowls. Top with mixed greens, sliced chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and onion.

6. Finish and serve. Drizzle each bowl with the BBQ yoghurt dressing and sprinkle with shredded cheese, if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Rotisserie Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in BBQ sauce for an even quicker version.

• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or mix hot sauce into the BBQ sauce.

• Low-Carb: Substitute cauliflower rice for the quinoa or brown rice.

• Smoky Corn: Grill or roast the corn kernels before adding for deeper flavour.

• Pickled Onions: Top with quick-pickled red onions for a bright, tangy contrast.

storage/reheating

• Refrigeration: Store assembled bowls (without dressing) in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

• Dressing: Keep the yoghurt dressing separate in its own container for up to 5 days.

• Reheating: Microwave the chicken and grains for 1–2 minutes until heated through.

• Freshness Tip: Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.

• Freezing: Portion cooked chicken (with BBQ sauce) into freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat when ready.

FAQs

Can I make this power bowl vegetarian?

Yes. Replace the chicken with roasted chickpeas, grilled tofu, or tempeh tossed in BBQ sauce for plenty of plant-based protein and smoky flavour.

What can I use instead of quinoa?

Brown rice, white rice, farro, barley, or cauliflower rice are all excellent bases for this bowl.

Can I prepare this bowl ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook the chicken, grains, and chop the vegetables up to three days in advance. Store each component separately and assemble when you’re ready to eat.

Is this bowl gluten-free?

It can be, provided you use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and gluten-free grains like quinoa or certified rice.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Choose a sauce with a balanced sweet, tangy, and smoky profile. If you need it gluten-free, check the label to confirm certification.

Can I cook the chicken on the grill instead of in a skillet?

Yes. Preheat your grill to medium-high (around 400 °F/200 °C) and grill the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, or until it reaches 165 °F (74 °C) internally.

How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness, cook to an internal temperature of 155 °F (68 °C), then let rest covered for 5 minutes so carry-over heat brings it to 165 °F (74 °C).

Can I use a slow cooker for the chicken?

Sure. Cook the seasoned chicken breasts on low for 4–5 hours, shred them, and toss with BBQ sauce before assembling your bowls.

How do I make the BBQ yoghurt dressing?

Whisk together ½ cup Greek yoghurt, 2 tbsp BBQ sauce, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency and season with salt and pepper.

What’s the best way to meal prep this recipe?

Prepare all components—chicken, grains, veggies, and dressing—ahead of time. Store each in separate airtight containers and assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

This BBQ Chicken Power Bowl is a versatile, flavour-packed dish that brings together protein, grains, and fresh vegetables for a balanced meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a hearty bowl, this recipe delivers convenience without compromising on taste. Enjoy!