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Close-up overhead view of a loaded Chicken Burrito Bowl with grilled chicken, cheese, peppers, and lime wedges.

Cheesy BBQ Chicken Bowl

A quick and satisfying meal featuring tender, BBQ-glazed chicken, fluffy rice, sweet corn, black beans, and sharp cheddar cheese, all topped with fresh cilantro and a creamy ranch drizzle.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 2 bowls
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Fusion
Calories: 1230
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the BBQ Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
For the Bowls
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice
  • 2 cups water for rice
  • 1 cup canned corn drained
  • 1 cup canned black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp red onion finely diced
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
  • 2 tbsp ranch dressing for drizzling

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Medium Mixing Bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife

Method
 

Prepare the Rice
  1. In a small saucepan, combine uncooked white rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Prepare & Cook Chicken
  1. While rice cooks, pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a medium mixing bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
  3. Remove chicken from the air fryer and transfer back to the mixing bowl. Add BBQ sauce and toss until all chicken pieces are well coated.
Assemble the Bowls
  1. Divide the cooked rice between two serving bowls. Top each bowl with the BBQ chicken, drained corn, and rinsed black beans.
  2. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and other ingredients in each bowl. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheese. Garnish with diced red onion and chopped fresh cilantro. Drizzle with ranch dressing before serving.

Notes

For extra melty cheese, you can microwave the assembled bowl for 30-60 seconds after adding the cheese. Adjust BBQ sauce and ranch dressing to your taste. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.