BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls

$- 1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed - 2 cups water or chicken broth - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup BBQ sauce - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - 1 cup corn - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil for grilling You can swap quinoa for brown rice or couscous if you like. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Chicken can be replaced with grilled tofu or tempeh for a plant-based meal. If you want less sugar, choose a low-sugar BBQ sauce. Try using different beans like pinto or kidney beans instead of black beans. Each serving has about 450 calories. You get around 30 grams of protein from the chicken and beans. The dish also has healthy fats from avocado. It includes about 60 grams of carbs, mostly from quinoa and corn. This meal is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This helps remove any bitterness. In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Once boiling, add the rinsed quinoa. Give it a quick stir. Turn the heat down low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa will absorb all the liquid. After 15 minutes, remove it from heat. Keep it covered for 5 more minutes. This step makes it fluffy. Finally, fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains. While the quinoa cooks, prepare the chicken. Take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the pan. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want it nice and browned. Make sure it cooks fully, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. After cooking, remove it from the heat. Brush each piece with 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Let it sit for a minute to caramelize. Then, slice the chicken into bite-sized strips. Now it’s time to put everything together. Take large serving bowls and add a base layer of quinoa. On top of the quinoa, arrange the sliced BBQ chicken. Next, add halved cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, corn, black beans, and thinly sliced red onion. This makes the dish colorful and fresh. For the finishing touch, drizzle any leftover BBQ sauce over the bowls. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor. Serve right away for the best taste! To boost flavors in your BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls, try these tips: - Use chicken broth: Cook the quinoa in chicken broth instead of water. This adds depth to the flavor. - Homemade BBQ sauce: If time allows, make your own BBQ sauce. It tastes better and is healthier. - Add spices: Sprinkle in smoked paprika or cumin when cooking the chicken for a smoky flavor. Serving is just as important as cooking. Here are some fun ideas: - Colorful layers: Arrange the ingredients in separate sections on the bowls. This makes each layer pop and looks inviting. - Fresh herbs: Use chopped cilantro as a topping. It adds color and freshness. - Lime wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime gives a bright flavor boost. Juicy chicken is key to a great bowl. Follow these steps: - Proper seasoning: Use salt and pepper generously on both sides of the chicken. This enhances the taste. - Grill or pan-sear: Cook the chicken over medium-high heat. This helps it brown nicely while keeping it juicy. - Resting time: Let the chicken rest after cooking. This keeps the juices inside when you slice it. By using these tips, you can take your BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls to the next level! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes its natural coating called saponin, which can impart a bitter taste. Always rinse thoroughly for the best flavor. Juicy Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing. This helps retain the juices, making your chicken more flavorful and tender. BBQ Sauce Variations: Experiment with different BBQ sauces or make your own! Adding spices like smoked paprika or chipotle can give your dish a unique twist. Fresh Toppings: For added freshness, consider topping your bowls with a squeeze of lime juice or some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of BBQ quinoa bowls. Instead of chicken, use grilled or roasted vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms work great. You can also use tofu or tempeh for protein. Marinate them in BBQ sauce before cooking for extra flavor. The BBQ sauce choice can change the taste of your bowls. Try a smoky sauce for a rich flavor. A spicy sauce adds a kick to the dish. For a sweet touch, use a honey-based BBQ sauce. If you prefer a healthier option, look for low-sugar or homemade sauces. They can enhance your meal without extra calories. Incorporating seasonal vegetables brings freshness to your bowls. Use asparagus in spring or butternut squash in fall. Roasted sweet potatoes add a sweet flavor, while fresh corn gives a nice crunch. You can mix and match veggies based on what is in season. This way, you get the best taste and support local farms. To store leftovers, let the BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can freeze these bowls for later use. Layer the quinoa and toppings in a freezer-safe container. Leave out the avocado, as it does not freeze well. You can keep them in the freezer for about three months. When ready, just thaw in the fridge overnight. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a microwave or a skillet. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat until warm, then enjoy the flavor again! Yes, you can use brown rice instead of quinoa. Just know that brown rice takes longer to cook. You will need about 40-45 minutes for it to soften. The flavor will change a bit, but it will still be tasty. You can store BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container. The flavors may meld together, making it even better the next day! You can substitute chicken with tofu, beans, or grilled veggies. Tofu works well when marinated in BBQ sauce. Black beans or chickpeas add protein too. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on what you choose. You learned how to make tasty BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls. We covered the full ingredient list and easy swaps. I shared step-by-step cooking tips for perfect quinoa and juicy chicken. We also explored fun ways to enhance flavors and serve. Plus, you discovered storage methods to keep your meal fresh. In summary, these bowls are adaptable and fun. Enjoy making them your own!$

BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls

A healthy and delicious bowl featuring quinoa, grilled chicken, and fresh vegetables, topped with BBQ sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed
2 cups water or chicken broth
2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 piece ripe avocado, sliced
1 cup corn
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
0.5 cup red onion, thinly sliced
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
to taste salt and pepper
for grilling amount olive oil

Instructions

In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a rapid boil. Once boiling, add the rinsed quinoa. Stir briefly, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. After removing from heat, keep it covered and let it rest for 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains.
While the quinoa cooks, prepare the chicken breasts. Season both sides liberally with salt and pepper. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until it's nicely browned and fully cooked (an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the heat. Generously brush each piece of chicken with BBQ sauce, allowing it to sit for a minute so the sauce lightly caramelizes. After that, slice the chicken into bite-sized strips.
In large serving bowls, create a base layer with the cooked quinoa. On top of the quinoa, artfully arrange the sliced BBQ chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, corn, black beans, and red onion.
To finish, drizzle any leftover BBQ sauce over the assembled bowls and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and color. Serve immediately for the best taste experience.

Notes

Consider serving the bowls with lime wedges on the side for an extra zest, and arrange the ingredients in sections for a colorful and inviting display.

Keyword BBQ, bowl, chicken, healthy, quinoa