BBQ Chicken Bowl (Printable)

Juicy BBQ chicken over rice with crisp coleslaw and roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lbs)
02 - 1 cup BBQ sauce
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Rice

06 - 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
07 - 3 cups water
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Coleslaw

09 - 2 cups shredded green cabbage
10 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
11 - 1 cup grated carrot
12 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
13 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
14 - 1 teaspoon honey
15 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Roasted Vegetables

16 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
17 - 1 zucchini, sliced
18 - 1 red onion, cut into wedges
19 - 1 cup broccoli florets
20 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
21 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
22 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F
02 - Rinse rice under cold water. Combine rice, water, and salt in saucepan. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until tender. Fluff with fork and set aside.
03 - On baking sheet, toss bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, and broccoli with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread in single layer and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once, until golden and tender.
04 - In large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Add green and red cabbage and carrot; toss to coat. Chill until serving.
05 - Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Brush generously with BBQ sauce and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more per side, allowing sauce to caramelize. Remove from heat and slice.
06 - Divide rice among four bowls. Top with sliced BBQ chicken, portion of roasted vegetables, and scoop of coleslaw. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The whole thing comes together in under an hour, which means weeknight dinner without the guilt of ordering takeout.
  • It's the kind of meal that looks impressive but doesn't require any fancy techniques, just honest cooking and good ingredients.
  • Once you nail the basic formula, you can swap vegetables and proteins however your kitchen mood strikes.
02 -
  • Don't skip patting the chicken dry; moisture is the enemy of a good sear, and a good sear is what makes this bowl taste like something you'd order, not something you threw together.
  • The coleslaw is actually better if you make it 30 minutes before serving because the vinegar and salt soften the cabbage slightly and let all the flavors get to know each other.
  • Tasting as you season is non-negotiable here—BBQ sauces vary wildly in sweetness and spice, so you might need more or less vinegar in the coleslaw depending on which one you use.
03 -
  • Use a meat thermometer and trust it; it takes the guesswork out of doneness and keeps you from overcooking out of anxiety.
  • If you forget to make coleslaw ahead, mixing the dressing while the other components cook means it'll be the perfect texture by the time you're ready to eat, and you'll look like you had a plan all along.
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