BBQ Chicken Bowl

Featured in: Veggie Bowls & Fresh Salads

This hearty bowl combines tender chicken breasts brushed with smoky BBQ sauce until perfectly caramelized. The chicken rests on a bed of fluffy white rice, complemented by a tangy homemade coleslaw featuring red and green cabbage with sweet carrots. Roasted seasonal vegetables including bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and broccoli add depth and nutrition. Each bowl delivers a satisfying mix of sweet, smoky, and fresh flavors with varied textures from crunchy vegetables to tender meat.

Updated on Wed, 04 Feb 2026 08:07:46 GMT
Juicy BBQ-glazed chicken slices rest on fluffy white rice with crisp coleslaw and vibrant roasted vegetables. Save
Juicy BBQ-glazed chicken slices rest on fluffy white rice with crisp coleslaw and vibrant roasted vegetables. | apexdish.com

A vibrant and satisfying bowl featuring juicy BBQ-glazed chicken served over fluffy rice, accompanied by crisp coleslaw and a medley of roasted vegetables. Perfect for a wholesome, crowd-pleasing meal.

Juicy BBQ-glazed chicken slices rest on fluffy white rice with crisp coleslaw and vibrant roasted vegetables. Save
Juicy BBQ-glazed chicken slices rest on fluffy white rice with crisp coleslaw and vibrant roasted vegetables. | apexdish.com

This bowl is all about the combination of textures and flavors. The caramelized BBQ glaze on the tender chicken pairs beautifully with the crunch of the fresh coleslaw and the earthy sweetness of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli.

Ingredients

  • For the Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600 g), 1 cup BBQ sauce, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • For the Rice: 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, 3 cups water, 1/2 tsp salt
  • For the Coleslaw: 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, 1 cup grated carrot, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp honey, salt and pepper
  • For the Roasted Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper, 1 zucchini, 1 red onion, 1 cup broccoli florets, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp paprika, salt and pepper
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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cook the Rice
Rinse the rice under cold water. In a saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
3. Roast the Vegetables
On a baking sheet, toss sliced bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, and broccoli with 2 tbsp olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning once, until golden and tender.
4. Prepare the Coleslaw
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Add green and red cabbage and carrot; toss to coat. Chill until serving.
5. Sear the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Brush with BBQ sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes more per side to caramelize. Slice the chicken.
6. Assemble
Divide rice among four bowls. Top with sliced BBQ chicken, roasted vegetables, and a scoop of coleslaw. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, ensure the roasted vegetables are spread in a single layer to avoid steaming. Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken remains juicy by hitting the target internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Varianten und Anpassungen

Substitute brown rice or quinoa for added fiber. You can also make this dish vegetarian by swapping the chicken for BBQ-glazed tofu or tempeh. For a quick shortcut on busy nights, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken tossed in BBQ sauce.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these bowls warm, optionally drizzled with extra BBQ sauce. This meal pairs exceptionally well with a crisp lager or a refreshing glass of iced tea.

A generous BBQ Chicken Bowl features golden roasted veggies and creamy coleslaw, perfect for a wholesome dinner. Save
A generous BBQ Chicken Bowl features golden roasted veggies and creamy coleslaw, perfect for a wholesome dinner. | apexdish.com

This BBQ Chicken Bowl is a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. With its combination of warm roasted elements and cold, crisp components, it is a satisfying dish any day of the week.

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Recipe FAQs

How do I store leftovers?

Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the coleslaw chilled and the rice and chicken in separate containers. Reheat the chicken and vegetables in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, then assemble fresh bowls.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rice, roasted vegetables, and coleslaw up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook the chicken fresh and assemble just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What other proteins work well?

Try shredded pork, beef brisket, or grilled shrimp as alternatives to chicken breasts. For vegetarians, BBQ-glazed tofu, tempeh, or portobello mushrooms work beautifully with the same preparation method.

How can I make it spicier?

Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the BBQ sauce before brushing the chicken. You can also drizzle hot sauce over the finished bowl or mix sriracha into the coleslaw dressing for extra heat.

What sides pair well?

Cornbread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette complement the smoky flavors. For beverages, try crisp lager, sweet tea, or lemonade to balance the rich BBQ glaze.

Is this gluten-free?

The bowl can be made gluten-free by ensuring your BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free and using GF condiments for the coleslaw. All other ingredients including rice and fresh vegetables are naturally gluten-free.

BBQ Chicken Bowl

Juicy BBQ-glazed chicken over fluffy rice with crisp coleslaw and roasted vegetables

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Created by Charlotte Rivera


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Serving Size

Diet Info None specified

Ingredient List

Chicken

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.3 lb)
02 1 cup BBQ sauce
03 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Rice

01 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
02 3 cups water
03 1/2 teaspoon salt

Coleslaw

01 2 cups shredded green cabbage
02 1 cup shredded red cabbage
03 1 cup grated carrot
04 1/4 cup mayonnaise
05 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
06 1 teaspoon honey
07 Salt and pepper to taste

Roasted Vegetables

01 1 red bell pepper, sliced
02 1 zucchini, sliced
03 1 red onion, cut into wedges
04 1 cup broccoli florets
05 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 1/2 teaspoon paprika
07 Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make

Step 01

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 425°F.

Step 02

Prepare rice: Rinse rice under cold water. In a saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 03

Roast vegetables: On a baking sheet, toss bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, and broccoli with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning once, until golden and tender.

Step 04

Make coleslaw dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Add green and red cabbage and carrot; toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving.

Step 05

Cook chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Brush generously with BBQ sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes more per side to caramelize. Remove from heat and slice.

Step 06

Assemble bowls: Divide rice among four bowls. Top each with sliced BBQ chicken, a portion of roasted vegetables, and a scoop of coleslaw. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

What You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Saucepan with lid
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Chef's knife and cutting board

Allergy Notice

Please review ingredients for allergens and talk to a medical expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains eggs in mayonnaise component of coleslaw
  • BBQ sauce may contain soy and gluten; verify label for allergen information
  • For gluten-free preparation, use certified gluten-free BBQ sauce
  • Always verify all ingredient labels for hidden allergens before preparation

Nutrition Details (per serving)

These details are for general reference and aren't a substitute for professional health advice.
  • Calorie count: 540
  • Fat content: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 60 grams
  • Proteins: 32 grams