Chicken and Rice Bowl (Printable version)

Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp vegetables create a wholesome bowl perfect for quick weeknight meals.

# Needed ingredients:

→ 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 (gluten-free if needed)
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - ½ teaspoon salt
07 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ Grains

08 - 1 cup long-grain white rice or brown 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 make it:

01 - In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat and let marinate while preparing the 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 for white rice or 35 minutes for brown rice 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 the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1 to 2 more minutes to heat through.
06 - Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide among serving bowls. Top with the chicken and vegetable mixture.
07 - Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh herbs as desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour and somehow feels like you spent way more effort than you actually did.
  • You control every element so there's zero waste and everything tastes exactly how you want it to.
  • One skillet, one pot, minimal cleanup which means you'll actually make it on a weeknight instead of ordering takeout.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice or you'll end up with gluey clumps instead of fluffy individual grains—trust me on this one.
  • Let that marinated chicken sit for even just five minutes before cooking, because the seasoning actually needs time to work its way in, not just coat the surface.
03 -
  • Cut your chicken into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks at the same rate and you don't end up with some dry bits and some undercooked bits.
  • Don't walk away from the vegetables while they're cooking—those 4 to 5 minutes go fast and the difference between crisp-tender and sad-soft is about thirty seconds.
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