Why You’ll Love this Smoky BBQ Chicken Bowl
If you’re looking for a meal that checks all the boxes, this Smoky BBQ Chicken Bowl is about to become your new weeknight hero.
It’s that perfect balance of smoky, savory, and fresh that makes your taste buds do a little happy dance.
I’m obsessed with how customizable these bowls are.
Feeling extra hungry? Pile on more chicken.
Watching your carbs? Reduce the rice and add extra greens.
The chipotle mayo dressing brings everything together with a creamy, slightly spicy kick that, honestly, I could eat with a spoon.
What Ingredients are in Smoky BBQ Chicken Bowl?
This smoky BBQ chicken bowl is a treasure trove of flavor-packed ingredients that come together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and vibrant. The beauty of this recipe lies in its layers – from the seasoned rice base to the protein-packed toppings and that incredible chipotle mayo that ties everything together.
Ready to stock your pantry and fridge for this delicious creation? Let’s break down what you’ll need.
- Chicken breast
- ¾ cup Hellmann’s organic mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (divided), plus lime wedges for garnish
- 1 chipotle chile in adobo (canned)
- 1 teaspoon adobo sauce
- ½ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley (divided)
- Ground cumin (1¼ teaspoons total)
- Kosher salt (¾ teaspoon total)
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cups long grain rice, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1½ cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup sweet corn
- 1 large ripe avocado, chopped
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters, especially for the chicken and produce. Try to find ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure, and cherry tomatoes that are bright and firm.
For the chipotle in adobo, you’ll only need one pepper from the can, but don’t toss the rest! They freeze beautifully in small portions and can add smoky heat to future recipes.
The beauty of this bowl is that you can adjust quantities to suit your taste—maybe you’re a cheese lover who wants to add a bit more, or perhaps you’d like to double up on the avocado for extra creaminess. Your bowl, your rules.
How to Make this Smoky BBQ Chicken Bowl
Creating this smoky BBQ chicken bowl is like orchestrating a delicious symphony where every component plays its part perfectly.
Let’s start with that amazing chipotle mayonnaise dressing, which gives this bowl its signature smoky kick. Combine 3/4 cup Hellmann’s organic mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 chipotle chile in adobo, 1 teaspoon adobo sauce, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt in a food processor or blender. Blend until you’ve got a smooth, creamy dressing with that gorgeous orange hue. Pop it in the fridge while you prepare the other elements—this lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
Next, let’s tackle the flavor-packed rice base, which is way more exciting than plain white rice. In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat, then add 1/2 cup chopped red onion and cook for about 3 minutes until it starts to soften and become translucent.
Stir in 1 large minced garlic clove (can you smell that heavenly aroma already?), 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 2 cups of rinsed long grain rice and stir continuously for a minute, allowing the grains to toast slightly and absorb all those spices.
Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and 1 cup rinsed black beans, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender. After cooking, let it rest covered for 5 minutes—this step is non-negotiable for perfectly fluffy rice! Finally, stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped parsley to brighten everything up.
For the chicken, consider using an electric smoker pellet grill for that authentic smoky flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
For the final assembly, which is honestly my favorite part (who doesn’t love building a beautiful bowl?), divide your flavorful rice mixture between four bowls.
Top each with your cooked chicken breast (simply grilled or sautéed works wonderfully), 1/2 cup chopped romaine lettuce for crunch, a generous sprinkle of halved cherry tomatoes (about 1/3 cup per bowl), 1/3 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 1/4 cup sweet corn, and 1/4 of that gorgeous chopped avocado.
The crowning glory? Drizzle that creamy chipotle mayonnaise dressing generously over the top—don’t be shy, it’s what brings all these ingredients together in perfect harmony. Garnish with lime wedges for that final touch of brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness.
And there you have it—a bowl that’s casual enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to friends.
Smoky BBQ Chicken Bowl Substitutions and Variations
While the traditional Smoky BBQ Chicken Bowl recipe offers incredible flavor combinations, you don’t need to feel locked into using every exact ingredient I’ve listed.
Rice options? Try quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative. Not a fan of black beans? Pinto or kidney beans work beautifully. The monterey jack can be swapped for pepper jack (spicier) or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
For the protein, rotisserie chicken saves time, or try grilled shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for vegetarian versions.
And that chipotle mayo? Feel free to adjust the heat level by adding more or less chipotle.
What to Serve with Smoky BBQ Chicken Bowl
Now that you’ve got all the ingredient options for your bowl, let’s talk about what else might round out your meal.
I love serving these smoky bowls with warm tortilla chips and fresh guacamole on the side.
A light cucumber salad with lime vinaigrette provides the perfect cooling contrast to the spicy chipotle dressing.
Want something invigorating to drink? Try a watermelon agua fresca or a crisp Mexican lager with a lime wedge.
For dessert, keep it simple—maybe some cinnamon-dusted churros or a scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with caramel sauce.
Who doesn’t appreciate a sweet finish to balance all those savory flavors?
Final Thoughts
After you’ve enjoyed this Smoky BBQ Chicken Bowl, you’ll understand why it’s become a staple in my rotation of weeknight dinners.
The combination of smoky flavors, creamy chipotle mayo, and fresh toppings creates a perfect balance that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility.
Don’t have avocado? Skip it. Prefer quinoa to rice? Go for it. The heart of this dish remains the same—comfort food with a kick.
These bowls also make fantastic meal prep options.
Simply store components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
