Chicken and Rice Bowl (Printable Version)

Tender chicken and fluffy rice paired with vibrant vegetables for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

# Components:

→ Protein

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 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

→ Garnish

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

# Method Steps:

01 - In a mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces with olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and allow to marinate while preparing remaining components.
02 - Rinse rice under cold running water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice and water. Bring to boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with lid, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with fork.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a clean plate.
04 - Add a splash of oil to the same skillet if needed. Sauté broccoli florets, bell pepper, and carrot for 4 to 5 minutes until tender-crisp, maintaining vegetable texture.
05 - Return seared chicken to the skillet with vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1 to 2 additional minutes to ensure heated through.
06 - Divide fluffed rice among serving bowls and top with chicken and vegetable mixture.
07 - Top each bowl with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in under 30 minutes, so you can have dinner on the table before anyone gets hangry.
  • The smoked paprika and garlic create a deep, satisfying flavor without needing a pantry full of spices.
  • You can swap the vegetables based on what's in your fridge, making it endlessly adaptable.
  • It's naturally gluten-free and feels indulgent without being heavy.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice, or you'll end up with gummy, sticky grains that clump together.
  • Let the chicken sit undisturbed in the skillet for the first minute or two so it develops a golden crust instead of steaming.
  • If you're using brown rice, start it first since it takes nearly twice as long to cook as white rice.
03 -
  • Use a mix of white and dark meat chicken if you want more flavor and juiciness, thighs work beautifully here.
  • Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for a minute before sprinkling them on top, it brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor.
  • If you're meal prepping, store the rice and chicken mixture separately from any fresh garnishes so nothing gets soggy.
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