BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls

BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

You guys know how much I love healthy protein bowls! The seasoned chicken and veggies are cooked in a skillet, then covered in BBQ sauce and transferred to the oven all in one pan. The chicken is quickly baked and broiled for that perfect crispy, caramelized BBQ sauce goodness. Every bite is so good!

If you’ve been searching for a creative new healthy dinner recipe and you’re tired of the same ‘ol chicken and veggies routine, then you will LOVE these BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls!

SAVE THIS RECIPE: Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

Ingredients/Substitutions

BBQ Seasoning -This homemade blend includes smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, dried minced onion, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. It adds a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor to the chicken! You can also use about 3 Tablespoons of store-bought BBQ seasoning to save time.

BBQ Sauce – Made from tomato sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, dried minced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This sauce is tangy, sweet, and full of rich barbecue flavor. You can use a pre-made BBQ sauce if you prefer, but this homemade version is SO worth it (and you can always make a big batch and save some for later)!

Chicken Breasts – Thinly sliced. Chicken thighs are a great option, too!

Avocado Oil – One of my favorite healthy oils for cooking.

Shredded Red Cabbage & Carrots – These healthy veggies add a wonderful crunch and vibrant color to the bowls. You can substitute them with any other fresh veggies you have on hand, like bell peppers or spinach!

Diced Cucumber – Refreshing and crisp! I like to slice them, but cubed works great too. Pickled veggies are another wonderful alternative!

Avocado – Adds creaminess and healthy fats. A dollop of guacamole would be great, too!

Cooked Rice – Make your own cooked rice (I love batch cooking this earlier in the week), or use healthy microwave rice if you’re short on time. Cauliflower rice is a great option for a lower-carb version of these bowls!

How to Make Barbecue Chicken Bowls

These Barbecue Chicken Bowls come together in just 30 minutes and are so easy to make! Here’s a quick overview of how to make BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls in one skillet:

1. Season & Cook Chicken

Season the chicken with BBQ seasoning and cook in a large cast iron skillet.

2. Cook Veggies

Set the chicken aside and add the chopped cabbage and carrots to the skillet. Saute just until combined, then add the chicken on top.

3. Add BBQ Sauce

Smother the chicken in BBQ sauce. Add as much as you want!

4. Bake & Broil

Place the entire skillet in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, then broil for another 5 minutes.

5. Assemble Bowls

Remove the skillet from the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into bite-sized pieces. Assemble your bowls with a base of rice, topped with cabbage and carrots, diced chicken, fresh cucumbers, avocado slices, and a drizzle of the remaining BBQ sauce. Enjoy!

Tips for the BEST Barbecue Chicken Recipe

• Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning. It’s what gives the chicken that amazing BBQ flavor!
• Use a Cast Iron Skillet: It helps get a nice sear on the chicken and goes seamlessly from stovetop to oven. A ceramic-coated skillet works as well, but cast iron just gives it so much flavor!
• Don’t Skip the Broil: Those last 5 minutes under the broiler add a perfect caramelized finish to the chicken. You can even broil a little longer than this if you want a crispier texture.
• Let the Chicken Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing helps keep it juicy and tender.
• Make These Bowls Your Own: Switch out the rice for any grain, like quinoa, or add any veggies you like.

How to Store Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container after they’ve cooled. Keep these BBQ Chicken Bowls in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days! When ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

How to Meal Prep

Here’s how to meal-prep barbecue chicken protein bowls:

1. Cook the BBQ chicken and veggies according to the recipe card instructions below.
2. Meanwhile, cook a big batch of rice.
3. Fill each meal prep container with rice, BBQ chicken, veggies, and a drizzle of extra sauce.
4. When ready to enjoy, warm in the microwave and add fresh cucumber slices and avocado!

More Healthy Protein Bowls You’ll Love

• Greek Chicken Rice Bowls
• Chicken Al Pastor Bowls
• Honey Sesame Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
• Korean Beef Bowls
• Hot Honey Salmon Bowls