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Close up handheld photo of BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls featuring caramelized chicken cubes and bright yellow corn.

BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls: The Ultimate 20-Minute Weekday Meal

These BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls feature glossy mahogany-glazed chicken, charred sweet corn, and earthy black beans over fluffy white rice. Finished with a creamy ranch drizzle and fresh cilantro for the ultimate easy, high-protein meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups (370g) Long-grain white rice Rinsed well
  • 3 cups (710ml) Water
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) Chicken breast Cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup (240ml) Dark BBQ sauce Hickory or Brown Sugar style
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) Neutral oil Divided
  • 1 cup (165g) Yellow sweet corn Fresh, frozen, or canned
  • 1 can (15 oz/425g) Black beans Rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 Red onion Paper-thin slices
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro Leaves only
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) Creamy ranch dressing For drizzling

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet For searing chicken and charring corn
  • 1 Saucepan with lid For cooking fluffy white rice

Method
 

Cook the Rice
  1. Rinse the rice until water runs clear. Combine rice, water, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Prepare the Chicken
  1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet. Add cubed chicken in a single layer. Sear until golden-brown (about 4 minutes).
  2. Flip chicken and cook until done. Pour in BBQ sauce and toss until thick and glossy (about 2 minutes).
Char the Corn
  1. In a separate pan or wiped skillet, heat remaining oil. Add corn and cook on high until charred spots appear.
Assemble
  1. Layer rice in bowls. Arrange chicken, corn, beans, and onions in sections. Garnish with cilantro and ranch drizzle.

Notes

Rinse your rice to ensure separate grains.
Use a high-sugar BBQ sauce for the most glossy, mahogany finish.
Thin your ranch with a drop of milk if it's too thick to drizzle.