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To make BBQ chicken quinoa bowls, gather these main ingredients: - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups water or chicken broth - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup BBQ sauce (preferably homemade or low-sugar variety) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 avocado, sliced - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 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 These ingredients create a tasty, balanced meal. You can boost the flavor by adding some optional ingredients: - Bell peppers, diced - Jalapeños, sliced for heat - Cheese, like feta or cheddar - Lime wedges for a zesty touch Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. Each ingredient offers unique health benefits: - Quinoa: High in protein and fiber. - Chicken: Lean protein that builds muscle. - Avocado: Packed with healthy fats and vitamins. - Black beans: Great source of fiber and iron. - Corn: Provides carbohydrates for energy. - Tomatoes: Full of antioxidants like lycopene. These ingredients not only taste great but also keep you healthy. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, rinse the quinoa in cold water. This step removes any bitter taste. Next, bring water or chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add the rinsed quinoa, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa is ready when all the liquid is absorbed. After cooking, remove it from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Finally, fluff the quinoa with a fork. This makes it light and fluffy. While the quinoa cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each chicken breast for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. You want them to be fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Once done, generously brush BBQ sauce on each piece. Let the sauce caramelize for a minute. After that, slice the chicken into strips. Now it’s time to build your bowls! Start with a layer of cooked quinoa as the base. On top of that, add sliced BBQ chicken. Next, scatter halved cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, corn, black beans, and red onion over the quinoa. Each ingredient adds color and flavor. Drizzle any leftover BBQ sauce over the top. Finally, sprinkle fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious BBQ chicken quinoa bowls! To cook quinoa well, rinse it first. Rinsing helps remove bitter flavors. Use a ratio of 2 cups of water or chicken broth to 1 cup of quinoa. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Once all the liquid is gone, let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff it with a fork for a light and airy texture. You want full flavor in your chicken. Start with good seasoning. Use salt and pepper generously. Olive oil helps keep the chicken moist. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. After it's cooked, brush on BBQ sauce. Let it sit for a minute to caramelize. This step adds a tasty glaze that makes each bite special. When you assemble your bowl, create layers. Start with the fluffy quinoa as the base. Arrange the sliced BBQ chicken on top. Add colorful toppings like cherry tomatoes, avocado, and corn. This not only looks great but also adds flavor variety. Don’t forget the black beans and red onion for extra texture. Finish with a drizzle of BBQ sauce and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. This makes your BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowl both beautiful and delicious! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: To achieve fluffy quinoa, make sure to rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness from the saponins. This will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. Chicken Marinade: For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and lime juice for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will result in tender, juicy chicken. BBQ Sauce Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of BBQ sauces, such as spicy, sweet, or smoky varieties. A homemade sauce can elevate the dish, but make sure to choose one that complements the other ingredients. Fresh Toppings: Add a variety of fresh toppings like diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or feta cheese for an exciting twist. This will not only enhance the flavor but also add vibrant color to your bowls. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up this dish. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh. These options soak up flavors well. Season them with salt and pepper, just like the chicken. Cook them until golden brown. For a vegan twist, use a plant-based BBQ sauce. This sauce adds great taste without any animal products. Get creative with your toppings! You can add fresh spinach or kale for extra greens. Pickled jalapeños bring heat if you like spice. For a crunch, try adding nuts or seeds. Sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts work well. Chopped bell peppers add color and sweetness. The more toppings, the more fun your bowls will be! Don't limit yourself to BBQ sauce! Try a zesty lime vinaigrette for a fresh kick. A honey mustard sauce gives a sweet and tangy flavor. You can also use a spicy chipotle sauce for a smoky taste. Each sauce changes the whole dish. Mix and match to find your favorite flavors! To store your BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls, let them cool first. Use airtight containers. Divide the bowls into single servings for easy access. Keep them in the fridge for up to four days. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. When you're ready to eat, take a bowl out of the fridge. You can reheat in the microwave. Cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat for one to two minutes, checking often. Stir halfway through for even heating. You can also reheat on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water if it seems dry. Meal prep makes life easier. Cook a big batch of quinoa at once. Store it in the fridge for up to five days. Grill several chicken breasts and glaze them with BBQ sauce. Slice them and keep in the fridge for quick meals. You can also prep the veggies ahead of time. Just chop the tomatoes, onions, and avocado. Store them in separate containers for added crunch. This way, you can build a fresh bowl each day. Yes, you can use brown rice. Brown rice has a different texture and cooking time. Cook brown rice for about 40-50 minutes. Adjust the water to rice ratio as needed. The best BBQ sauce is one you love. I suggest homemade or low-sugar sauces. These options keep the meal healthy and tasty. Try sauces with a mix of sweet and tangy flavors for balance. To make this recipe gluten-free, choose gluten-free BBQ sauce. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, so it works well. Ensure all other ingredients, like canned beans, are also gluten-free. Yes, you can make these bowls ahead of time. Prepare the quinoa and chicken in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. Assemble the bowls just before serving for the best flavor and freshness. BBQ chicken quinoa bowls are tasty, healthy meals you can customize. We covered all the key points: main and optional ingredients, cooking steps, and storage tips. Remember, you can switch ingredients for different diets, like vegetarian or vegan options. With easy tips to boost flavor, your bowls will impress. Use the FAQs to address common questions and ensure a smooth cooking experience. Enjoy making and sharing your BBQ chicken quinoa bowls!

BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls

A delicious and healthy bowl featuring quinoa, grilled chicken, and fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 piece 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
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for grilling olive oil

Instructions
 

  • In a saucepan, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  • While quinoa is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 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 fully cooked through.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, brush each piece generously with BBQ sauce and let it sit for a minute to caramelize. Remove from the heat and slice into strips.
  • In large bowls, layer the cooked quinoa as the base. Top with sliced BBQ chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado, corn, black beans, and red onion.
  • Drizzle any remaining BBQ sauce over the top, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for an added flavor burst. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use homemade or low-sugar BBQ sauce for a healthier option.
Keyword BBQ, bowl, chicken, healthy, quinoa