Smoky BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowls

If you’re craving a burst of flavor on a cozy family night, look no further than these Smoky BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowls! Imagine perfectly shredded chicken infused with a tangy and smoky BBQ sauce, complemented by fresh, vibrant toppings and a blend of textures that will have your taste buds dancing. These bowls strike a perfect balance between savory and sweet, creating a satisfying meal that everyone at your gathering will love.

Interestingly, these Smoky BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowls are inspired by the classic burrito but served in a shepherd’s pie-like bowl. Just imagine digging your spoon into layers of deliciousness—you get a little crunch, a bit of creaminess, and that delightful hint of smokiness. If you enjoyed my popular recipe for Loaded Nacho Chicken Bowls, then you’re in for a treat with this recipe; it is just as hearty and delicious, but with a smoky twist that brings a whole new level to your dining experience. Ready to whip up something fantastic? Let’s dive in!

What is Smoky BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowls?

So, how did we come to call this delicious dish “Smoky BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowls”? Well, the name says it all, right? You’ve got Smoky BBQ Chicken sitting on a bed of rice or quinoa, topped with a rainbow of fresh veggies—can you say “food heaven”? You know what they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” — and believe me, nothing will win over your loved ones like the combination of smoky chicken and fresh toppings. Honestly, it’s the perfect dish to make on a breezy evening, and you can whip it up in no time!

So if your week’s been hectic, treat yourself and your family with these tasty bowls. I assure you; they will be the highlight of your dining table!

Why You’ll Love This Smoky BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowls

Flavor Explosion

The Smoky BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowls are not just a dish, they are an experience! The hearty, juicy chicken is coated in a rich smoked BBQ flavor that is savory and delicious. Combined with fluffy rice or quinoa, and topped with fresh corn, crunchy bell peppers, and creamy avocado, you’ve got a flavor profile that will keep you coming back for seconds.

Cost-Saving Benefits

Cooking at home saves you a significant amount of money compared to dining out. Plus, you can control what goes into your dish! Why spend loads of money at a restaurant when you can bring that same tasty experience to your kitchen? With the savings, you can treat your loved ones to dessert afterward!

Tantalizing Toppings

One of the best parts of these Smoky BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowls is the variety of toppings. You can get as creative as you want! From tangy salsa to cool sour cream, each topping adds its own flare. It’s like creating your own culinary masterpiece with every spoonful!

How to Make Smoky BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowls

Quick Overview

Making these Smoky BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowls is easy and incredibly satisfying! The texture is a delightful combination of shredded chicken, fluffy grains, and crunchy vegetables. The best part? You can make this meal in just 30 minutes! Simple, quick, and oh-so-delicious—what’s not to love?

Key Ingredients for Smoky BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowls

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (ensure it’s halal-certified)
• 1 cup brown rice or quinoa
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup red onion, chopped
• 1 large avocado, sliced
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Grains: Begin by rinsing your brown rice or quinoa under cold water. In a medium-sized pot, combine the grains with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until fluffy. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
2. Prepare the Chicken: While the rice/quinoa is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Remove from heat and shred the chicken using two forks.
3. Add BBQ Sauce: Pour the BBQ sauce over the shredded chicken and return it to the skillet. Stir to make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. Heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked grains, black beans, corn, and diced red bell pepper. Mix well.
5. Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, layer the grain mixture first, then top with the BBQ chicken.
6. Top it Off: Finish with a few slices of avocado, chopped red onion, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Top Tips for Perfecting Smoky BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowls

• Substitutions: Don’t like chicken? Feel free to use halal-certified turkey or shredded beef. Not a fan of black beans? Try swapping for chickpeas or pinto beans!
• Timing: Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy. When shredding, aim for shreds rather than small bits for a better texture in your bowls.
• Avoiding Common Mistakes: Make sure to properly rinse your grains to remove excess starch and prevent them from becoming gummy.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To store your Smoky BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowls, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, they freeze well for up to 2 months. For reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge when frozen, and then heat in the microwave until warm. Adding a splash of water can help maintain moisture!

There you have it! These Smoky BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowls are sure to be a highlight of your family gatherings. They’re easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and infinitely customizable. Enjoy!

Smoky BBQ Chicken Burrito Bowls

Enjoy a delightful medley of shredded BBQ chicken layered with fluffy grains and vibrant toppings, perfect for family gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Grains

• 1 cup brown rice or quinoa Rinse under cold water before cooking.

Chicken

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts About 1 lb total.
• 1 cup BBQ sauce Ensure it’s halal-certified.

Vegetables and Toppings

• 1 can black beans Drained and rinsed.
• 1 cup corn Can use frozen or canned.
• 1 medium red bell pepper Diced.
• ½ cup red onion Chopped.
• 1 large avocado Sliced.
• 1 unit lime Cut into wedges.
• to taste salt and pepper
• to garnish fresh cilantro Optional.

Method

 

Cooking the Grains

1. Begin by rinsing your brown rice or quinoa under cold water.
2. In a medium-sized pot, combine the grains with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
3. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes until fluffy. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Preparing the Chicken

1. While the rice/quinoa is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
3. Remove from heat and shred the chicken using two forks.

Combining Ingredients

1. Pour the BBQ sauce over the shredded chicken and return it to the skillet. Stir to coat.
2. Heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked grains, black beans, corn, and diced red bell pepper. Mix well.

Assembling the Bowls

1. In serving bowls, layer the grain mixture first, then top with the BBQ chicken.
2. Finish with a few slices of avocado, chopped red onion, and sprinkle fresh cilantro if desired.
3. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Feel free to substitute chicken with halal-certified turkey or shredded beef. Use other beans like chickpeas if you prefer.