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Barbecue Chicken Quinoa Bowls

A delightful combination of tender shredded chicken coated in barbecue sauce, nutty quinoa, and colorful toppings for a nutritious meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa Nutty, fluffy grain base.
  • 2 cups shredded cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts Tender and juicy.
  • 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce Sweet and smoky.
Toppings
  • 1 cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed) Add protein and creamy texture.
  • 1 cup frozen or fire-roasted corn Sweet and crunchy.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (chopped) Juicy bursts of flavor.
  • 1/4 cup diced onion Enhances the overall flavor.
  • 1/2 unit avocado (peeled) Brings a luscious texture.
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt Tangy crema.
  • 1/2 unit lime (juiced) Adds acidity.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro Adds burst of freshness.
  • to taste Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper Essential for flavor.
  • 1-2 tablespoons water To thin the avocado crema.
  • Cilantro and extra barbecue sauce for garnish (optional) Optional for flavor and presentation.

Method
 

Preparation of Avocado Crema
  1. In a high-speed blender or food processor, purée the avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and cilantro. Drizzle in water as needed until the mixture attains a smooth, drizzling consistency.
Coating the Chicken
  1. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
Assembling the Bowls
  1. In four bowls or meal prep containers, equally divide the cooked quinoa as the base. Top each serving with portions of barbecue chicken, followed by black beans, corn, chopped tomatoes, and diced onion.
Garnishing and Serving
  1. Garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of avocado crema. Optionally, add extra barbecue sauce on top.

Notes

These bowls can be prepared in advance. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to four days. For a smoky flavor, grill fresh chicken breasts. You can swap quinoa for other grains like brown rice or cauliflower rice.