High Protein Bbq Ranch Chicken Bowl
High Protein Bbq Ranch Chicken Bowl layers smoky skillet chicken with brown rice or quinoa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, cheddar, and creamy BBQ ranch. It is a practical protein bowl for meal prep lunches, family dinners, or a make-ahead weeknight bowl.
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Large skillet
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Meal prep containers
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh, canned, or frozen
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce or baby spinach
- 1/4 cup light ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Stir the light ranch dressing and BBQ sauce together in a small bowl until smooth.
- Toss chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes, turning until browned and cooked through.
- Warm the corn and black beans until just heated, using the skillet or microwave.
- Divide brown rice or quinoa among bowls and top with lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, beans, corn, and chicken.
- Drizzle each bowl with BBQ ranch, sprinkle with cheddar, and finish with cilantro or green onions if desired.
Notes
Storage: Keep cooked chicken, grain, beans, and corn in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm only the chicken and base ingredients, then add lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sauce after reheating.
Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and grain base for up to 2 months without fresh toppings or sauce.
Meal Prep: Pack the BBQ ranch in small cups and store greens separately so the bowls stay fresh.
Best Tips: Cut chicken into even pieces and let it brown before stirring too often for better texture.
Variations: Use quinoa, white rice, cauliflower rice, pinto beans, pepper jack, or avocado depending on what you have.