This BBQ Chicken Ranch Bowl is like a party in a bowl! It’s filled with tender chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, fresh veggies, and creamy ranch dressing topped with crunchy tortilla strips.
If you ask me, it’s the perfect mix of flavors, and you can whip it up in no time. I love enjoying it for lunch or dinner—easy, tasty, and always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: I love using white rice for a classic taste, but brown rice is a great choice if you want more fiber. Quinoa can also be a nutritious substitute if you’re looking for something different.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to work with and cook quickly. If you want a quicker option, rotisserie chicken is fantastic, just shred it before mixing with the BBQ sauce!
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for the flavor you love. For a healthier version, you can make your own using ketchup, vinegar, and spices. You can also use a sugar-free BBQ sauce for fewer calories.
Corn: Fresh corn on the cob is great in season, but canned or frozen corn works well and saves time. I often use frozen because it’s ready right out of the bag!
Ranch Dressing: If you want lighter options, Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of water or lemon juice can work as a healthier ranch dressing alternative. You can also try a homemade avocado dressing for a twist.
How Do You Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken so it’s juicy and tender is key for this bowl. Here’s how I do it:
- Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Grill on medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- If baking, cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes.
- Add some BBQ sauce during the last few minutes for extra flavor.
Rest the chicken for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep it moist. Then shred it using two forks for easy mixing with the BBQ sauce!
BBQ Chicken Ranch Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup purple cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: hot sauce for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This BBQ Chicken Ranch Bowl takes about 20 minutes to prepare if you have your rice cooked ahead of time. Including cooking the chicken, the whole process should take around 30-35 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Chicken:
Start by cooking the chicken breasts. You can grill, bake, or pan-cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C)—this usually takes about 6-7 minutes per side on the grill or about 25-30 minutes in the oven at 375°F (190°C). Once they’re cooked, let them cool for a couple of minutes, then shred them using two forks.
2. Mixing with BBQ Sauce:
In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until each piece is well coated. The BBQ sauce adds that delicious, smoky flavor that makes this dish a favorite!
3. Assembling the Bowl:
Now it’s time to assemble your bowl. Start with a base layer of cooked rice in your serving bowl. This will be the foundation for all the great flavors to come.
4. Adding the Chicken and Veggies:
On one side of the rice, arrange your BBQ chicken. Then, create beautiful piles with the corn, shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, diced tomato, and purple cabbage around the chicken. Feel free to get creative with how you lay everything out—it makes it more fun!
5. Dressing It Up:
Drizzle some ranch dressing over the entire bowl, giving it that creamy touch that pairs perfectly with the BBQ flavors. You can add as much or as little as you like!
6. Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for a burst of freshness. If you love a little heat, drizzle some hot sauce on top as an optional kick!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Your BBQ Chicken Ranch Bowl is ready to be served! Dive in and enjoy this colorful, flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Options Other Than Rice?
Absolutely! While rice is a great base for this bowl, you can use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative. Choose whatever you enjoy most!
How Can I Make This Bowl Spicier?
If you’re looking for an extra kick, try using spicier BBQ sauce, adding jalapeños, or drizzling some hot sauce on top. You can also mix some red pepper flakes into the ranch dressing for extra heat!
Can I Prepare This Bowl in Advance?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and rice ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Just assemble the bowl right before you plan to eat, adding fresh toppings for the best flavor and crunch!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover ingredients in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the ranch dressing separate to prevent sogginess. Reheat the chicken and rice when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
