High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl

Name: High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked brown rice; 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 cup bell peppers, diced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 cup corn kernels; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Nutritious Delights

I love making a hearty High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl, especially for a quick and healthy meal option during busy weekdays. This bowl is not only packed with protein from the chicken but also includes nutritious vegetables and a bed of fluffy rice, making it a balanced dish. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, I can have a satisfying meal ready in no time. Plus, it’s customizable to suit my taste, allowing me to add any of my favorite veggies or dressings. It's the perfect go-to recipe for anyone seeking a nutritious boost!

Created by

Vanessa Doyle

Last updated on 2026-01-24T10:58:10.630Z

When I first made the High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl, I was amazed at how simple and quick it was. The combination of grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and seasoned rice creates a flavor explosion I can’t resist. I learned that marinating the chicken briefly before grilling really enhances its flavor and tenderness, which is essential for this dish.

Another tip that I found helpful is to cook the rice with a pinch of salt and a splash of lime juice. It adds just the right touch of zest and complements the chicken beautifully. This recipe has become a favorite in our household, providing the protein we need for our active lifestyles!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Balanced meal with lean protein and fresh veggies
Quick prep and cook time for busy weeknights
Versatile and customizable with your favorite ingredients

Perfecting Your Chicken

The chicken is the star of this High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl. Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breast to ensure a juicy texture. When marinating the chicken with olive oil and garlic powder, this allows the flavors to penetrate deeply while keeping the meat moist during cooking. If you want to add some spice, consider including a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for a slight kick. The marination can also be extended to 30 minutes if you have the time, which further enhances the flavor.

To achieve a beautifully golden-brown exterior, make sure your skillet is adequately heated before adding the chicken. A medium-high heat is ideal; you should hear a sizzle when the chicken hits the pan. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which you can check with a meat thermometer. Visual cues like a golden crust and no pink juices will confirm doneness. This creates a satisfying contrast with the soft rice and crunchy vegetables.

Versatile Vegetable Choices

The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. While bell peppers, broccoli, and corn are the chosen veggies here, feel free to switch them for others based on seasonal availability or personal preference. Zucchini, snap peas, or even spinach would work beautifully in this bowl. If you prefer a more tender texture, you can parboil the broccoli for a minute before sautéing to reduce cook time. This will also help retain its vibrant color and crunch.

Sautéing vegetables in the same skillet as the chicken not only cuts down on cleanup but also allows the veggies to soak up some of the delicious chicken juices. Keep an eye on the heat, adjusting it as necessary; you want the vegetables to become tender but not mushy. A sprinkle of sesame oil or tamari during the sautéing process can introduce another layer of flavor if you want to experiment.

Serving and Storage Tips

Assembling your bowl is straightforward, but consider layering your ingredients for an appealing presentation. Start with the warm brown rice as the base, followed by vegetables that can help create a colorful and inviting dish. Finish with the chicken on top. For an extra flair, drizzle with soy sauce or your favorite dressing to add flavor layers without overwhelming the dish. A squeeze of lime just before serving can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can freeze the chicken and veggies separately from the rice, which will keep better in terms of texture. When you're ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned. This makes it a great meal prep option for busy weeks ahead!

Ingredients

For the Bowl

2 cups cooked brown rice
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 cup bell peppers, diced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup corn kernels
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, combine diced chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the veggies.

Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes or until fully cooked and golden brown.

Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add bell peppers, broccoli, and corn. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until veggies are tender but still crisp.

Assemble the Bowl

In serving bowls, add a generous scoop of brown rice, topped with the sautéed veggies and grilled chicken. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try incorporating different spices in the chicken marinade or serve with a drizzle of your favorite sauce. Meal prep this bowl by cooking a larger batch for easy reheating throughout the week!

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe allows for many options when substituting ingredients. If you prefer a different grain instead of brown rice, quinoa is a fantastic alternative that also packs in protein. Additionally, you could use frozen vegetables in place of fresh ones; just make sure to sauté them longer to eliminate excess moisture and enhance flavor. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, which also provide a good protein source and absorb the surrounding flavors well.

On the seasoning front, if garlic powder isn’t available, minced fresh garlic can be used instead. However, because fresh garlic can burn quicker, consider adding it halfway through cooking the chicken. You might also want to reduce the amount of salt if you’re using low-sodium soy sauce or other pre-seasoned ingredients.

Enhancing Flavor Profiles

To elevate the flavor of your bowl, consider adding fresh herbs or citrus zest. Thyme or basil can complement the chicken well, while parsley adds freshness. Also, if you enjoy a hint of sweetness, toss in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup into the marinade; this balances the savory elements and caramelizes beautifully during cooking.

If your palate craves heat, experiment with different hot sauces or chili flakes in the sauté process. For a creamier texture, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese can add richness as a topping, enhancing both flavor and nutritional value without overwhelming the dish. Just sprinkle lightly, as you still want the other flavors to shine through.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, you can substitute white rice for brown rice; however, brown rice is higher in fiber and nutrients.

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The chicken and vegetables keep well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep.

→ Can I add more vegetables to this bowl?

Definitely! Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies like spinach, carrots, or peas.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, if you ensure that your rice and any added sauces are gluten-free.