High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl

Name: High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup brown rice; 2 chicken breasts, diced; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Natural Cooking

I absolutely love making this High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl for a quick and nutritious meal. It has become a go-to recipe because it’s not only easy to prepare but also packed with protein and flavor. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables creates a balanced dish that satisfies my cravings without compromising my health goals. Plus, it’s versatile—we can easily customize it based on what ingredients we have on hand or our personal taste preferences.

Created by

Miranda Keats

Last updated on 2026-01-24T10:09:34.817Z

When I first tried this High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the flavors meld together. The marinated chicken is tender and juicy, while the brown rice adds a nutty depth to the dish. The real magic happens when everything is tossed in a savory sauce that elevates the taste profile. I recommend letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking for the best results.

As a busy individual, I appreciate meals that can be prepared in advance, and this bowl doesn’t disappoint. You can whip up a batch and store it in the fridge for meal prepping throughout the week. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy protein while staying on track with healthy eating.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Protein-packed to fuel your day
Colorful and inviting presentation
Quick cook time, perfect for busy evenings

Ingredient Insights

The choice of brown rice in this bowl is essential for both flavor and nutrition. Unlike white rice, brown rice retains its bran and germ layers, providing more fiber and micronutrients, such as magnesium and B vitamins. Cooking it properly ensures a chewy texture that complements the tender chicken and crisp vegetables. To achieve the perfect fluffy consistency, make sure to use double the amount of water as rice and let it simmer undisturbed until all the liquid is absorbed.

Chicken breasts are a fantastic source of lean protein, making them an ideal ingredient for this bowl. Marinating the chicken not only enhances its flavor, but it also helps keep it moist during cooking. If you’re short on time, consider letting it marinate for just 5 minutes, but for the best result, aim for at least 15 minutes. This quick marinade can be extended if you’re using tougher cuts of chicken—you might even try substituting thighs for a richer, juicier bite.

Cooking Techniques

When sautéing the bell pepper and broccoli, it’s important to maintain a medium heat. This allows for a quick cook while preserving the vegetables' vibrant colors and nutrients. Aim for a sauté time of 5-7 minutes until they are tender yet still retain a slight crispness. Avoid overcooking them to prevent a mushy texture, which can detract from the overall experience of the bowl.

For the chicken, you want a high enough temperature to achieve a nice golden color on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. Cooking on medium-high heat facilitates this balance—watch closely for the chicken to turn golden brown, indicating it’s ready to be flipped. If you find that the chicken starts to stick to the skillet, a splash of water or broth can help lift those flavorful bits off the pan.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for the perfect High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl:

Ingredients

1 cup brown rice
2 chicken breasts, diced
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish

Make sure to have everything prepped before cooking for a smoother process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl:

Cook the Brown Rice

In a pot, combine the brown rice with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice is fluffy.

Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, mix the diced chicken with soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a skillet over medium heat, add the bell pepper and broccoli. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

Cook the Chicken

In the same skillet, add the marinated chicken and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until fully cooked through and slightly golden.

Assemble the Bowl

In bowls, layer the cooked brown rice, sautéed vegetables, and chicken. Top with chopped green onions for garnish.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, add a drizzle of sesame oil before serving or include your favorite hot sauce for a kick!

Make-Ahead and Storage

This High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl is a great option for meal prep. Prepare the chicken and vegetable components in advance and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you're ready to enjoy your meal, simply reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 5 minutes, and serve over freshly cooked rice.

If you're looking to freeze portions, allow the chicken and vegetables to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then heat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep the chicken moist.

Serving Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe based on your favorite vegetables or what you have on hand. Snow peas, zucchini, or snap peas can be wonderful substitutes for bell peppers or broccoli. Additionally, if you want to add more color, consider throwing in some grated carrots or shredded purple cabbage when sautéing the vegetables.

For an added kick, consider garnishing your bowl with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of spicy sesame oil. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a lovely crunch. If you're looking to make the recipe lower in carbs, swap out the brown rice for cauliflower rice, which will absorb the soy sauce beautifully while still giving you that nutritious base.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, you can substitute white rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly, as it cooks faster.

→ Is the chicken bowl suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prepping.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or zucchini.

→ How can I make it spicier?

You can add crushed red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the marinade or directly to the bowl before serving.