Grilled BBQ Chicken Bowls with Black Bean-Corn Salad

Side view of Grilled BBQ Chicken Bowls with Black Bean-Corn Salad in a white bowl. Red napkin in background.There is just something about grilled corn and grilled chicken in the summertime so I brought my two loves together…

The post Grilled BBQ Chicken Bowls with Black Bean-Corn Salad appeared first on The Defined Dish.

Side view of Grilled BBQ Chicken Bowls with Black Bean-Corn Salad in a white bowl. Red napkin in background.

There is just something about grilled corn and grilled chicken in the summertime so I brought my two loves together for these delicious Grilled BBQ Chicken Bowls with Black Bean-Corn Salad!

Three plated bowls of Grilled BBQ Chicken Bowls with Black Bean-Corn Salad.

Simply grilled chicken is delicious. But grilled chicken elevated by the flavors of BBQ sauce? Hard to beat, in my opinion! The store-bought BBQ sauce allows you to infuse so much flavor into the chicken without using your entire spice cabinet — win-win. Top your perfectly grilled chicken with the Black Bean-Corn Salad and you have a bright, nourishing meal in under an hour.

Ingredients:

  • Can of Black Beans
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Red Onion
  • Fresh Cilantro
  • Red Bell Pepper
  • Corn
  • Avocado Oil
  • Lime Juice
  • Kosher Salt
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
  • BBQ Sauce 
  • Prepared Brown Rice
  • Jalapeño
  • Shredded Smoked Gouda or Monterrey Jack Cheese
Side view of Grilled BBQ Chicken Bowls with Black Bean-Corn Salad in a white bowl. Red napkin in background.

Step-by-Step:

Step One: begin the black bean-corn salad

In a large bowl, add the black beans, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and bell pepper. Set aside.

Step Two: Prep the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and drizzle with the avocado oil, ¼ cup of the BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Step Three: Prep the Corn

Place ears of corn on top of a sheet of foil and brush with 2 tablespoons of the avocado oil until coated evenly. Wrap the corn in the foil.

Step Four: Prep the Grill

When ready to cook, heat grill over medium-high heat (350-400℉) and oil the grill grates. To do this, dip a wadded paper towel in a little avocado oil and, using tongs, wipe the oil evenly over the grate. Be careful not to use too much oil, because that’s a sure-fire way to start a good flare-up—a little goes a long way here.

Step Five: Grill the Chicken and Corn

Add the chicken and the foil-wrapped corn to the grill. Cook the chicken over the heat for 4 minutes per side, until the pieces turn golden and grill marks appear. Flip the pieces once more and turn the heat to medium-low, about 300°F. Using a brush, evenly brush the remaining ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken so that it is coated in more of the sauce. Continue to cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken has cooked through. Cook the corn until it is tender and charred, about 10-12 minutes, rotating the corn every 3 minutes. Remove the corn and set aside to cool. Remove the chicken from the grill then transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 to 8 minutes before slicing into 1-inch strips.

Grilled chicken and corn on large, white, oval platter.

Step Six: Slice the Chicken and Corn

When cool enough to handle, cut the corn off of the cob and add the black bean salad mixture. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and the lime juice. Toss until well combined.

Black Bean-Corn Salad in a clear bowl on tile surface.

Step Seven: Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon the prepared rice in the bottom of a bowl. Add the sliced chicken on top and drizzle with a little more BBQ sauce. Spoon the black bean and corn salsa on top. Sprinkle with the cheese and top with jalapeño, if desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy!

Grilled BBQ Chicken Bowls with Black-Bean Corn Salad in a bowl on tile.

Recipe FAQs:

Could I prep any of this in advance?

Yes! You could get all of the chopping for the Black-Bean Corn Salad completed in advance, plus even marinate your chicken in the morning ahead of grilling.

Do you think THIS RECIPE would WORK FOR MEAL PREP?

Definitely! The assembled Black-Bean Corn Salad lasts for 2 to 3 days in the fridge. I would just store all elements of the bowls separately then reheat and assemble as you are ready.

For More bbq sauce Recipes:

Grilled BBQ Chicken Skewer Salad

BBQ Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Avocado Crema

Grilled Jalapeño Popper Chicken

Grilled BBQ Chicken Bowls with Black-Bean Corn Salad in a bowl on tile.
Print

Grilled BBQ Chicken Bowls with Black Bean-Corn Salad

Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 761kcal

Ingredients

For the Black Bean-Corn Salad:

  • One [15-ounce] can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
  • ½ cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • 2 ears of corn
  • 2 8-inch sheets of foil
  • 4 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thigh
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ¾ cup bbq sauce (I use New Primal brand)

For the Bowls:

  • 1 cup prepared brown rice
  • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup shredded smoked gouda or Monterrey jack cheese
  • fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

Start the Black Bean-Corn Salad:

  • In a large bowl, add the black beans, tomatoes, onion, cilantro and bell pepper. Set aside.

Prep the Chicken and Corn:

  • Place the chicken thighs in a shallow baking dish and drizzle with the avocado oil, ¼ cup of the BBQ sauce, salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  • Place ears of corn on top of a sheet of foil and brush with 2 tablespoons of the avocado oil until coated evenly. Wrap the corn in the foil.

Grill the Chicken and Corn:

  • When ready to cook, heat grill over medium-high heat (350- 400℉) and oil the grill grates. To do this, dip a wadded paper towel in a little avocado oil and, using tongs, wipe the oil evenly over the grate. Be careful not to use too much oil, because that’s a sure-fire way to start a good flare-up—a little goes a long way here.
  • Add the chicken and the foil-wrapped corn to the grill. Cook the chicken over the heat for 4 minutes per side, until the pieces turn golden and grill marks appear. Flip the pieces once more and turn heat to medium-low, about 300°F. Using a brush, evenly brush the remaining ½ cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken so that it is coated in more of the sauce. Continue to cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken has cooked through. Cook the corn until it is tender and charred, about 10-12 minutes, rotating the corn every 3 minutes. Remove the corn and set aside to cool. Remove the chicken from the grill and transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 to 8 minutes before slicing into 1-inch strips.
  • When cool enough to handle, cut the corn off of the cob and add the black bean salad mixture. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and the lime juice. Toss until well combined.

Serve:

  • Spoon the prepared rice in the bottom of a bowl. Add the sliced chicken on top and drizzle with a little more BBQ sauce. Spoon the black bean and corn salsa on top. Sprinkle with the cheese and top with jalapeño, if desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 761kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 55g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 249mg | Sodium: 2527mg | Potassium: 1008mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 1330IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 264mg | Iron: 4mg

Photography and styling by Eat Love Eats.

The post Grilled BBQ Chicken Bowls with Black Bean-Corn Salad appeared first on The Defined Dish.

Grilled Fish Tacos with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce

Close up of Grilled Fish Taco with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce.I can’t get enough of fish tacos so I am so excited to add another to the blog with these…

The post Grilled Fish Tacos with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce appeared first on The Defined Dish.

Close up of Grilled Fish Taco with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce.

I can’t get enough of fish tacos so I am so excited to add another to the blog with these flavorful Grilled Fish Tacos with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce!

Grilled Fish Tacos with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce assembled on tray.

Don’t let the ingredient list or steps overwhelm you with this recipe. I promise you it all comes together beautifully! For this #DDGrillWeek 2024 recipe, you’ll start by simply marinating the fish with olive oil and dried spices. Next, you’ll toss together the simple slaw and let that marinate as you hit the grill.

Close up of Grilled Fish Taco with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce.

Once your grill is prepped, you’ll start by grilling the poblanos for your green sauce then set those aside as you grill the fish and tortillas. The fish and tortillas will be kept warm as you blend up your green sauce with the poblanos, Greek yogurt, cilantro, and more. After your sauce is blended up, flake your fish, assemble your tacos, and enjoy! With a Clayton Margarita if you are feeling extra festive.

Grilled Fish Tacos with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce Ingredients:

  • Ground Cumin
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Garlic Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Dried Oregano
  • Salt
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Mahi Mahi or Halibut
  • Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
  • Freshly Squeeze Lemon Juice
  • Honey
  • Shredded Green Cabbage
  • Shredded Purple Cabbage
  • Green Onions
  • Fresh Cilantro
  • Poblano Peppers
  • Garlic
  • Greek Yogurt
  • Corn Tortillas
  • Jalapeño or Serrano Pepper
  • Lime Wedges

Recipe Step-by-Step:

Step One: Make the Fish Marinade

In a small bowl, combine the cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Stir until well combined until it turns into a paste-like consistency.

Step Two: Marinate the Fish

Pat the fish dry and brush the spice mixture over the top flesh of the fish and rub it in so that it evenly coats the fish. Set aside for 15 minutes to marinate while you prepare the slaw.

Salmon filets marinating on sheet pan.

Step Three: Make the Slaw

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the green and purple cabbage, green onion, and cilantro. Gently toss to coat. Set aside.

Slaw for Grilled Fish Tacos on low plate.

Step Four: Prep the Grill

When ready to cook, heat the grill over medium-high heat (350-400℉) and oil the grill grates. To do this, dip a wadded paper towel in a little avocado oil and, using tongs, wipe the oil evenly over the grate. Be careful not to use too much oil, because that’s a sure-fire way to start a good flare-up—a little goes a long way here.

Step Five: Grill the Poblano Peppers

Add the poblano peppers to the hot grill and grill for about 12 to 15 minutes until the skin is charred and blackened, flipping here and there to achieve an even grill. Transfer the cooked poblanos to a bowl and cover with foil or saran wrap to allow to steam while you cook the fish.

Step Six: Grill the Fish

Add the fish to the greased grill and cook until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer to a platter and cover with foil until ready to serve.

Step Seven: Grill the Tortillas

Add the tortillas to the grill and char until just warm and more pliable, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm until ready to serve.

Step Eight: Make the Green Sauce

After the poblanos have steamed, they should peel very easily. Peel off the skin on the top layer, then remove the stem and seeds. Add the peeled poblanos to a blender with the cilantro, garlic, Greek yogurt, lime, and salt to make the sauce. Blend until smooth.

Green sauce in small bowl for Grilled Fish Tacos

Step Nine: Serve and Enjoy!

To serve, flake fish and serve in the warm tortillas. Top with the slaw, a drizzle of the green sauce, and thinly sliced jalapeño or serrano pepper if desired! Serve with a wedge of lime.

Grilled Fish Tacos with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce assembled on tray.

Recipe FAQs:

Is the green sauce spicy?

I do not find poblanos particularly spicy! If you want to spice up your tacos, serve with thinly sliced jalapeño or serrano peppers.

Could I omit the tortillas?

Yes! This is great served in a bowl over the cabbage slaw and with a side of rice if preferred.

For More Fish Recipes:

Grilled Salmon Tacos with Jalapeño Tartar Sauce

Cedar Plank Salmon and Corn with Serrano-Butter

Paleo Battered Fish Tacos

Close up of Grilled Fish Taco with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce.
Print

Grilled Fish Tacos with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce

Gluten-Free
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients

For the Fish:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 lbs mahi mahi or halibut, cut into two 1-lb filets

For the Citrus Slaw:

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage
  • 2 cups finely shredded purple cabbage
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
  • ½ cup roughly chopped cilantro leaves

For the Green Sauce:

  • 2 medium poblano peppers
  • 1 cup packed roughly chopped cilantro leaves
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt

For Serving:

  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, very thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 lime cut into wedges

Instructions

Marinate the Fish:

  • In a small bowl, combine the cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Stir until well combined until it turns into a paste-like consistency.
  • Pat the fish dry and brush the spice mixture over the top flesh of the fish and rub it in so that it evenly coats the fish. Set aside for 15 minutes to marinate while you prepare the slaw.

Make the Slaw:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the green and purple cabbage, green onion, and cilantro. Gently toss to coat. Set aside.

Grill the Fish, Poblanos, and Tortillas:

  • When ready to cook, heat grill over medium-high heat (350-400℉) and oil the grill grates. To do this, dip a wadded paper towel in a little avocado oil and, using tongs, wipe the oil evenly over the grate. Be careful not to use too much oil, because that’s a sure-fire way to start a good flare-up—a little goes a long way here.
  • Add the poblano peppers to the hot grill and grill for about 12 to 15 minutes until the skin is charred and blackened, flipping here and there to achieve an even grill. Transfer the cooked poblanos to a bowl and cover with foil or saran wrap to allow to steam while you cook the fish.
  • Add the fish to the greased grill and cook until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer to a platter and cover with foil until ready to serve.
  • Add the tortillas to the grill and char until just warm and more pliable, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm until ready to serve.

Make the Green Sauce:

  • After the poblanos have steamed, they should peel very easily. Peel off the skin on the top layer, then remove the stem and seeds. Add the peeled poblanos to a blender with the cilantro, garlic, Greek yogurt, lime, and salt to make the sauce. Blend until smooth.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • To serve, flake fish and serve in the warm tortillas. Top with the slaw, a drizzle of the green sauce, and thinly sliced jalapeño or serrano pepper if desired! Serve with a wedge of lime.

Photography and styling by Eat Love Eats.

The post Grilled Fish Tacos with Citrus Slaw and Green Sauce appeared first on The Defined Dish.