BBQ Chicken Bowl
These BBQ Chicken Bowls are an easy, no-fuss dinner that brings together juicy chicken, homemade corn slaw, and all your favorite BBQ flavors in just under 45 minutes.
We all need a quick dinner that feels fancy without the fuss, and these Barbecue Chicken Bowls check every box. The bowls start with grilled or baked barbecue chicken thighs that are tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and loaded with smoky, tangy barbecue flavor. Pair that with the bright crunch of a creamy homemade corn slaw, and you've got a meal that feels like a backyard barbecue, all in one bowl.
What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together with just a few simple ingredients like chicken thighs, corn, cilantro, and a drizzle of ranch dressing. Plus, it's got all the delicious BBQ comfort you crave but without firing up the grill! Whether you're making it for a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this meal will quickly become a go-to.
Love chicken bowls as much as I do? Then, you'll love this Chili Lime Chicken Avocado Bowls and Southwest Chicken Rice Bowl!
Before You Make These BBQ Chicken Bowls
Here's why you'll love these bowls just as much as I do!
- Two Meals in One: Whenever I plan to make these bowls, I make a double batch of BBQ Chicken. Serve it in the bowls the first night and then use the leftovers to make an easy BBQ chicken quesadilla, pizza, or sandwich.
- Shop your fridge and pantry: You can top these bowls with pretty much any protein and combination of veggies! They are super versatile and customizable to your tastes - use different proteins, change up the slaw, swap in a new dressing, add some beans - you get the idea!
- Make this meal in 15 minutes: If you only have 15 minutes, make these bowls with rotisserie chicken, a bag of shredded coleslaw, and your favorite ranch dressing. Toss the chicken with the BBQ sauce and spices, use the dressing to make a ranch slaw, and pile it all over precooked or frozen rice.
Here's What You'll Need to Make BBQ Chicken Bowls
Grab the following ingredients to make these BBQ Chicken Bowls! Make sure to check the recipe card for the full list of ingredients.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe. If you prefer, use chicken breasts or another protein.
- Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce, or substitute with a homemade sauce or even buffalo sauce for heat. I used low-sugar BBQ sauce, but feel free to use whatever you like!
- Shredded red cabbage slaw: You can use green cabbage if needed, but red cabbage is better for a vibrant pop. Or grab a bag of shredded coleslaw to speed things up.
- Corn: You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn. For a smokier flavor, you can use Blackened Corn or Grilled Corn!
- Jalapeño (optional): Omit it for a milder dish, or swap it with bell peppers for color and crunch without the spice.
- Greek yogurt and mayo: Creates the creamy base for the slaw. Non-dairy yogurt or even sour cream can be used for a similar texture and flavor. Substitute with avocado for a dairy-free alternative.
- Honey: Sweetens the slaw dressing. Maple syrup or agave syrup are great substitutes.
- Lime juice: Lime juice gives a fresh, zesty flavor. Lemon juice or vinegar works as a substitute if you don't have limes.
- Cooked white rice: This is the base for our bowls. You can also swap quinoa or brown rice for heartier bowls or use lettuce or cauliflower rice for a lighter bowl.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls
Here's a quick rundown of how to make this recipe:
- Prep the chicken: Coat the chicken in the oil and spices.
- Cook the chicken: Bake the chicken until it reaches 165ºF internal temperature. You can also cook this chicken on the grill (or in a cast iron skillet), it needs 4-5 minutes per side.
- Make the corn slaw: While the chicken cooks, toss together your corn, cabbage, and other fresh ingredients. Mix in the creamy sauce for a tangy crunch.
- Assemble the bowls: Once the chicken is ready, slice it up and layer it in bowls with rice, beans, slaw, and any extra toppings you like!
Grilled Barbecue Chicken Instead
You can grill the chicken instead of baking it. Here's how:
Just coat the chicken in the spices, oil, and BBQ sauce. Then grill it over medium-high heat, flipping after 4-5 minites until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This will give the chicken a smoky, charred flavor that adds another layer of deliciousness to the dish! Tip! Don't flip the chicken until it releases easily from the grill and has form a nice sear.
Simple Swaps and Add-Ins
Need to make a change? Here are our recommendations:
- Change up the veggies: You can swap the corn for other veggies that you might have in your fridge or pantry. Try using roasted sweet potatoes, grilled zucchini, or even some sautéed bell peppers for a different flavor and texture.
- Beans: Switch out black beans for baked beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas for a slightly different texture and taste.
- Cheese: Top the bowls with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or crumbled goat cheese for extra richness.
- Potatoes: Want to bulk things up a bit? Add some Grilled Sweet Potatoes or Roasted Potatoes!
What else can I serve with this BBQ Chicken Bowl recipe?
Here are some more fun sides and toppings you can serve with these bowls to make them your own:
- Toppings: I like to add black beans and cherry tomatoes to my bowls, but you can also add some chopped red onion or pickled red onions, chopped bell pepper, or any other toppings you like.
- Dressing: I topped my bowls with ranch dressing, but you could omit it or use more BBQ sauce! If you like spice, you can also use some Jalapeno Ranch Dressing or Blackened Ranch Dressing for more smokiness!
- Low-carb: Ditch the grains and use chopped romaine lettuce as the base for these bowls. You could also use cauliflower rice for a more rice-like texture!
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
- Storing: Store the chicken, corn slaw, and rice in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This will keep everything fresh without sogginess.
- Reheating: To reheat, just warm the chicken and slaw in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if it's looking dry. The rice can be reheated in the microwave with a damp paper towel over it to keep it fluffy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most commonly asked questions about this recipe:
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can definitely prep the chicken and slaw in advance! Marinate the chicken the day before or the morning of, and store it in the fridge. The slaw can be mixed and kept in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, just bake the chicken, assemble the bowls, and drizzle with your favorite dressing or extra BBQ sauce. It's a great option for meal prep!
Do I have to make the slaw?
Nope! You can just use the cabbage slaw for some crunch or even use your favorite store-bought slaw!
More Bowls You Will Love
These are always a favorite!
BBQ Chicken Bowl
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Ingredients
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1.33 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp chili powder
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1/2 tsp kosher salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1/2 cup barbecue sauce (I used reduced sugar)
Corn Slaw
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2 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
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3 cups shredded cabbage slaw
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1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
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2 tbsp green onions (or red onions)
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1/2 jalapeno, minced (seeds removed, optional)
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2 tbsp nonfat plain Greek yogurt
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2 tbsp light mayonnaise
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1 tbsp honey
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2 tbsp lime juice
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1/2 tsp cumin
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Salt and pepper
Bowls
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2 cups cooked white rice
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2 cups canned black beans, rinsed and drained
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/4 cup light ranch dressing (I used yogurt based ranch, optional)
Instructions
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Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven and brush with some of the remaining barbecue sauce on one side. Turn the oven up to broil. Broil for 3-4 minutes until nicely browned and crisp. Flip over and brush with barbecue sauce on the other side. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until browned and crisp.
Equipment
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.
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