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BBQ Chicken Power Bowl: A Flavorful and Healthy Meal for Beginner Cooks

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A nutritious and customizable power bowl featuring grilled BBQ chicken, quinoa, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (Halal)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for veggies)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste (for dressing)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Optional garnishes: cilantro, feta, red onion, jalapeños

Instructions

  • Prepare the BBQ Chicken:

    • Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning evenly over the chicken. This ensures the chicken is flavorful and well-seasoned.
    • Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, place the chicken breasts on it and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are no longer pink in the center. This ensures the chicken is cooked safely and thoroughly, preventing foodborne illness.
    • Coat with BBQ Sauce: In the final minutes of grilling, brush a generous amount of your favorite BBQ sauce over the chicken, allowing it to caramelize slightly as it cooks. This adds a sweet, sticky glaze and enhances the flavor of the chicken.
    • Slice the Chicken: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces for easy serving in the bowl. This makes the chicken easy to eat and ensures it is tender and juicy.
  • Cook the Quinoa:

    • Prepare the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitter residue. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of quinoa with 2 cups of water or broth. Bring to a boil. This ensures the quinoa is clean and cooks evenly, preventing a bitter taste.
    • Simmer the Quinoa: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This ensures the quinoa is cooked perfectly and fluffy.
  • Prepare the Veggies:

    • Prepare the Vegetables: While the quinoa is cooking, chop the veggies. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, shred the carrots, and slice the avocado. If you’re using fresh corn, you can quickly grill or sauté it. Otherwise, canned or frozen corn can be used as is. This saves time and ensures the veggies are fresh and ready to use.
    • Toss with Olive Oil: Place the chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl and drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss to combine and coat the veggies with the oil. This adds moisture and flavor to the vegetables, enhancing their taste.
  • Make the Dressing:

    • Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified. This creates a smooth, flavorful dressing that ties all the elements of the bowl together.
  • Assemble the Bowls:

    • Layer the Base: Start by adding a generous scoop of cooked quinoa to the bottom of each bowl, creating the foundation for the rest of the ingredients. This creates a sturdy base for the bowl and ensures the other ingredients have something to rest on.
    • Add the Veggies: Arrange the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, corn, shredded carrots, and sliced avocado around the quinoa in each bowl. This adds color and nutrients to the bowl, creating a visually appealing and healthy meal.
    • Top with Chicken: Place the grilled BBQ chicken on top of the veggies and quinoa in each bowl. This adds protein to the bowl, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
    • Drizzle with Dressing: Pour the homemade dressing evenly over the top of each bowl to tie everything together with flavor. This adds a tangy, flavorful dressing that enhances the overall taste of the bowl.
    • Add Optional Garnishes: Garnish the bowls with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, crumbled feta or goat cheese, sliced red onion, or a sprinkle of jalapeños or chili flakes for added flavor and color. This allows for customization and personalization, ensuring everyone can enjoy their bowl to their liking.
  • Serve and Enjoy:
    • Serve the BBQ Chicken Power Bowls immediately, or store them in airtight containers for later. These bowls are great for meal prep, and the flavors develop even more after a few hours of chilling. This allows for flexibility and convenience, making it easy to enjoy a healthy meal anytime.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer for chicken.
  • Rinse quinoa before cooking.
  • Customize with your favorite vegetables.
  • Prepare components ahead for meal prep.