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Macro Friendly BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl

Macro Friendly BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl

A customizable, satisfying meal that perfectly balances flavor and nutrition, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a delicious and healthy weeknight dinner. This recipe is incredibly useful for its simplicity and its ability to fit seamlessly into a macro-conscious eating plan.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons your favorite sugar-free BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon light ranch seasoning mix check protein and carb content
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste black pepper
Rice
  • 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice (or cauliflower rice for lower carbs)
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth
  • pinch salt
Veggies
  • 1 cup broccoli florets steamed or roasted
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
Ranch Drizzle
  • 1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons light ranch dressing (or more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh chives minced (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste black pepper
Optional Toppings
  • Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
  • A sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese (if macros allow)
  • A dash hot sauce

Equipment

  • Medium Bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Skillet
  • Small Bowl

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with sugar-free BBQ sauce, light ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. If using chicken breasts, you can slice them into bite-sized pieces before seasoning for quicker cooking, or leave them whole and slice after cooking.
    1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 2 tablespoons your favorite sugar-free BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon light ranch seasoning mix, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, to taste Salt, to taste black pepper
  2. If using regular rice, combine the uncooked rice with water or chicken broth and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. If using cauliflower rice, prepare it according to package instructions, which usually involves a quick sauté or microwave.
    1 cup uncooked white or brown rice, 2 cups water or chicken broth, pinch salt
  3. While the rice is cooking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a light spray of cooking oil if needed. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side for whole breasts, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. If using bite-sized pieces, cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing if you cooked it whole.
  4. If you haven’t already, steam or roast your broccoli florets until tender-crisp. Thaw corn if using frozen. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion.
    1 cup broccoli florets, 1/2 cup corn kernels, 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup red onion
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the plain non-fat Greek yogurt, light ranch dressing, minced chives (if using), lemon juice (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to your liking.
    1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons light ranch dressing, 1 teaspoon fresh chives, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, to taste Salt, to taste black pepper
  6. Divide the cooked rice (or cauliflower rice) among serving bowls. Top with the cooked BBQ ranch chicken, steamed or roasted broccoli, corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
    1 cup uncooked white or brown rice, 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 1 cup broccoli florets, 1/2 cup corn kernels, 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup red onion
  7. Drizzle generously with the prepared ranch dressing. Add any optional toppings like fresh parsley, cilantro, shredded cheese, or hot sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and healthy Macro Friendly BBQ Ranch Chicken Bowl!
    Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, A sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, A dash hot sauce

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently. For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken and rice for up to 2-3 months.