LOADED BBQ CHICKEN BOWLS

A fun, customizable meal that’s just as good for entertaining as it is for a mid-week dinner. The epitome of summer in a bowl!

Prep Time20

Cook Time15

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: BBQ Chicken, BBQ Sauce, BBQ Skewers, Chicken bowl, Chicken bowls, Summer recipes

Servings: servings

Author: Olivia Adriance

Ingredients

BBQ Sauce:

½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons coconut sugar
1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons yellow mustard
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

BBQ Chicken Skewers:

1 pound chicken thighs, cubed 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Slaw:

2 cups slaw mix (cabbage and carrots)
1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon celery seeds
Salt to taste

Serving Suggestions:

Prepared rice or mixed greens
Baked beans
Corn
Chopped cherry tomatoes
Cilantro

Instructions

Make the BBQ Sauce

In a large measuring cup or bowl, add the ketchup, coconut sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until combined.

Prep and Cook the Chicken:

In a large bowl, toss chicken with olive oil and seasonings. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to marinate.
Heat a grill (375 to 400°F) or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook skewers for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until nicely charred and cooked through. Brush lightly with BBQ sauce during the last minute or so of cooking.

Make the Slaw:

In a large mixing bowl, add the slaw mix, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, celery seeds, and salt. Toss to thoroughly combine (I find it easiest to use my hands to incorporate). Set aside until ready to eat.

Assemble and Eat:

Assemble the bowls with a scoop of rice or a handful of mixed greens, baked beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and BBQ chicken skewers. Top with additional BBQ sauce. Enjoy!

Notes

Cooking Instructions Without a Grill:

Thread the chicken onto the skewers and place on a lined baking sheet, ideally with a wire rack on top. The heat will cook the chicken on all sides, ensuring it gets nice and golden brown.

Alternatively, you can skip the skewers and simply bake the chicken on a baking sheet. I’d suggest 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them for 30 minutes ahead of time. You don’t want the wood to burn on either the hot grill or in the oven!

BBQ Sauce Alternatives:

Finally, if you don’t have the time to make your own sauce, feel free to use a store-bought variety. I love @getsidedish BBQ sauce because it uses minimal ingredients and doesn’t contain any unnecessary additives, gums, or fillers.

Nutrition