Introduction
If you’re looking to impress your family or friends with a delicious and vibrant dish, BBQ Chicken Bowls are a fantastic option. Combining the smokiness of BBQ chicken with the refreshing flavors of cilantro lime rice and a zesty black bean and corn salsa, this dish is a delightful explosion of taste. Perfect for summer cookouts or cozy weeknight dinners, these bowls are sure to please everyone at the table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Cilantro Lime Rice:
– 2 cups cooked white rice
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt, to taste
BBQ Chicken:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup BBQ 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 red bell pepper, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional Toppings:
– 1/2 cup pico de gallo
– 1 avocado, sliced
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup French fried onions
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Yield
4 servings
Directions
1. Prepare Cilantro Lime Rice:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked white rice, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt to taste and mix well.
2. Cook BBQ Chicken:
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with BBQ sauce on both sides. Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Prepare Black Bean and Corn Salsa:
In a medium bowl, combine black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, chopped jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. Add 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 scoop of black bean and corn salsa to each bowl. Add a spoonful of pico de gallo. Place slices of avocado on top. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each bowl. Drizzle ranch dressing and additional BBQ sauce over the contents. Finish by sprinkling French fried onions on top for added crunch.
5. Serve:
Serve the BBQ Chicken Bowls immediately and enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare Cilantro Lime Rice:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked white rice, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt to taste and mix well.
Cook BBQ Chicken:
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with BBQ sauce on both sides. Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare Black Bean and Corn Salsa:
In a medium bowl, combine black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, chopped jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. Add 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 scoop of black bean and corn salsa to each bowl. Add a spoonful of pico de gallo. Place slices of avocado on top. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each bowl. Drizzle ranch dressing and additional BBQ sauce over the contents. Finish by sprinkling French fried onions on top for added crunch.
Serve:
Serve the BBQ Chicken Bowls immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions:
You can use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier option. For the chicken, any cut of chicken can be used, but cooking times may vary.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Customization:
Feel free to add or swap toppings based on your preferences, such as sliced jalapeños, olives, or different types of cheese.
Serving Size:
This recipe serves four, but you can easily scale the ingredients up or down depending on your needs.
Cook techniques
Preparing Cilantro Lime Rice
In a large bowl, combine cooked white rice, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and mix well to incorporate all flavors.
Cooking BBQ Chicken
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Season boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Brush with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes and allow it to rest before slicing.
Making Black Bean and Corn Salsa
In a medium bowl, mix black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, red onion, chopped jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. Add lime juice and season with salt and pepper before mixing thoroughly.
Assembling the Bowls
Evenly distribute cilantro lime rice into serving bowls. Top with sliced BBQ chicken, black bean and corn salsa, pico de gallo, avocado slices, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, additional BBQ sauce, and finish with French fried onions for crunch.
FAQ
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for the cilantro lime rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice for a healthier option, but the cooking time will be longer.
What can I substitute for BBQ sauce if I don’t have any?
You can use a homemade mixture of ketchup, honey, and vinegar as a substitute for BBQ sauce.
Can I prepare the black bean and corn salsa in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salsa ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! You can add more jalapeño or include additional spices like cayenne pepper.
What other toppings can I use besides those listed?
You can add sour cream, sliced green onions, or diced tomatoes as additional toppings.
Conclusion
The BBQ Chicken Bowls with Cilantro Lime Rice and Black Bean and Corn Salsa offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures. This dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying meal. The combination of fresh ingredients with the smoky sweetness of BBQ chicken creates a harmony that will delight your taste buds. Enjoy this delicious and colorful meal any day of the week!
Mexican Quinoa Bowl
Swap the rice for quinoa and add diced avocado, roasted corn, and feta cheese topped with a spicy lime vinaigrette.
Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Use the same cilantro lime rice and top with grilled shrimp, mango salsa, and a drizzle of chipotle mayo for a fresh taco experience.
Veggie Burrito Bowl
Replace chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions over cilantro lime rice, topped with guacamole and pico de gallo.
Chipotle Turkey Bowl
Substitute the BBQ chicken with ground turkey seasoned with chipotle spices, served with the same toppings for a spicy twist.
Breakfast Burrito Bowl
Include scrambled eggs and black beans over cilantro lime rice, topped with cheddar cheese, salsa, and avocado for a hearty breakfast option.
