BBQ Chicken Bowl (Print Version)

Tender BBQ chicken over rice with fresh coleslaw and roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 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 - 1.5 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

# How To Make It:

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

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than you'd think, leaving you time to actually sit down and eat instead of cleaning.
  • Every component can be made ahead, so it's perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd without the last-minute chaos.
  • The combination of crispy, creamy, and smoky flavors feels fancy enough for company but tastes like honest comfort food.
02 -
  • Chicken breasts are forgiving only if you stop cooking them the moment they hit 165°F internally; a few seconds too long and they seize up and dry out, so use a thermometer if you're not confident.
  • Don't assemble the bowls until you're ready to serve, or the slaw will wilt and the vegetables will start sweating moisture onto the rice—everything should go into the bowl separately so textures stay distinct.
03 -
  • If your chicken breasts are really thick, slice them in half horizontally before cooking so they cook through evenly and quickly without drying out.
  • Toast your rice in dry skillet for two minutes before adding water—it adds a subtle nutty depth that makes everything taste more intentional.
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