The BBQ Chicken Bowl is a smoky, savory, and feel-good meal loaded with all your barbecue favorites in one satisfying bowl. Juicy grilled or shredded BBQ chicken is paired with rice or mashed potatoes, fresh slaw, sweet corn, and a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce. It’s easy, customizable, and perfect for family dinners, cookouts, or meal prep.
Main Ingredient: BBQ Chicken (Grilled or Shredded)
You can use grilled chicken breasts, pulled rotisserie chicken tossed in BBQ sauce, or even leftover smoked chicken. The star here is the smoky-sweet BBQ flavor—go spicy, sweet, or tangy depending on your sauce.
Ingredients Breakdown
Protein
- 500g boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder for seasoning
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- Optional: smoked paprika or cayenne for a kick
Base
- 2 cups cooked white rice, brown rice, or mashed potatoes
- Optional: quinoa or cauliflower rice for lighter option
Fresh Produce
- 1 ear corn, grilled and cut off the cob (or 1 cup canned corn, drained)
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ avocado, sliced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or spinach (optional for freshness)
- 1 green onion, chopped
Simple Slaw
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1 tablespoon mayo or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of sugar or honey
Garnishes & Extras
- BBQ sauce (to drizzle)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Lime wedges
- Shredded cheddar or crumbled feta (optional)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Grill pan, skillet, or grill
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Pot or rice cooker
- Tongs or spatula
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: ~35 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder (and paprika if using).
- Grill or pan-cook chicken for 6–8 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Brush with BBQ sauce during last 2 minutes of cooking for a sticky glaze.
- Let rest, then slice or shred.
2. Cook the Base
- Cook rice or mashed potatoes and season lightly with salt and butter/oil.
- Keep warm for serving.
3. Make the Slaw
- In a small bowl, mix cabbage, mayo/yogurt, vinegar, salt, and a touch of sweetener.
- Toss to coat and chill while assembling the rest.
4. Prep the Toppings
- Grill or sauté corn (or use canned) and slice off the cob.
- Prep tomatoes, avocado, onion, green onion, and lettuce/spinach.
5. Assemble the Bowl
- Start with a base of rice or mashed potatoes.
- Add sliced or shredded BBQ chicken.
- Top with corn, tomatoes, onion, avocado, and slaw.
- Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce.
- Finish with green onions, cilantro, lime wedges, or cheese if desired.
What to Serve With It
- Sweet potato fries or grilled vegetables
- Cornbread muffins or garlic toast
- Iced tea, lemonade, or a smoky bourbon drink
- Pickles or jalapeños on the side
Tips and Variations
- Make it vegetarian: swap chicken for grilled tofu or BBQ jackfruit
- Use rotisserie chicken for a fast meal—just toss in BBQ sauce
- Add black beans or chickpeas for more fiber
- Want smoky flavor? Use chipotle BBQ sauce or add liquid smoke
- For a creamy twist, add a dollop of ranch or chipotle mayo
Storage and Meal Prep
- Store chicken, base, and slaw separately for 3–4 days
- Great for meal prep bowls in airtight containers
- Reheat rice and chicken in microwave or skillet
- Add fresh toppings just before serving
Plating and Presentation Ideas
- Use wide, shallow bowls for a rustic, colorful look
- Layer rice, then chicken, then toppings in sections
- Drizzle BBQ sauce in a zig-zag or spiral pattern
- Top with herbs and lime wedges for a bright finish
Final Thoughts
The BBQ Chicken Bowl is a warm hug in a bowl—comforting, flavorful, and fully customizable. Whether you grill fresh or use leftovers, this bowl brings all the smoky backyard BBQ vibes with minimal cleanup. It’s fast, filling, and fun to eat.
