Chicken and Rice Bowl (Printable)

Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp vegetables come together in this satisfying bowl, perfect for a wholesome meal any day.

# What You Need:

→ Protein

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

→ Marinade

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce, gluten-free
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

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a bowl, combine chicken with olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate while preparing rice.
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 tender but still crisp.
05 - Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to heat through.
06 - Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide among four bowls. Top with the chicken and vegetable mixture.
07 - Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh herbs as desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 45 minutes, which means you can have dinner on the table even on nights when your energy is completely spent.
  • The marinade transforms ordinary chicken into something tender and flavorful without requiring fancy techniques or obscure ingredients.
  • You can swap vegetables based on what's in season or what your family actually enjoys, so it never feels repetitive.
02 -
  • Dont skip rinsing the rice; I learned this the hard way when my first batch came out gluey and stuck together like a starchy brick.
  • The vegetables need just enough time to soften but not so much that they turn into mush; they should still have character and slight resistance when you bite into them.
03 -
  • A drizzle of teriyaki sauce, sriracha, or lime juice at the end transforms this bowl into three completely different meals depending on your mood.
  • Cook the chicken in batches if your skillet feels crowded; overcrowding releases steam and prevents proper browning, and you want those caramelized edges.
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