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Honey BBQ Chicken Bowls Recipe

4.9 from 98 reviews

Honey BBQ Chicken Bowls combine tender, seasoned chicken coated in a luscious honey BBQ sauce with fluffy rice, black beans, sweet corn, fresh romaine lettuce, pickled onions, cheddar cheese, and a drizzle of creamy ranch dressing for a balanced and flavorful meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

  • 2 pounds chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey

Grains and Vegetables

  • 1 cup long grain rice
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped

Toppings

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup pickled onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rice: Prepare the long grain rice according to the package instructions until fully cooked and fluffy. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Season thoroughly with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder for balanced flavor.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes to develop a sear. Then stir and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fully cooked through.
  4. Make Honey BBQ Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce and honey until smooth. Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet and stir until all pieces are evenly coated with the honey BBQ mixture.
  5. Heat Beans and Corn: Warm the black beans and corn until heated through, either on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  6. Assemble the Bowls: Place a scoop of cooked rice on one side of each serving bowl and add chopped romaine lettuce on the other side. Arrange scoops of black beans and corn in the bowl.
  7. Add Toppings: Top the bowl with pickled onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for fresh flavor and texture.
  8. Finish with Dressing: Drizzle ranch dressing over the assembled bowl for a creamy finish, then serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Pickled onions add a tangy flavor contrast; you can make your own by soaking thinly sliced red onions in vinegar, sugar, and salt or purchase ready-made pickled onions.
  • Use fresh or frozen corn according to availability; canned corn should be drained well.
  • For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the chicken seasoning.
  • Leftover chicken bowls can be stored refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, gently warm the bowl components separately and then reassemble before serving.

Keywords: Honey BBQ Chicken Bowls, chicken recipe, BBQ chicken, rice bowls, easy dinner, weeknight meal