BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Delicious BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls are a perfect meal for any occasion. These bowls are hearty, healthy, and packed with flavor. Featuring tender BBQ chicken, vibrant vegetables, and creamy ranch dressing, they provide a nutritious balance that’s great for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting friends, these bowls will impress with their colorful presentation and satisfying taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can have a wholesome meal ready in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the toppings to suit your taste, making each bowl unique.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from quinoa and beans, these bowls are both filling and nutritious.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for batch cooking; simply store in the fridge and enjoy throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.

Tools and Preparation

To create your BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools. Preparing your ingredients beforehand will also ensure a smoother cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Grill (or grill pan)
• Medium pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Ensures tender chicken by allowing it to cook slowly in BBQ sauce.
• Grill: Provides a smoky flavor to the chicken when grilling is preferred.
• Medium pot: Ideal for cooking quinoa perfectly to achieve a fluffy texture.
• Cutting board: Offers a safe surface for chopping vegetables without cross-contamination.

Ingredients

Delicious BBQ ranch chicken quinoa bowls loaded with black beans, crunchy red cabbage, sweet corn, tomato, onion, jalapeño, avocado and your choice of creamy ranch dressing. The BBQ chicken for these healthy chicken quinoa bowls can be made in the slow cooker or grilled for the perfect meal prep dinner or lunch!

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

How to Make BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Step 1: Slow Cooker Chicken

Place chicken and BBQ sauce in a slow cooker and stir so the BBQ sauce coats the chicken. Cook on high for 2.5-3 hours. Then remove chicken from the slow cooker, shred with two forks and place back in the slow cooker. Stir well and turn heat to warm until ready to serve.

Step 2: Grilling Chicken

If grilling instead of using a slow cooker, marinate chicken in a bowl with BBQ sauce for about 1 hour. Grill over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side or until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees F. Remove from grill and let sit for 5 minutes before cutting into strips or dicing into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Cook Quinoa

Once your chicken is near completion, combine quinoa and water in a medium pot. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low once boiling; cover and cook for 15 minutes. After cooking, fluff with a fork and keep covered off heat for an additional 10 minutes to steam.

Step 4: Assemble Bowls

To prepare each bowl, add approximately 3/4 cup quinoa as a base. Top with roughly 1/4 of shredded chicken, followed by 1/3 cup black beans, 1/2 cup shredded cabbage, 1/4 cup corn, a tablespoon of diced red onion, diced roma tomatoes, some sliced jalapeños, and avocado. Drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons of ranch dressing before garnishing with fresh cilantro and scallions. Enjoy!

How to Serve BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Serving BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls is all about presentation and flavor combinations. These bowls can be customized to suit your taste and made visually appealing for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

Make It a Meal Prep Delight

• Prepare individual servings in meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
• Layer the ingredients separately to maintain freshness, adding dressing just before eating.

Add Extra Crunch

• Top your bowls with crispy tortilla strips for a delightful crunch.
• You can also use crushed corn chips or nuts like almonds for added texture.

Spice It Up

• Consider adding a drizzle of hot sauce or spicy mayo on top for those who enjoy extra heat.
• A sprinkle of chili powder can also enhance the flavor profile.

Include Pickled Veggies

• Adding pickled red onions or jalapeños can provide a tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken and ranch.
• Quick-pickle veggies in vinegar and sugar for a refreshing touch.

Serve with Fresh Greens

• Pair the bowls with a side salad made with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette.
• This adds freshness and balances the hearty quinoa bowls.

How to Perfect BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls

To ensure your BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls turn out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh vegetables and high-quality BBQ sauce for the best flavor.
• Cook Quinoa Properly: Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove bitterness. Fluff it well after cooking to keep it light and airy.
• Customize Your Toppings: Don’t hesitate to add other toppings like cheese (if desired) or different veggies based on personal preferences.
• Make Ahead: Cook chicken and quinoa ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge to save time during meal assembly.
• Experiment with Dressings: Try different dressings instead of ranch, such as tahini or lemon vinaigrette, for unique flavors.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust seasonings based on personal preference for a more personalized flavor experience.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Pairing side dishes with your BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls can elevate your meal even further. Here are some delicious options that complement these bowls well.

1. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots tossed in garlic will add depth to your meal.
2. Simple Green Salad: A mix of arugula, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes dressed lightly is refreshing alongside hearty bowls.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast to savory flavors in the quinoa bowl.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob seasoned with lime and chili powder makes a great summer side dish.
5. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits brings sweetness that complements the savory elements of the bowl.
6. Cucumber Salad: Cool cucumber salad with a vinegar dressing is refreshing and balances rich flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that could elevate your dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to sidestep them.

• Skipping the marination: Marinating the chicken in BBQ sauce enhances flavor. Don’t skip this step if you choose to grill.
• Using unmeasured quinoa: Always measure quinoa and water accurately. This ensures perfect cooking and texture.
• Neglecting to fluff quinoa: If you don’t fluff the quinoa after cooking, it may become sticky. Use a fork for a light, fluffy texture.
• Overcrowding the bowls: Packing too many ingredients can make it hard to enjoy each flavor. Layer ingredients thoughtfully for a balanced bowl.
• Ignoring freshness of ingredients: Fresh veggies add crunch and flavor. Always use the freshest produce available for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Separate quinoa and chicken for better texture when reheating.

Freezing BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls

• Freeze in individual portions for easier meal prep later.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring excess air is removed.

Reheating BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in an oven-safe container until warm, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls:

Can I use other proteins besides chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef, turkey, or lamb for different flavors.

How do I make these bowls vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken and replace it with extra black beans or grilled vegetables for protein.

What can I use instead of BBQ sauce?

You can use flavored marinades or homemade sauces with similar flavor profiles as alternatives.

How can I customize my BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls?

Feel free to add any favorite toppings like cheese, nuts, or different dressings based on your taste preferences!

Can I meal prep these bowls?

Absolutely! These bowls are perfect for meal prep; just store components separately until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that cater to diverse palates. Their versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your cravings while remaining healthy. Try them today for an easy yet satisfying meal option!