High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl

Name: High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup rice (jasmine or brown); 2 cups water or chicken broth; 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, carrots); Green onions, for garnish

Highlighted under: Naturally Nourishing

I love making this High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl because it’s packed with flavor and nutrition. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables always satisfies my cravings while also keeping me energized throughout the day. I enjoy experimenting with different spices and sauces, ensuring each bowl is a little different but equally delicious. Whether it's for lunch or dinner, this dish has become a staple in my home, and I can’t wait for you to give it a try!

Created by

Lucy Bennett

Last updated on 2026-01-24T08:37:15.498Z

After experimenting with various chicken dishes, I found that keeping things simple can yield fantastic results. Marinating the chicken in a blend of spices not only enhances the flavor but also keeps it juicy during cooking. This bowl allows for versatility; you can easily add or substitute different vegetables depending on what's in season or available in your kitchen.

The best part about this dish is how customizable it is. I often use brown rice for added fiber and nuttiness, but jasmine rice also works beautifully. Adding a splash of soy sauce or sriracha at the end elevates the flavor profile, and I highly recommend trying that!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
High protein content to fuel your day
Customizable with your favorite veggies and sauces
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights

Perfecting the Chicken

Marinating the chicken not only enhances its flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. By allowing the diced chicken to soak in the soy sauce, olive oil, and spices for at least 10 minutes, you ensure that each piece is flavorful throughout. If time allows, extending the marinade to 30 minutes can build even more depth in flavor, giving you that rich, savory taste that complements the rice and vegetables beautifully.

When cooking the chicken, aim for medium-high heat to achieve a golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside moist. If you're using a non-stick skillet, you’ll find that the chicken doesn't stick, allowing for an easy cleanup. Keep an eye on it; chicken is generally done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F, which you can check with a meat thermometer for precision.

Choosing and Cooking Rice

The type of rice you choose can significantly influence the dish. Jasmine rice will give you a delicate, floral aroma, whereas brown rice provides nuttiness and added fiber. If you opt for brown rice, be prepared for a longer cooking time—typically 40-45 minutes—so plan accordingly. Remember to check for doneness; it should be tender yet slightly chewy.

For an extra burst of flavor, consider cooking your rice in chicken broth instead of water. This simple switch heightens the overall flavor profile of your bowl and pairs well with the chicken and vegetables. Additionally, if you're in a pinch, you can use a rice cooker to simplify the process and ensure perfectly fluffy results every time.

Customizing Your Bowl

This High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl is incredibly versatile; feel free to swap out the mixed vegetables based on what you have on hand. Frozen vegetable blends work great in this recipe and save prep time. Broccoli, snap peas, or even asparagus can be tossed in for a fresh twist. Just ensure you keep cooking time in check; you want your vegetables to be tender but still vibrant.

For a flavor boost, don’t hesitate to experiment with different sauces. A drizzle of teriyaki or sriracha can add a whole new dimension to the bowl. You could also incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or basil as a garnish to elevate your presentation and add freshness. Making this recipe your own not only enhances your culinary experience but also keeps it exciting each time you prepare it.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for your High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl:

For the Chicken

1 lb chicken breast, diced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice Bowl

1 cup rice (jasmine or brown)
2 cups water or chicken broth
1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
Green onions, for garnish

With all your ingredients ready, you're all set to make a delicious High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl!

Instructions

Cook the Rice

In a pot, combine the rice with water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until rice is fluffy and liquid is absorbed.

Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, mix the diced chicken with soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes while the rice cooks.

Sauté the Chicken

In a skillet over medium heat, add the marinated chicken and cook for about 7-10 minutes until fully cooked and golden brown.

Add Vegetables

Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Assemble the Bowl

To serve, create a bed of rice in a bowl, top with the chicken and vegetables, and garnish with sliced green onions.

Enjoy your nourishing and flavorful High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl!

Pro Tips

Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables or add a spicy sauce to kick up the heat!

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, storing them properly can extend their shelf life for up to three days in the fridge. To keep the components tasting fresh, try to store the chicken, rice, and vegetables in separate containers. This prevents the rice from becoming soggy and allows you to reheat just the portions you need.

When ready to enjoy your leftovers, the microwave is convenient, but for the best texture, warming the chicken and veggies in a skillet over medium heat can help retain their moisture and prevent them from becoming rubbery. Adding a splash of water or broth can also help steam them back to their original state.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable, whether you're cooking for one or preparing a meal for a crowd. Simply double the quantities of chicken, rice, and vegetables and use a larger pot or skillet to accommodate all the ingredients. Keep in mind that the cooking times may slightly increase with larger volumes, so check for doneness as you go.

If you're meal prepping for the week, consider making a large batch on the weekend. Pack individual servings into meal prep containers for grab-and-go lunches during the week. This not only saves time but also ensures you always have a healthy, balanced meal available.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your chicken is dry after cooking, it may be due to overcooking. To prevent this in the future, keep a close eye on the cooking time, and remember that the chicken will continue cooking slightly after being removed from the heat. Using a meat thermometer can help avoid this common pitfall by ensuring perfect doneness.

On the other hand, if your rice turns out mushy, it could be a result of using too much liquid. Adjust the water-to-rice ratio next time, especially if you're using a different type of rice. Jasmine rice typically requires 1 ¾ cups of water per cup of rice, while brown rice generally needs 2 ½ cups. Familiarizing yourself with the specific rice variety will lead to consistently great results.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes! Leftover chicken works perfectly for this recipe and can save you time.

→ What type of rice is best?

Jasmine rice provides a fragrant option, while brown rice adds more fiber.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth for the rice.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Store in an airtight container, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months.