BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls

If you’re looking for a meal that’s as comforting as it is nutritious, let me introduce you to my favorite BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls. This dish is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The tender BBQ chicken paired with the crunch of fresh veggies and creamy ranch dressing creates a satisfying bowl that everyone will love.

What I adore about these bowls is their versatility. You can whip them up in the slow cooker while you go about your day, or grill the chicken for a smoky flavor. Either way, you’re set for an easy dinner that’s packed with wholesome ingredients. Trust me; these BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls will quickly become a staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: With options for both slow cooking and grilling, you can choose what suits your schedule best.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the combination of flavors and textures in this colorful bowl.
• Make-ahead convenience: Perfect for meal prep! You can prepare everything in advance and assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.
• Deliciously nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber, this meal is both filling and healthy without sacrificing flavor.
• Customizable toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls use simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious meal:

For the Slow Cooker:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 cup low sugar BBQ sauce (I love Stubb’s spicy or Primal Kitchen Mango Habanero)
• Optional: 1/4 cup water if you have a thicker BBQ sauce

For the Quinoa:

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups water

For the Bowls:

• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans
• 2 cups shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup sweet corn (can use fresh or frozen but I love it off the cob)
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion
• 2 roma tomatoes, diced
• 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, diced or sliced

For the Dressing:

• 1 batch healthy Greek yogurt ranch (or ranch of choice)

To Garnish:

• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Scallions

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to switch things up according to your taste preferences:

• Swap the protein: Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based option.
• Change up the grains: Try using brown rice or farro instead of quinoa for a different flavor and texture.
• Add more veggies: Toss in roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or cucumbers for added freshness.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add diced serrano peppers or extra jalapeños to give your bowls a kick!

How to Make BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

For perfectly cooked chicken, place your boneless skinless chicken breast in the slow cooker with your favorite low-sugar BBQ sauce. Stir it well so all pieces are coated. Cooking it on high for 2.5-3 hours ensures that it becomes tender and easy to shred. Once done, shred it with two forks and keep it warm until you’re ready to serve.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken (Alternative Method)

If grilling sounds better to you, marinate your chicken in BBQ sauce for about an hour. Grill over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked. Letting it rest for 5 minutes after grilling helps retain those delicious juices—trust me; it’s worth the wait!

Step 3: Cook Your Quinoa

While your chicken is cooking, prepare your quinoa! Combine 1 cup of uncooked quinoa with 2 cups of water in a medium pot over high heat. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cooking it gently allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowls

Once everything’s cooked and ready, it’s time to build your bowls! Start with about 3/4 cup quinoa at the base of each bowl. Top it generously with shredded chicken, black beans, shredded cabbage, sweet corn, diced red onion, roma tomatoes, jalapeños, and avocado slices. Drizzle with ranch dressing and finish off with fresh cilantro and scallions.

Enjoy these vibrant BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls—they’re sure to bring smiles around your dinner table!

Pro Tips for Making BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Creating the perfect BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowl is all about the little touches that elevate your meal. Here are some pro tips to help you nail this recipe!

• Use a meat thermometer: Perfectly cooked chicken is key. Using a meat thermometer ensures your chicken reaches 165 degrees F without overcooking, keeping it juicy and tender.

• Rinse your quinoa: Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter. This simple step will enhance the flavor of your quinoa and make it more enjoyable.

• Customize your toppings: Feel free to mix and match toppings based on what you have on hand or what you love! Adding ingredients like roasted peppers or sliced olives can give your bowls a unique twist.

• Meal prep ahead of time: Prepare the chicken and quinoa in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for easy assembly during busy weekdays.

• Experiment with different dressings: While ranch dressing is delicious, try using other dressings like a zesty vinaigrette or even salsa for a fresh spin on flavors!

How to Serve BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Serving up these BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls can be just as fun as making them! With vibrant colors and textures, they make for an eye-catching dish at any table.

Garnishes

• Fresh lime wedges: A squeeze of lime juice adds brightness and acidity that balances the richness of the BBQ sauce and creamy dressing.
• Sliced jalapeños: For those who enjoy some heat, adding fresh jalapeños provides a spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the corn.
• Crushed tortilla chips: Sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top for an added crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and quinoa.

Side Dishes

• Grilled veggies: Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus drizzled with olive oil and grilled until charred make a fantastic side that brings extra nutrition and flavor.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing adds freshness to balance out the hearty bowls.
• Roasted sweet potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs nicely with the savory elements of the quinoa bowls while providing extra fiber.
• Cornbread muffins: These slightly sweet muffins complement the flavors in your bowls perfectly and are great for soaking up any leftover BBQ sauce!

Enjoy creating your BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls – they’re sure to be a hit at your next family dinner or lunch prep session!

Make Ahead and Storage

This BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowl recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, nutritious meals throughout the week without the stress of cooking every day. You can easily prepare the components in advance and store them for quick assembly later.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover quinoa bowls in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Consume leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
• Keep the ranch dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain texture and flavor.

Freezing

• You can freeze the shredded BBQ chicken separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Quinoa can also be frozen; just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• For best results, avoid freezing vegetables like cabbage, as their texture may change upon thawing.

Reheating

• To reheat the chicken, place it in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power until warmed through.
• Quinoa can be reheated on the stovetop with a splash of water or in the microwave.
• Assemble your bowls fresh by adding cold veggies and dressing just before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls!

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! These quinoa bowls are versatile; feel free to substitute with grilled turkey, tofu, or even chickpeas for a plant-based option.

How do I make BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls ahead of time?

You can prepare all components of the BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls beforehand. Store each component separately and assemble them when you’re ready to eat for maximum freshness!

What kind of ranch dressing works best?

You can use homemade Greek yogurt ranch for a healthier option or your favorite store-bought ranch. Just ensure it fits your dietary preferences!

Final Thoughts

I hope this BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowl recipe inspires you to create something special in your kitchen! It’s not only packed with flavor but also incredibly nourishing and satisfying. Whether you’re prepping for busy weekdays or looking for a fun meal idea, these bowls are sure to delight. Enjoy making them as much as I enjoyed sharing them with you! Happy cooking!