High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl

Name: High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, sliced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked brown rice; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup carrots, julienned; 2 green onions, chopped

Highlighted under: Simple Planning

I love preparing a High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl because it’s not only healthy but incredibly satisfying. This meal combines lean chicken, nutritious vegetables, and hearty brown rice, giving me a protein-packed dish that fuels my day. I appreciate how versatile it is; you can customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when I need a quick and nourishing dinner.

Created by

Jemima Fox

Last updated on 2026-01-24T09:17:34.874Z

When I first started making this High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl, I quickly learned that marinating the chicken in a blend of spices not only enhances the flavor but also keeps it juicy during cooking. Using a combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger adds an umami kick that elevates the dish. It’s a staple in my meal prep routine because it can be made in batches and stored for the week.

One tip that changed the game for me was incorporating different vegetables each time I made it. From bell peppers to broccoli, I discovered that varying the veggies keeps the meal exciting. It also means I’m constantly finding new flavor profiles that I love, and it helps ensure I’m getting a wide range of nutrients in my diet!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Packed with lean protein to keep you full and energized.
Versatile and customizable based on seasonal vegetables.
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.

      

The Importance of Marinating

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step that enhances flavor and tenderness. The soy sauce not only adds saltiness but also helps break down the proteins in the chicken, ensuring every bite is juicy and bursting with flavor. I recommend letting the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 10 minutes, but if you have more time, a 30-minute soak can significantly boost the taste. Just make sure to cover the bowl or use a zip-top bag to prevent any mess.

For those watching their sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce is a great substitute. You might also experiment with different marinades featuring citrus juices or vinegar to add a different flavor profile. Remember to balance acidity with something creamy or sweet to maintain a well-rounded taste!

Vegetable Variety and Nutrition

This High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl is a fantastic opportunity to incorporate seasonal vegetables into your diet. While this recipe calls for broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, feel free to rotate in other colorful veggies like snap peas, zucchini, or kale. Each addition will contribute its unique nutrients and textures—snap peas add crunch, while zucchini provides a mild sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

Cooking the vegetables just right is essential. Aim for a tender-crisp texture, which means sautéing them until they are vibrant and slightly softened but still retain some bite. This not only preserves their nutrients but also adds a wonderful contrast to the juicy chicken. If the vegetables start to brown, lower the heat slightly and add a splash of water or broth to create a steaming effect, keeping them perfectly cooked without losing their color.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

If you find yourself with leftovers, this chicken rice bowl stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to avoid drying out the chicken and rice. It's a dish that not only tastes great fresh but also reheated, making it ideal for meal prep!

For a fun twist, try serving the bowl with different toppings like avocado, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha for heat. You can also switch up the grains—quinoa or cauliflower rice become excellent bases if you're looking for gluten-free options or trying to reduce calories. With a few simple adjustments, this High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl can effortlessly shift to meet your dietary needs or preference!

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb chicken breast, sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bowl

2 cups cooked brown rice
1 cup broccoli florets
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 cup carrots, julienned
2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Add sliced chicken to the marinade and let it sit for at least 10 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 6-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

Assemble the Bowl

Divide the cooked brown rice among bowls, top with sautéed vegetables and chicken. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider using a splash of sesame oil when sautéing the vegetables. You can also sprinkle some sesame seeds on top before serving for extra crunch!

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scaled up for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Simply double or triple the amount of chicken and rice, ensuring you have enough marinade to flavor the additional meat. The cooking times may need slight adjustments to accommodate larger quantities, so it's essential to check the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

When multiplying the ingredients, keep an eye on the vegetable sautéing process. You may need to do this in batches to prevent overcrowding in the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of sautéing. Each batch should still achieve a delightful shimmer and vibrant color—aim for that bright green hue in the broccoli and crisp edges on the bell pepper!

Flavor Enhancements

While this bowl is delicious as is, consider incorporating additional seasonings for an explosion of flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a spicy kick, while adding a tablespoon of hoisin sauce to the marinade imparts a wonderful depth of sweetness. If you enjoy warmth, a dash of five-spice powder during the chicken cooking phase can elevate the profile even further.

Don’t overlook garnishing as a way to enhance your dish—fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can add brightness. A squeeze of lime over the assembled bowl brings a refreshing acidity that beautifully contrasts the richness of the chicken and rice. These small adjustments can transform your humble meal into a gourmet experience with just a few extra steps.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Tofu, shrimp, or even beef can work well in this recipe.

→ How can I meal prep this dish?

You can prepare the chicken and rice ahead of time. Just store everything in separate containers and assemble just before eating.

→ What vegetables work best?

Feel free to mix and match. Spinach, zucchini, or snap peas are great options!

→ Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free soy sauce to adapt this recipe.