Barbecue Chicken Grain Bowl (Printable)
Smoky grilled chicken paired with whole grains and fresh vegetables in a satisfying, balanced bowl.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 cup barbecue sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Grains
06 - 2 cups cooked brown rice, quinoa, or farro
→ Vegetables & Toppings
07 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - 1 cup canned corn, drained (or grilled corn kernels cut from the cob)
09 - 1 large avocado, sliced
10 - 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
11 - 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced
12 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
→ Optional Garnishes
13 - Lime wedges, for serving
14 - Extra barbecue sauce, for drizzling
# Directions:
01 - Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.
02 - Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5–6 minutes per side. During the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, baste generously with barbecue sauce. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is nicely glazed. Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
03 - Divide the cooked grains evenly among 4 serving bowls, creating a foundation for each portion.
04 - Arrange the sliced barbecue chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, corn, avocado slices, shredded purple cabbage, and scallions over the grains in each bowl.
05 - Sprinkle fresh cilantro over each bowl. Add lime wedges on the side and drizzle with extra barbecue sauce if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The smoky sweet glaze on the chicken pairs beautifully with the cool crunch of fresh vegetables and creamy avocado.
- Everything can be prepped ahead which makes weeknight assembly nearly effortless.
- It is endlessly adaptable so you can swap grains proteins and toppings based on what you already have.
02 -
- Resting the chicken is not optional because cutting too early sends all those flavorful juices running onto your board instead of staying in the meat.
- If your barbecue sauce contains soy or wheat and you are cooking for someone with sensitivities always verify the ingredient list beforehand.
03 -
- Pat the chicken dry before oiling and seasoning because moisture on the surface prevents a proper sear from forming.
- Warm your grains slightly before assembling the bowls because cold rice underneath hot chicken creates an unpleasant temperature contrast.