Chicken and Rice Bowl (Printable Version)

Tender chicken and fluffy rice paired with crisp seasonal vegetables for a satisfying wholesome meal.

# What You Need:

→ Protein

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Marinade

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Grains

08 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
09 - 2 cups water

→ Vegetables

10 - 1 cup broccoli florets
11 - 1 cup bell pepper, sliced
12 - 1 cup carrot, julienned or thinly sliced

→ Garnish

13 - 2 green onions, sliced
14 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
15 - Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)

# Step-by-Step:

01 - In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate while preparing other components.
02 - Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add a splash of oil if needed. Sauté broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot for 4 to 5 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
05 - Return cooked chicken to the skillet with vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes to heat through.
06 - Fluff cooked rice with a fork and divide among serving bowls. Top each portion with the chicken and vegetable mixture.
07 - Top bowls with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh herbs as desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The whole thing comes together in 40 minutes, which means you can have a hot, balanced meal on the table faster than most takeout orders arrive.
  • It's endlessly adaptable—swap vegetables, proteins, or grains based on what's in your fridge without changing the soul of the dish.
  • That smoky paprika and garlic in the marinade creates real flavor without requiring a dozen ingredients or special techniques.
02 -
  • Let that marinated chicken sit even for just a few minutes—rushing it means missing out on the flavor transfer that makes this bowl special instead of just competent.
  • Don't wander away during the vegetable sauté; 30 seconds too long and you'll have mushy vegetables instead of vegetables with character.
03 -
  • Marinate the chicken while you prep everything else—you're not adding time, just layering your work efficiently and letting flavor happen while you do the next thing.
  • Cook your rice while the chicken and vegetables share the skillet; timing everything to finish around the same moment feels like magic but is actually just basic planning.
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