BBQ Chicken Bowls with slow cooked BBQ chicken, onions, roasted potatoes and corn make a simple make-ahead meal that are easily reheated for any busy weeknight.
For many of us, the basics of healthy eating are easy to understand. Where we find ourselves opting for takeout or unhealthier at-home options is when we forget a big step: planning ahead. That’s why I love making meals like these BBQ chicken bowls. I can easily prep two of the components on the weekend [the shredded chicken and roasted potatoes] when I have a little more time to myself and then reheat during the week when our 5pm dinnertime meltdowns hit! My hope is that this recipe inspires you to take simple ingredients and serve them in a way that takes minimal effort and time to cook— two things many of us desperately need more of everyday!
While it feels silly even writing a post about BBQ chicken bowls made with no-so-fancy ingredients, I hope if you’ve been using my recipes for awhile now you know I’m not about fancy. I’m about realistic, usually healthy ingredients that can easily be mixed and matched for fast weeknight meals. We are seriously living in an internet food world where lots of ingredients and pretty pictures [yes, many of my food blogging friends have AWESOME food photos] make many of us [aka me] feel like the meals I’m serving to my family should be more. When the reality is corn mixed with a fancy herb blend isn’t any healthier than corn tossed with a little salt and pepper. And chicken baked with homemade BBQ sauce might be a little healthier than baking it with store bought sauce, but that’s something I plan on conquering when I don’t have 2 children clamoring for my attention when I’m in the middle of cooking dinner.
Besides, if I take my own advice every now and then I might remember preaching this line: homemade isn’t always healthier. And if a meal like these BBQ chicken bowls save you a little extra time for laundry, picking up toys, or heck, a long shower, then I give you the go ahead for making it every night of the week! Heck— there’s protein and three vegetables. Even the healthiest of chef’s can give a pat on the back for that!
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ yellow onion, sliced thin
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 3 large russet potatoes, cut into 1-inch dice or bite sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1.5-2 cups frozen corn [preferably in microwaveable bag]
- Preheat oven to 425. Add chicken, onion, and BBQ sauce to small Dutch oven. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until chicken easily shreds with two forks.
- Meanwhile, while chicken is cooking, toss potatoes, olive oil, and salt and pepper so potatoes are evenly coated. Place on baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- When chicken and potatoes are finished cooking, microwave corn according to package directions. Serve everything in small serving bowls with extra BBQ sauce, if desired.
This BBQ chicken bowl is SO versatile based on the ingredients you have on hand! Swap out the potatoes for brown rice, quinoa, or roasted sweet potatoes. Or instead of corn considering adding sautéed spinach! The possibilities are endless! Just don’t forget the BBQ sauce… [typed by Joey]. Winner winner chicken dinner: Make-Ahead BBQ Chicken Bowls Share on X
Thank you for the dinner inspiration! And for the great reminder that simpler can be better and that shortcuts are not the end of the world!
This may be a simple meal, but it is absolutely perfect for a busy week night! I’d love to throw some greens in there!