Name: BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika; 1/2 Tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried minced onion; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1/8 cup apple cider vinegar; 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 Tablespoon dried minced onion; 1 Tablespoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 pound chicken breasts (sliced thinly); 1 Tablespoon avocado oil; 4 cups shredded red cabbage; 2 cups shredded carrots (or 1 8-ounce bag); 1 cup diced cucumber; 1 avocado, sliced; 2 cups cooked rice

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 4 reviews

If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that brings together smoky, sweet, and tangy notes in one delightful dish, this BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s packed with tender, perfectly seasoned chicken, crunchy fresh veggies, and a luscious house-made barbecue sauce all layered over fluffy rice. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress friends, these bowls are as satisfying as they are beautiful, making every bite a celebration of textures and tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden board with a warm light brown color holds four raw chicken pieces, each covered evenly with a dry, rust-colored spice blend that has a grainy texture, almost like cornmeal. The chicken pieces vary in size and shape, lying flat on the board. The wood beneath the board has a natural, slightly weathered look with straight grain lines running vertically. The scene is simple, focusing on the rough texture of the spice and the pale pink skin of the chicken. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet crucial to creating the magic of the BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe. Each component plays its role in balancing bold seasoning with fresh, crisp vegetables and comforting rice.

Smoked Paprika (2 Tablespoons): Adds a rich, smoky depth that defines the barbecue flavor.
Brown Sugar (1/2 Tablespoon): Brings a touch of sweetness to balance the spices and acidity.
Garlic Powder (2 teaspoons): Imparts a savory, aromatic base that enhances the chicken and sauce.
Dried Minced Onion (2 Tablespoons): Adds subtle onion flavor without the moisture, perfect for seasoning.
Chili Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a mild heat and complexity.
Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Brings earthy warmth to the spice mix.
Salt and Pepper (1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 3/4 teaspoon pepper): Essential for seasoning to taste throughout.
Tomato Sauce (1 15-ounce can): The base of the barbecue sauce, providing richness and moisture.
Maple Syrup (1/4 cup): Natural sweetness that rounds out the tangy sauce beautifully.
Apple Cider Vinegar (1/8 cup): Adds the signature tang that balances sweetness in the barbecue sauce.
Chicken Breasts (1 pound, thinly sliced): The star protein, juicy and tender when cooked right.
Avocado Oil (1 Tablespoon): Ideal for cooking chicken and veggies with a subtle flavor and high smoke point.
Shredded Red Cabbage (4 cups): Offers vibrant color and a satisfying crunch.
Shredded Carrots (2 cups): Sweetness and bright orange color add freshness to the bowls.
Diced Cucumber (1 cup): Adds cool, crisp freshness as a topping.
Avocado (1 whole): Creamy texture balances the diverse flavors.
Cooked Rice (2 cups): The comforting base that soaks up all the delicious sauce.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Seasoning

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms, combine all the dry seasoning ingredients—smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, dried minced onion, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper—in a small bowl and mix well. This seasoning blend is the heart of the BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle the seasoning generously over both sides of the thinly sliced chicken breasts. This step is crucial for infusing the meat with all the smoky, sweet, and savory notes that make the dish extraordinary. Set the chicken aside while you get the sauce ready.

Step 3: Simmer the Barbecue Sauce

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the tomato sauce, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar. Place the pan over low heat and let the sauce gently simmer while you cook the chicken. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully for a perfectly balanced sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken and Veggies

Heat the avocado oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the seasoned chicken breasts for about 4 minutes on each side until cooked through and slightly caramelized. Once the chicken is done, remove the skillet from heat and add the shredded cabbage and carrots. Toss them quickly in the warm skillet to slightly soften and integrate their flavors with the pan’s fond.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

Place the cooked chicken breasts on top of the cabbage and carrots in the skillet. Spoon some of the barbecue sauce over each piece to keep them moist and flavorful. Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. For a perfect finishing touch, broil the chicken for 5 minutes to get a beautiful glaze and slight char on the edges.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowls

After baking, remove the skillet from the oven. Take the chicken breasts onto a cutting board and slice them into bite-sized cubes. Now, it’s time to build your bowls! Start with a base of cooked rice, add scoops of the sautéed cabbage and carrots, then top with the juicy diced chicken. Finish by garnishing with fresh diced cucumber, creamy sliced avocado, and a drizzle of the remaining barbecue sauce. Your BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe is now ready to enjoy!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

A white bowl holds a layered meal starting with a base of fluffy white rice at the bottom. On top of the rice, there are small brown pieces of cooked chicken coated with a thick dark sauce. Mixed in are pieces of purple cabbage and thin orange carrot strips, adding color and texture. On one side of the bowl, several slices of fresh green cucumber rest neatly with a drizzle of the same dark sauce on top. A shiny gold spoon is inserted into the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes make all the difference. Crisp diced cucumbers add a refreshing contrast, while creamy avocado slices provide richness that balances the smoky sauce beautifully. Don’t be shy with drizzling any remaining BBQ sauce—it ties all the flavors together for an unforgettable bite.

Side Dishes

These bowls are filling and flavorful on their own, but you can elevate the meal by serving simple sides like tortilla chips with guacamole or a light, tangy coleslaw. A fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette also pairs excellently to lighten the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the ingredients deconstructed on a platter and let everyone assemble their own bowls. Alternatively, for a picnic or on-the-go lunch, pack them in mason jars with separate layers of rice, chicken, veggies, and sauce, ensuring the textures stay fresh until mealtime.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover chicken, vegetables, and rice in separate airtight containers and refrigerate. This helps maintain the freshness and texture of each component, especially preventing the cabbage and carrots from becoming soggy overnight.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the fresh vegetables or rice together with the chicken, as they do not reheat well after freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and sauce gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through. For best texture, warm the rice separately. Fresh vegetables and avocado are best added after reheating for that fresh, crunchy bite.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to be more forgiving with cooking times, offering a juicy and flavorful benefit for your BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your tomato sauce and spices are gluten-free certified to be safe for those with sensitivities.

Can I substitute the rice for another grain?

Definitely. Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even farro work well, adding different textures and nutritional profiles while complementing the flavorful chicken and veggies.

How spicy is this BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe?

The chili powder adds mild heat, but the overall dish is balanced and not overly spicy. You can adjust the chili powder to increase or decrease the heat to your preference.

What’s the best way to slice the chicken?

Slicing the chicken into thin, even pieces before cooking helps it cook quickly and uniformly. After baking, cutting it into bite-sized cubes makes assembling bowls easy and enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

This BBQ Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both comforting and exciting every time you make it. With its perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and fresh flavors, it’s an absolute joy to share with family or friends. Once you try it, you’ll find it quickly becoming a favorite go-to meal that satisfies big on flavor and ease. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and dive into the delicious world of homemade BBQ chicken rice bowls—you won’t regret it!