A vibrant BBQ chicken power bowl filled with juicy grilled chicken pieces glazed in BBQ sauce, quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, avocado slices, and a drizzle of creamy dressing, arranged in a white ceramic bowl.

BBQ Chicken Power Bowl: A Summer Favorite with Bold American Flavors

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There’s something magical about summer—the scent of smoky barbecue wafting through the air, the sizzle of fresh ingredients on a hot grill, and the joy of gathering around the table with vibrant, nourishing meals. This BBQ Chicken Power Bowl brings all of that to life in one satisfying dish.

Growing up in an Italian-American household, we didn’t do much traditional BBQ—but every summer, my nonna would grill marinated meats and fresh vegetables in the garden. Inspired by those memories, and today’s love for health-forward meals, I created this modern American twist on the classic BBQ chicken plate: bold, wholesome, and bowl-licious!

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Power Bowl

A vibrant BBQ chicken power bowl filled with juicy grilled chicken pieces glazed in BBQ sauce, quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, avocado slices, and a drizzle of creamy dressing, arranged in a white ceramic bowl.

✅ Healthy meets hearty – Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich grains, and tons of colorful veggies.
✅ Perfect for summer – Grilled chicken and charred corn make this bowl feel fresh and seasonal.
✅ Meal-prep friendly – Great for weekday lunches or dinners.
✅ Customizable – Swap grains, switch dressings, or add toppings like avocado or crunchy slaw.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the BBQ Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for drizzling)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra depth)

For the Power Bowl Base:

  • 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup grilled corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Creamy Yogurt BBQ Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste

Prep Time & Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Marinate & Grill the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, combine chicken breasts with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
  3. Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat.
  4. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C).
  5. Set aside to rest, then slice thinly.

🌽 Step 2: Prepare the Bowl Components

  • While the chicken is grilling, cook your rice or quinoa according to package instructions.
  • Grill your corn (if using fresh) until slightly charred.
  • Chop and prepare the veggies: tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, and cilantro.

🥣 Step 3: Mix the Creamy BBQ Yogurt Dressing

  • Whisk together Greek yogurt, BBQ sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

🥗 Step 4: Assemble Your Power Bowls

  1. Divide cooked grains among 4 bowls.
  2. Layer on black beans, corn, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
  3. Top with sliced BBQ chicken and avocado.
  4. Drizzle generously with creamy BBQ dressing.
  5. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro for that fresh, herby finish.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 480
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 7g

Tip: Want to reduce calories? Use grilled zucchini instead of grains for a low-carb option!

Make It Your Own: Tasty Variations

  • Spicy Southwest Style: Add sliced jalapeños and a squeeze of lime.
  • Tex-Mex Touch: Toss in shredded cheese or tortilla strips.
  • Vegan Version: Swap chicken for grilled tofu or tempeh and use a dairy-free yogurt in the dressing.
  • Extra Greens: Add a bed of baby spinach or arugula under the grains for extra freshness.

Pair It With…

Looking for the perfect summer sides or drinks to go with this bowl? Here are a few ideas:

  • 🌽 Grilled Elote-Inspired Corn Salad – A creamy, spicy twist on corn that’s great for BBQs.
  • 🥤 Homemade Lemon Iced Tea – Refreshing and easy to batch.
  • 🍓 Watermelon Feta Skewers – Juicy, salty, and so summery.
  • 🍞 Garlic-Herb Flatbreads – Ideal for scooping and mopping up extra sauce!

Serving Tips & Storage

  • Serve Fresh: Best served warm or at room temp with freshly grilled chicken.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Store all ingredients separately in airtight containers. Assemble when ready to eat!
  • Dressing Storage: Keeps in fridge for 3–4 days.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Summer Bowl

This BBQ Chicken Power Bowl is more than just a recipe—it’s a summer celebration in every bite. Juicy grilled chicken meets sweet corn, crunchy veggies, creamy dressing, and hearty grains to create a satisfying and balanced meal.

Whether you’re hosting a sunny backyard lunch or meal-prepping for the week, this bowl delivers flavor, nutrition, and serious BBQ vibes with every forkful.

Share the Love ❤️

Have you tried this BBQ Chicken Power Bowl? Snap a photo and tag it with #SummerPowerBowl—I’d love to see your spin on it! Or let me know in the comments how you made it your own. Did you add a spicy twist or keep it classic?

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