BBQ Chicken Bowl

Featured in: Everyday Natural Bowls

This vibrant bowl brings together juicy chicken breasts brushed with tangy BBQ glaze, served atop fluffy white rice. The dish balances sweetness from the sauce with the crunch of homemade coleslaw featuring red and green cabbage with carrots. Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and broccoli add depth and nutrition. Everything comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The contrast between warm glazed chicken and cool crisp slaw creates satisfying texture and flavor in every bite.

Updated on Tue, 03 Feb 2026 04:14:43 GMT
Juicy BBQ-glazed chicken slices lie over fluffy white rice with crisp coleslaw and roasted vegetables in this BBQ Chicken Bowl. Save
Juicy BBQ-glazed chicken slices lie over fluffy white rice with crisp coleslaw and roasted vegetables in this BBQ Chicken Bowl. | cocoaferns.com

This BBQ Chicken Bowl is a vibrant and satisfying meal featuring juicy BBQ-glazed chicken served over fluffy white rice. It is perfectly balanced with a medley of roasted vegetables and a crisp, creamy coleslaw, making it a wholesome and crowd-pleasing option for any family dinner.

Juicy BBQ-glazed chicken slices lie over fluffy white rice with crisp coleslaw and roasted vegetables in this BBQ Chicken Bowl. Save
Juicy BBQ-glazed chicken slices lie over fluffy white rice with crisp coleslaw and roasted vegetables in this BBQ Chicken Bowl. | cocoaferns.com

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This dish is as beautiful to look at as it is to eat, bringing together a variety of textures—from the crunch of the cabbage to the tenderness of the chicken. It’s an American-style classic that delivers big on flavor without complex preparation.

Ingredients

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  • For the Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600 g), 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce (gluten-free if needed), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • For the Rice: 1 1/2 cups (300 g) long grain white rice, 3 cups (720 ml) water, 1/2 tsp salt
  • For the Coleslaw: 2 cups (140 g) shredded green cabbage, 1 cup (70 g) shredded red cabbage, 1 cup (110 g) grated carrot, 1/4 cup (60 g) mayonnaise, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp honey, salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Roasted Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 zucchini (sliced), 1 red onion (cut into wedges), 1 cup (150 g) broccoli florets, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp paprika, salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2
Prepare 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.
Step 3
Prepare the roasted 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 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.
Step 5
Cook the 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/74°C). Brush generously with BBQ sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes more per side, allowing the sauce to caramelize. Remove from heat and slice.
Step 6
Assemble the bowls: Divide rice among four bowls. Top with sliced BBQ chicken, a portion of roasted vegetables, and a scoop of coleslaw. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a quick shortcut on busy nights, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the breasts from scratch. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for the best results.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

Substitute brown rice or quinoa for the white rice to add more fiber to your meal. For a vegetarian version, simply swap the chicken for BBQ-glazed tofu or tempeh.

Serviervorschläge

This hearty BBQ Chicken Bowl pairs wonderfully with a crisp lager or a refreshing glass of iced tea. For those with dietary restrictions, ensure the BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free.

Save
| cocoaferns.com

This BBQ Chicken Bowl is a reliable and delicious choice for anyone seeking a wholesome meal that doesn't compromise on flavor. Enjoy the perfect combination of textures and tastes in every bite.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Yes, simply shred or slice pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and toss with warmed BBQ sauce. This shortcut reduces cooking time by about 15 minutes.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep components separate in airtight containers. Rice and vegetables last 3-4 days refrigerated. Store chicken and coleslaw separately for best texture.

What works as a gluten-free BBQ sauce?

Look for certified gluten-free brands or make homemade using tomato paste, molasses, vinegar, and spices. Always check labels carefully.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Swap chicken for BBQ-glazed tofu, tempeh, or portobello mushrooms. Press and sear tofu first for better texture absorption.

What other grains work well?

Brown rice adds nuttiness and fiber. Quinoa cooks faster and boosts protein. Cauliflower rice creates a lighter, low-carb option.

How do I prevent soggy coleslaw?

Salt shredded vegetables for 10 minutes, then squeeze out excess moisture before dressing. Add dressing just before serving for maximum crunch.

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BBQ Chicken Bowl

Tender BBQ chicken over rice with fresh coleslaw and colorful roasted vegetables for a complete, nourishing meal.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
30 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Author: Maya Larkson

Recipe Category Everyday Natural Bowls

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 4 Servings Amount

Diet Details None specified

What You Need

Chicken

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.3 lbs)
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

Directions

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: 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, allowing the sauce to caramelize. Remove from heat and slice.

Step 06

Assemble Bowls: Divide rice among four bowls. Top with sliced BBQ chicken, roasted vegetables, and coleslaw. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

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Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergy Info

Always check every ingredient for allergens. If you're not sure, talk to a health expert.
  • Contains eggs in mayonnaise used in coleslaw
  • BBQ sauce may contain soy and gluten; verify labels
  • Use certified gluten-free BBQ sauce for gluten-free preparation
  • Always verify all ingredient labels for hidden allergens

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutrition info shown is for guidance only. It cannot replace medical advice.
  • Calorie Count: 540
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Proteins: 32 g

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