Introduction
BBQ Chicken Bowls are a delicious and vibrant dish that combines tender barbecue chicken, zesty cilantro lime rice, and a refreshing black bean and corn salsa. This meal is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy night in. With an array of flavors and textures, these bowls are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Cilantro Lime Rice:
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– Juice of 1 lime
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt, to taste
BBQ Chicken:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup barbecue sauce
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Black Bean and Corn Salsa:
– 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
– 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup diced red onion
– 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional Toppings:
– 1 cup pico de gallo
– 1 avocado, sliced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup ranch dressing
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
– 1/2 cup crispy fried onions
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
4 servings
Directions
1. Prepare the Cilantro Lime Rice:
– In a large bowl, combine the cooked white rice, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside.
2. Cook the BBQ Chicken:
– Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
– Grill or pan-cook the chicken over medium heat until fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
– During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with barbecue sauce, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
– Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.
3. Prepare the Black Bean and Corn Salsa:
– In a medium bowl, combine the black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, chopped jalapeño, and chopped cilantro.
– Drizzle with lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
– Divide the cilantro lime rice evenly among four serving bowls.
– Top each bowl with sliced BBQ chicken.
– Add a generous scoop of black bean and corn salsa to each bowl.
– Spoon pico de gallo over the salsa.
– Add slices of avocado to each bowl.
– Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
– Drizzle ranch dressing and additional barbecue sauce over each bowl.
– Finish by sprinkling crispy fried onions on top for added crunch.
5. Serve:
– Serve the BBQ Chicken Bowls immediately, allowing each person to mix the ingredients as desired.
Enjoy your flavorful and hearty BBQ Chicken Bowls!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Cilantro Lime Rice:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked white rice, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside.
Cook the BBQ Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-cook the chicken over medium heat until fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with barbecue sauce, allowing it to caramelize slightly. Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.
Prepare the Black Bean and Corn Salsa:
In a medium bowl, combine the black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, chopped jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle with lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside.
Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the cilantro lime rice evenly among four serving bowls. Top each bowl with sliced BBQ chicken. Add a generous scoop of black bean and corn salsa to each bowl. Spoon pico de gallo over the salsa. Add slices of avocado to each bowl. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Drizzle ranch dressing and additional barbecue sauce over each bowl. Finish by sprinkling crispy fried onions on top for added crunch.
Serve:
Serve the BBQ Chicken Bowls immediately, allowing each person to mix the ingredients as desired.
Notes
Rice Preparation:
Ensure the white rice is cooked and cooled before mixing with the lime and cilantro for the best flavor and texture.
Chicken Cooking:
Cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is safe to eat.
Salsa Freshness:
For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients in the black bean and corn salsa. If using frozen corn, thaw it before mixing.
Ingredients Substitutions:
Feel free to customize the toppings based on personal preference; options like sour cream or lime wedges can be great additions.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently to avoid drying it out.
Cook techniques
Cilantro Lime Rice Preparation
Combine cooked white rice, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and salt in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Cooking BBQ Chicken
Season boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-cook over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side. Brush with barbecue sauce in the last few minutes for a caramelized finish.
Black Bean and Corn Salsa Assembly
In a medium bowl, mix black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Add lime juice and season with salt and pepper before combining.
Assembling the Bowls
Layer cilantro lime rice, sliced BBQ chicken, black bean and corn salsa, pico de gallo, avocado slices, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, and barbecue sauce in serving bowls, finishing with crispy fried onions for added texture.
FAQ
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for the cilantro lime rice?
Yes, brown rice can be substituted for white rice, but the cooking time and texture may vary slightly.
Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of grilling or pan-cooking?
Absolutely! You can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How do I make the salsa spicier?
To increase the spiciness of the salsa, add more jalapeños or include a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Can I prepare any of these components in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cilantro lime rice, salsa, and BBQ chicken in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble the bowls just before serving.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to the BBQ chicken?
Yes, you can use grilled vegetables, tofu, or a plant-based protein as a substitute for BBQ chicken. Just season and cook them similarly for great flavor.
Conclusion
These BBQ Chicken Bowls offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that are sure to satisfy your cravings. The zesty cilantro lime rice pairs perfectly with the smoky BBQ chicken, while the vibrant black bean and corn salsa add freshness. Topping it off with creamy avocado, shredded cheese, and crispy onions brings these bowls to another level of enjoyment. Each element can be mixed and matched, allowing for a personalized dining experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Option
Replace the BBQ chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms marinated in balsamic vinegar for a meaty texture. Add roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
Taco Bowl Variation
Use ground beef or turkey seasoned with taco spices instead of BBQ chicken. Top with guacamole and tortilla strips for a crunchy twist.
Chicken Fajita Bowl
Swap BBQ chicken for seasoned grilled chicken strips with bell peppers and onions. Serve with a side of sour cream and jalapeño slices.
Southwestern Salad
Use a mix of greens instead of rice and top with BBQ chicken, black bean and corn salsa, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of chipotle ranch dressing.
Breakfast Bowl
Transform this into a breakfast dish by adding scrambled eggs and crispy bacon on top of the cilantro lime rice, along with avocado and cheese.
Quinoa Bowl
For a healthier option, substitute white rice with quinoa, keeping the other ingredients the same while ensuring a protein-packed meal.
