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BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowls - A Flavor-Packed, Weeknight-Friendly Meal

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • Seasoning: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil: 1–2 tablespoons for cooking
  • BBQ sauce: 1/2 cup (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • Ranch dressing: 1/3–1/2 cup (bottled or homemade)
  • Base: 3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine), quinoa, or cauliflower rice
  • Corn: 1 cup (thawed frozen, canned, or charred fresh corn)
  • Black beans: 1 cup, rinsed and drained
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
  • Red onion: 1/3 cup, thinly sliced
  • Avocado: 1 large, diced
  • Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack: 1/2 cup
  • Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped
  • Lime wedges: for serving
  • Optional crunch: tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips

Method
 

  1. Cook the base. Make your rice or quinoa according to package directions. For weeknights, use microwaveable rice to save time. Fluff and set aside.
  2. Season the chicken. In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Coat evenly.
  3. Sear the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add a drizzle of oil, then the chicken. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
  4. Glaze with BBQ sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in the BBQ sauce and toss to coat. Simmer 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken. Remove from heat.
  5. Prep the toppings. While the chicken cooks, rinse the beans, slice the tomatoes and onions, dice the avocado, and chop the cilantro. Warm the corn or give it a quick char in a dry skillet for extra flavor.
  6. Assemble the bowls. Add a scoop of rice or quinoa to each bowl. Top with BBQ chicken, corn, black beans, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and cheese.
  7. Add sauces and finish. Drizzle ranch dressing over the top. Squeeze fresh lime juice, sprinkle cilantro, and add tortilla strips for crunch if you like.
  8. Serve right away. Bring extra BBQ sauce and ranch to the table so everyone can adjust the flavor to taste.