Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring. One great way to enjoy your meals is by making colorful and tasty bowls. The High Protein BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl is a fantastic option for those who want a filling and nutritious dish. This bowl combines grilled chicken, healthy grains, fresh vegetables, and delicious sauces, making it a perfect choice for lunch or dinner. With its mix of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to delight everyone at the table.
Why Make This Recipe
You might wonder why you should try this High Protein BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl. Here are some great reasons:
High in Protein: Chicken is a wonderful source of protein. This bowl packs a punch with protein-rich ingredients, making it perfect for fitness enthusiasts or anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Customizable: You can easily swap or add ingredients based on your personal taste. Love avocados? Throw some in! Prefer quinoa over brown rice? No problem! This dish can be adjusted to suit different diets or cravings.
Quick to Prepare: With a cooking time of about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. You can make it in a short amount of time, and it doesn’t require complicated cooking techniques.
Nutrient-Rich: Aside from being high in protein, this bowl is also packed with vitamins and minerals from the veggies. You’ll get a good amount of fiber, too, which is great for your digestion.
Great for Meal Prep: If you’re looking to prepare meals in advance, this bowl is ideal. It stores well in the fridge, making it easy to grab a meal when you’re in a hurry.
How to Make High Protein BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl
Making this High Protein BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl is simple and fun. Follow these easy steps to prepare a tasty meal that your family and friends will love. Below are all the ingredients you need and the directions to make this delicious dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce or baby spinach
- 1/4 cup light ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
Directions
Prepare the Chicken: Start by preparing the chicken. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the chicken breast. Let the chicken sit for about 10 minutes to soak in those flavors.
Cook the Chicken: Next, heat a grill pan or a large skillet on medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken breast in the pan and cook it for roughly 6 to 7 minutes on each side. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
Prepare the Grains and Veggies: While the chicken is cooking, start on the grains and veggies. Cook the brown rice or quinoa according to package instructions. After that, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red onion, shred the lettuce or baby spinach, and if you use frozen corn, heat it up.
Assemble the Bowls: To build your bowls, start by adding a base of the cooked grains in each bowl. Then layer the corn, black beans, tomatoes, onions, and greens on top. Finally, add the sliced chicken strips.
Finish with Sauce and Cheese: In a small bowl, mix together the ranch dressing and BBQ sauce. Drizzle this delicious sauce over your assembled bowl, and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. If you like, add fresh cilantro or green onions for a tasty garnish.
Serve: Your High Protein BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl is ready to enjoy! You can eat it warm or chill it in the fridge for a refreshing meal later. If you have any leftovers, store them in airtight containers.
How to Serve High Protein BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl
Serving your High Protein BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl can be a fun experience. You can set up a “build-your-own” bowl station for family or friends. This way, everyone can customize their bowls with more of their favorite toppings. Provide options like extra cheese, different veggies, or additional sauces. A side of tortilla chips can also be a fun addition. This makes the meal feel festive and interactive!
How to Store High Protein BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl
If you have leftovers, storing this meal is easy. Simply place the bowl in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When ready to eat, you can enjoy it cold or reheat it in the microwave. If you want to keep the veggies fresh, consider storing the grains and toppings separately. This way, they stay crisp and delicious when you’re ready to eat.
Tips to Make High Protein BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl
Marinating Time: For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken for longer than 10 minutes. You can let it sit for 30 minutes or even overnight if you want to plan ahead.
Grilling Option: If you have a grill, grilling the chicken can give it a nice smoky flavor. Just make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook.
Add Fresh Herbs: Enhance the freshness by adding some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil to your bowl. It can brighten up the dish even more!
Spice Level: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to your bowl for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Option: To make this bowl vegetarian, you can skip the chicken and add more beans or even tofu as a protein source.
Variation
You can easily change this recipe to match your taste buds. Here are a few ideas for variations:
- Different Proteins: Use turkey, shrimp, or even tempeh instead of chicken for a different protein source.
- Other Grains: Replace the brown rice or quinoa with couscous, farro, or bulgur wheat for a different texture and flavor.
- Seasonal Vegetables: Use whatever vegetables are in season, like bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes, to add variety.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can make this dish ahead of time and store it in airtight containers in the fridge. It’s great for meal prep!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free grains like quinoa and check the labels for your sauces, this bowl can definitely be made gluten-free.
Can I freeze the High Protein BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl?
It is best to eat this bowl fresh, but if you want to freeze it, store the ingredients separately for best results. The grains and chicken can freeze well, while the fresh veggies should be added when you reheat it.
Now you have a colorful and flavorful meal ready to impress your loved ones! Enjoy creating and sharing your delicious High Protein BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowls!
High Protein BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture all over the chicken breast and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Heat a grill pan or large skillet on medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken breast in the pan and cook for roughly 6 to 7 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
- Cook the brown rice or quinoa according to package instructions. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red onion, and shred the lettuce or spinach.
- Add a base of the cooked grains in each bowl. Layer the corn, black beans, tomatoes, onions, and greens on top. Finally, add the sliced chicken strips.
- Mix the ranch dressing and BBQ sauce in a small bowl, drizzle over the assembled bowl, and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Add fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.
- Enjoy your High Protein BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl warm or chilled. Store leftovers in airtight containers.