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 chicken breasts, diced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup jasmine rice; 2 cups water or chicken broth; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 2 green onions, chopped

Highlighted under: Light Nutrition Kitchen

I love a good protein-packed meal, and this High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl is one of my favorites! Combining tender chicken, fragrant rice, and crisp veggies, it’s not only nutritious but incredibly satisfying. I often make this bowl for lunch or dinner, knowing that I’ll be full for hours. Plus, it's easily customizable, so you can switch up the veggies or the protein based on what you have on hand. Trust me, this recipe will become a staple in your home as it has in mine!

Created by

Megan Douglas

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:46:17.754Z

When I first experimented with this High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl, I was amazed at how simple it was to create a meal that feels both hearty and healthy. I started by marinating the chicken in a blend of spices that pack a punch, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. The key, I found, is to let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow the flavors to truly meld.

While the chicken sizzles in the pan, I prepare the rice and veggies. I love using colorful bell peppers and fresh broccoli for a pop of color and crunch. The combination of textures here really elevates the dish—making it a joy to eat and visually appealing. Don't forget to drizzle some soy sauce or a spicy sauce of your choice for an extra zing!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Packed with high-quality protein to fuel your day
Colorful and nutritious veggies add vibrancy and crunch
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknight dinners

      

Choosing the Right Chicken

When it comes to selecting chicken for this High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and evenly, making them ideal for busy weeknight meals. If you prefer dark meat, thighs can be a flavorful alternative, but adjust cooking times as they often take a few extra minutes to fully cook through. Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even marination and cooking.

Marinating the chicken not only adds immense flavor but also tenderizes the meat. While I generally allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, if time permits, marinating it overnight in the refrigerator can enhance the flavors even more. Remember to stir the chicken halfway through to ensure every piece is evenly coated. This small step is crucial for achieving a juicy, flavorful chicken in your bowl.

Perfecting the Rice

Jasmine rice is an excellent choice for this recipe due to its subtle floral aroma and slightly sticky texture that pairs well with the chicken and veggies. For best results, rinse the rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps achieve fluffy, non-sticky grains. Once you've simmered the rice until all the liquid is absorbed, let it sit covered for five minutes before fluffing with a fork; this resting period is key to perfect texture.

If you're looking for a whole grain option, feel free to swap jasmine rice for brown rice or quinoa. Keep in mind that you'll need more cooking time and liquid for those varieties, roughly 20 minutes for brown rice. Also, consider using low-sodium chicken broth instead of water for added flavor, enhancing the overall taste without being overpowering.

Vegetable Variations and Add-ons

The beauty of this High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl lies in its versatility. While I love using bell peppers and broccoli, you can easily incorporate other vegetables based on your preference or what's in season. Snap peas, zucchini, or spinach would work wonderfully, just be mindful of their cooking times to ensure they remain crisp. For a bulkier bowl, I sometimes add in some corn or black beans, which also contribute to the protein content and introduce a new texture.

To elevate the nutritional profile, consider adding healthy fats or toppings. Avocado slices or a sprinkle of sesame seeds can add creamy or crunchy elements that enhance the dish. For a fresh kick, squeeze some lime juice over the bowl just before serving, as it brightens the flavors beautifully. This adaptability makes it easy to cater to different dietary needs or simply use up ingredients you have on hand.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this bowl:

For the Chicken

2 chicken breasts, diced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice and Veggies

1 cup jasmine rice
2 cups water or chicken broth
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
2 green onions, chopped

You can customize the ingredients as per your preference!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your bowl:

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the diced chicken with soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Rice

In a pot, add the jasmine rice and water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.

Sauté the Chicken

In a skillet over medium heat, add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and browned.

Add Veggies

Add the sliced bell pepper and broccoli to the skillet with chicken. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes until the veggies are tender but still vibrant.

Assemble the Bowl

In a bowl, layer the cooked rice, then top with the chicken and sautéed vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Enjoy your delicious High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, top the bowl with some sriracha or your favorite hot sauce. Feel free to mix and match proteins and vegetables based on what you have available.

Make-Ahead Storage

This High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl is fantastic for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken and cook the rice ahead of time, storing them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and all you need to do is reheat the chicken and rice when you’re ready to enjoy your meal. If you want to freeze it, keep the components separate to maintain freshness, and consume it within three months.

When reheating, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat to bring the chicken back to temperature without drying it out. For the rice, adding a splash of water will help steam it back to life. If you’re incorporating fresh vegetables, it’s best to sauté them just before serving to retain their crunch and vivid colors.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can be easily scaled up or down depending on your needs. If you're feeding a larger crowd, simply double the ingredients, keeping in mind to use a larger skillet to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking. Cooking in batches is a good strategy; for instance, in the case of large quantities of chicken, cook in two batches to ensure they brown instead of steam.

Conversely, if you're cooking for one or two, you can easily halve the ingredients. Leftovers can be stored as mentioned, which allows you to enjoy this nutritious meal multiple times throughout the week. Just remember that varying the volume may require slight adjustments in cooking times, particularly for the chicken to ensure it remains perfectly cooked and juicy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as brown rice typically takes longer to cook.

→ What other proteins can I use?

You can substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef depending on your preference.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and rice in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free soy sauce, then yes, this recipe can be made gluten-free.