– **Title**: BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water or chicken broth
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup corn (fresh or canned)
– 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 avocado, diced
– 1/2 cup chopped green onions
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
– **Instructions**:
1. **Cook the Quinoa**: Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a pot, combine quinoa and 2 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
2. **Prepare the Chicken**: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
3. **Add BBQ Sauce**: Once the chicken is cooked, brush 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce over the top, cooking for an additional minute until heated through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
4. **Assemble the Bowls**: In each bowl, start with a base of cooked quinoa. Top with sliced BBQ chicken, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, diced avocado, and green onions.
5. **Finish with Dressing and Cheese**: Drizzle ranch dressing over each bowl and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Add extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired.
6. **Serve**: Enjoy the bowls warm, garnished with additional toppings as desired.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Quinoa: This grain is a fantastic base for your bowls. If you’re short on quinoa, you can substitute it with rice or even couscous. Just note that cooking times may differ.
Chicken: Shredded BBQ chicken adds great flavor. If you want a veggie option, try using shredded jackfruit with BBQ sauce for a similar taste.
Black Beans: These are packed with protein and fiber. If you’re not a fan, you could swap them out for chickpeas or kidney beans.
Ranch Dressing: For a healthier twist, try Greek yogurt mixed with herbs or a lighter vinaigrette. You can even make your own ranch with yogurt, seasonings, and a splash of lemon juice!
Avocado: Avocado provides creaminess. If you want a change, you can use guacamole or even sprinkle some feta cheese for a salty bite.
How Do I Cook Quinoa Perfectly?
Cooking quinoa is super easy, but there are a few key steps to get it just right. Rinsing quinoa well before cooking helps remove its natural coating, which can taste bitter. Here’s how:
- Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
- Combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water or broth in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Let it simmer on low for about 15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed.
- After cooking, let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork for a light texture.
This method will yield fluffy quinoa, perfect for your bowls!
Delicious BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Quinoa Base:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably BBQ flavored)
- 1 cup corn, fresh or canned (drained)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes total for this recipe. It takes about 15 minutes to cook the quinoa and an additional 10-15 minutes to prepare the chicken and mix everything together. Super quick and easy for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Quinoa:
Start by rinsing your quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water (or chicken broth). Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and all the liquid is absorbed. After it’s done, use a fork to fluff the quinoa gently and let it cool slightly.
2. Preparing the BBQ Chicken:
If you don’t have BBQ chicken ready, take your shredded chicken and heat it in a skillet over medium heat. You can toss it with some BBQ sauce while warming it up, which should take about 5 minutes. Make sure it’s nice and hot before using it in your bowls.
3. Mixing the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, corn, black beans, cherry tomatoes, shredded red cabbage, and half of the sliced green onions and cilantro. Toss everything together gently to combine the flavors.
4. Assembling Your Bowls:
Now it’s time to put your bowls together! Divide the quinoa mixture evenly among your serving bowls. On top of each bowl, place a generous amount of the BBQ chicken, diced avocado, and sprinkle the remaining green onions and cilantro.
5. Adding the Dressing and Seasoning:
Drizzle ranch dressing over each bowl based on your personal taste—feel free to add as much or as little as you like! Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy your colorful and tasty BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls right away! They’re not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
Can I Use Different Types of Quinoa?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses regular white quinoa, you can also use red or black quinoa for a nutty flavor and vibrant color. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check the package instructions for the best results.
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Chicken?
No worries! You can quickly make your own BBQ chicken by cooking shredded rotisserie chicken or poaching chicken breasts in BBQ sauce until heated through. Alternatively, you can also substitute with grilled chicken, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You may want to keep the ranch dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again to prevent everything from getting soggy. When reheating, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to refresh the quinoa.
Can I Customize the Vegetables in This Bowl?
Definitely! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add or substitute with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even roasted sweet potatoes. You can also add some greens, like spinach or kale, for added nutrition!
