Make-Ahead BBQ Chicken Bowls Ready in 20 Minutes

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal prep option, these make-ahead BBQ chicken bowls are perfect! Packed with flavor and fresh ingredients, these bbq chicken bowls can be assembled in just 20 minutes, making them a fantastic choice for busy weeknights.

Why You will Love This bbq chicken bowls

These bbq chicken bowls are not only quick to prepare, but they are also customizable to your taste! You can easily swap in seasonal vegetables or different grains to suit your preferences. Plus, they are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal throughout the week.

Another reason to love these bbq chicken bowls is that they are incredibly flavorful. The combination of tender chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, and fresh toppings creates a delightful harmony of taste and texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

For these bbq chicken bowls, you will need the following ingredients:

You can substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option, and feel free to use any grains you prefer!

How to Make bbq chicken bowls (Pro Tips)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pounded chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the grill is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is golden brown. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.

Step 2: Coat with BBQ Sauce
While the chicken is resting, heat the BBQ sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until warm. Once the chicken has rested, slice it into strips and drizzle the warm BBQ sauce over the top, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
In four bowls, start by adding 1/2 cup of cooked brown rice or quinoa as the base. Then, evenly distribute the corn, black beans, and diced bell peppers over the rice. Next, layer the sliced BBQ chicken on top of the veggies.

Step 4: Add the Toppings
Finish off your bbq chicken bowls by adding sliced avocado and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. This not only adds flavor but also a beautiful pop of color to your meal. You can also drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce on top if desired.

Step 5: Serve or Store
These bowls can be served immediately or stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. If preparing for meal prep, divide the ingredients into airtight containers, ensuring you keep the avocado separate until ready to eat to prevent browning.

What to Serve With It

These bbq chicken bowls can be enjoyed on their own, but they pair well with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. For more dinner ideas, check out more dinner ideas that complement this dish.

Storage and Make-Ahead

To make these bbq chicken bowls ahead of time, prepare the chicken and assemble the bowls without the avocado. Store them in the refrigerator in airtight containers for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, simply add the avocado and enjoy!

Variations

If you’re looking to mix things up, try using different types of beans, such as pinto or kidney beans. You can also add additional toppings like shredded cheese, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess and flavor.

For safe cooking temperatures, refer to safe cooking temperatures to ensure your meals are both delicious and safe to eat.

Pro Kitchen Tips