High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl
Highlighted under: Quick Kitchen Classics
I love the ease and deliciousness of this High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl! This dish has quickly become a staple in my kitchen, thanks to its balance of flavors and nutritious ingredients. With tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a cozy bed of rice, it's a meal that satisfies both my taste buds and dietary goals. Plus, it's versatile enough to adapt with whatever ingredients I have on hand, making it perfect for meal prep or a last-minute dinner. Whether I'm craving something hearty or looking for a healthy boost, this bowl checks all the boxes.
When I first made this High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl, I was blown away by how simple yet satisfying it was. The marinade for the chicken is key—using a mix of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic creates a deep flavor that caramelizes beautifully while cooking. In fact, I love letting the chicken sit in the marinade for a bit longer to enhance the taste!
One of my favorite tips is to cook the rice in chicken broth instead of water. This small change elevates the overall flavor of the dish and makes the rice itself delicious. Paired with plenty of colorful vegetables, this bowl is not only nutritious but also a feast for the eyes!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Packed with flavor and high in protein
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight meal
- Versatile—customize with your favorite veggies or grains
Ingredient Insights
The choice of chicken in this High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl is crucial; boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook quickly and stay moist during the sautéing process. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a richer flavor or use tofu for a vegetarian option. If using tofu, press it to remove excess moisture before marinating, allowing it to soak up the flavors better.
Jasmine rice is a favorite here for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture when cooked. However, you can swap it with brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients. Just remember that brown rice will require a longer cooking time—about 40-45 minutes. Always adjust your liquid accordingly: for brown rice, use a 1:2 rice to broth ratio.
Cooking Techniques
Marinating the chicken not only infuses it with flavor but also makes it tender. For the best results, let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, though longer marination (up to 2 hours) can enhance the flavor more. Ensure you don't overcook the chicken; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, with a gorgeous golden-brown color on the outside.
Sautéing the vegetables in the same skillet that cooked the chicken is a brilliant time-saver and flavor enhancer. The fond (brown bits from the chicken) will add depth to the vegetables. Keep the heat at medium-high to achieve a nice char, which adds complexity. Always taste as you go; if they feel under-seasoned, a splash of soy sauce can elevate their flavor profile.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for an amazing meal!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup carrots, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
All set, let's get cooking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious bowl.
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and olive oil. Add the chicken breasts and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Cook the Rice
In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add jasmine rice, cover, and reduce to low heat. Cook for 15 minutes or until rice is tender.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Let rest before slicing.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
Assemble the Bowl
Fluff the rice and divide it between two bowls. Top with sliced chicken and sautéed vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Enjoy your hearty High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, add a drizzle of sriracha or chili flakes to your bowl. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or use leftover chicken for even quicker prep.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This chicken rice bowl is fantastic for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. To keep the rice and chicken from drying out, store them in airtight containers. If you're making it ahead of time, consider keeping the vegetables separate until ready to serve. This preserves their crunch and freshness.
If you wish to freeze the dish, do so before adding the sautéed vegetables. Freeze the chicken and rice together in portions for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or stovetop, then quickly sauté the fresh veggies just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl as is, or elevate it with a drizzle of sriracha or sesame oil for added flavor and heat. You can also add a handful of baby spinach or kale for an extra nutrient kick; just toss them in with the sautéed veggies until just wilted. For a crunch, top with sesame seeds or crushed nuts.
For a heartier meal, consider serving the bowl with a side of edamame or a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar. This can balance the richness of the chicken and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm rice bowl.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and vegetables in advance and simply assemble when you're ready to eat.
→ What can I substitute for chicken?
You can use tofu, shrimp, or any protein of your choice to make this bowl.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
→ Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
Yes, just note that brown rice will take longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl
I love the ease and deliciousness of this High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl! This dish has quickly become a staple in my kitchen, thanks to its balance of flavors and nutritious ingredients. With tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a cozy bed of rice, it's a meal that satisfies both my taste buds and dietary goals. Plus, it's versatile enough to adapt with whatever ingredients I have on hand, making it perfect for meal prep or a last-minute dinner. Whether I'm craving something hearty or looking for a healthy boost, this bowl checks all the boxes.
Created by: Marley Quinn
Recipe Type: Quick Kitchen Classics
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 2 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup carrots, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and olive oil. Add the chicken breasts and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add jasmine rice, cover, and reduce to low heat. Cook for 15 minutes or until rice is tender.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Let rest before slicing.
In the same skillet, add bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
Fluff the rice and divide it between two bowls. Top with sliced chicken and sautéed vegetables. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, add a drizzle of sriracha or chili flakes to your bowl. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or use leftover chicken for even quicker prep.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 55g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 35g