This BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl is a high-protein, low-carb, and healthy dinner recipe that is sure to please your taste buds while keeping you satisfied and on track with your nutritional goals.

If you’re looking for a healthy dinner recipe that’s both satisfying and packed with protein, look no further than this BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl. This dish is perfect for anyone following a high-protein, low-carb lifestyle.

With lean chicken, fresh veggies, and a delicious blend of BBQ sauce and ranch dressing, it offers a nutritious, flavorful meal that is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

This bowl brings together the perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors, making it not only healthy but also incredibly delicious.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup BBQ sauce (choose a sugar-free version for a low-carb option)
1 cup roasted corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 avocado, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4 cups fresh romaine lettuce, chopped
¼ cup ranch dressing (use a low-carb or homemade version for a healthier option)
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Lime wedges for serving
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Start by preheating your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium heat. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

2. Roast the corn: If you’re using fresh corn, you can roast the kernels in a pan with a little olive oil over medium heat until they get a nice char. Alternatively, you can use frozen corn, which can be heated in a skillet or microwave. Either way, the sweet and smoky flavor from the roasted corn adds a great touch to the bowl.

3. Assemble the bowl: In a large bowl or plate, start with a bed of chopped romaine lettuce as the base. Then, add the roasted corn, black beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced avocado on top of the lettuce. Arrange the grilled chicken slices across the vegetables, allowing them to shine as the star of the dish.

4. Add the dressing: Drizzle the BBQ sauce and ranch dressing over the ingredients. You can add more or less of each depending on your flavor preference. The smoky BBQ sauce and creamy ranch dressing will bring everything together with a burst of flavor.

5. Garnish and serve: Garnish the bowl with fresh cilantro and squeeze a lime wedge over the top for a zesty finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Variations

One of the best things about this BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl is its versatility. Here are some ideas for variations based on your preferences:

Add some heat: If you like a bit of spice, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the top of the bowl. You could also add some jalapeño slices for an extra kick.
Grilled veggies: Swap out the raw veggies for grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions. These add a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the BBQ chicken.
Cheese it up: If you’re not strictly following a low-carb diet, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, can be a nice addition to this bowl.
Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian version of this dish, replace the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, and add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.
Add nuts or seeds: For extra crunch and healthy fats, consider sprinkling some toasted sunflower seeds or crushed almonds on top.

FAQs

1. Can I make this BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and veggies ahead of time and store them in separate containers. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the bowl and drizzle the dressing on top. However, it’s best to add the avocado and dress the salad just before serving to prevent the avocado from browning.

2. How can I make this recipe lower in carbs?

To make this bowl even lower in carbs, you can skip the black beans or reduce the portion of roasted corn. Another option is to swap the corn with a lower-carb veggie, like zucchini or cauliflower rice, for a similar texture without the added carbs.

3. Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely! This BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl makes a fantastic meal prep recipe. Simply cook the chicken and roast the corn in advance, and then store the ingredients in separate containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, you can easily assemble your bowls and drizzle the sauce on top.

How to Serve

This BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl is a satisfying and filling meal on its own, but you can also pair it with a side for a complete dinner. Consider serving it with a small side of baked sweet potato fries, a crisp cucumber salad, or even some homemade guacamole.

For a more substantial meal, you could serve it with a low-carb cauliflower rice pilaf or a small portion of quinoa.