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Macro Friendly BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl

BBQ ranch chicken bowl - featured image

This macro friendly BBQ ranch chicken bowl is a high-protein, meal prep-friendly recipe featuring smoky BBQ chicken, creamy ranch, crisp veggies, and customizable toppings. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeks or healthy lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
  • 1 tsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup macro friendly BBQ sauce (low sugar or no sugar added)
  • 1/4 cup light ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp fresh chopped dill or chives (optional)
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice, white rice, or cauliflower rice
  • 2 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, or spring mix)
  • 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 12 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Pickled jalapeños or sliced avocado (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
  2. Place chicken in a bowl and drizzle with oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and let sit 5-10 minutes.
  3. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Cover pan for last few minutes if chicken is thick.
  4. Remove chicken from heat and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
  5. Slice chicken into bite-size pieces and toss with BBQ sauce in a clean bowl.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, Greek yogurt, and dill or chives if using. Adjust seasoning as desired.
  7. While chicken cooks, prepare rice or cauliflower rice according to package directions. Wash and dry salad greens. Prep and measure toppings: drain and rinse beans and corn, halve tomatoes, dice onion, shred cheese.
  8. To assemble, layer rice or cauliflower rice and salad greens in each bowl or container. Top with BBQ chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, onion, and cheese.
  9. Drizzle with ranch sauce or serve on the side. Garnish with green onions and optional jalapeños or avocado.
  10. Serve immediately or let bowls cool before sealing and refrigerating for meal prep.

Notes

For best results, let chicken rest before slicing and assembling bowls. Keep ranch separate if meal prepping to avoid soggy greens. Swap rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb version, or use tofu for a vegetarian option. Always check BBQ sauce and ranch labels for gluten if needed. Add veggies just before serving for maximum crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: macro friendly, BBQ chicken bowl, high protein, meal prep, healthy lunch, ranch, easy dinner, gluten free option, low carb option