Save Bring the flavors of a summer cookout to your dinner table with this BBQ Chicken Bowl. This vibrant and satisfying meal combines juicy BBQ-glazed chicken with fluffy white rice, crisp coleslaw, and a colorful medley of roasted vegetables. It is a wholesome, crowd-pleasing dish that is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Save Whether you are looking for a reliable meal prep option or a family favorite, this bowl delivers on both texture and taste. The contrast between the warm, caramelized chicken and the chilled, crunchy coleslaw makes every bite exciting.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600 g)
- 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Rice
- 1 1/2 cups (300 g) long grain white rice
- 3 cups (720 ml) water
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Coleslaw
- 2 cups (140 g) shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup (70 g) shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup (110 g) grated carrot
- 1/4 cup (60 g) mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Roasted Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 cup (150 g) broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Step 2: Cook the Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water. In a saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Step 3: Roast the Vegetables
- On a baking sheet, toss bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, and broccoli with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning once, until golden and tender.
- Step 4: Mix the Coleslaw
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Add green and red cabbage and carrot; toss to coat. Chill until serving.
- Step 5: Sear the Chicken
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Brush generously with BBQ sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes more per side, allowing the sauce to caramelize. Remove from heat and slice.
- Step 6: Assembly
- Divide rice among four bowls. Top with sliced BBQ chicken, a portion of roasted vegetables, and a scoop of coleslaw. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a quick shortcut on busy nights, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the meat and toss it in a skillet with the BBQ sauce for a few minutes until it is warm and glazed.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize this bowl by substituting the white rice for brown rice or quinoa to increase the fiber content. To make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken breasts for BBQ-glazed extra-firm tofu or tempeh.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these bowls while the chicken and vegetables are hot and the coleslaw is chilled. This dish pairs excellently with a crisp lager or a refreshing glass of iced tea.
Save With its combination of fresh ingredients and bold BBQ flavor, this bowl is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy the hearty textures and the vibrant colors of this simple yet impressive dish.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare components up to 3 days in advance. Store rice, chicken, vegetables, and coleslaw separately. Reheat chicken and vegetables, then assemble fresh bowls.
- → What other grains work well?
Brown rice adds nutty flavor and extra fiber. Quinoa, farro, or couscous also complement the BBQ chicken while providing different textures and nutritional benefits.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep components in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat chicken and vegetables at 350°F until warmed through, or enjoy cold for lunch.
- → Can I grill the chicken instead?
Absolutely. Grill seasoned chicken over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side, brushing with BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes for that caramelized finish.
- → Is this freezer-friendly?
Freeze cooked chicken and rice separately for up to 3 months. Coleslaw and roasted vegetables are best enjoyed fresh, though roasted vegetables can be frozen if needed.
- → What proteins can substitute the chicken?
Pulled pork, sliced steak, or shrimp work beautifully. For vegetarian options, try BBQ-glazed tofu, tempeh, or portobello mushrooms with similar cooking times.