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Chicken and Rice Meal Prep Bowl - Simple, Satisfying, and Ready for the Week

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5–2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Rice: 2 cups uncooked rice (white, jasmine, basmati, or brown)
  • Vegetables: 2 cups broccoli florets, 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 cup shredded carrots, 1 small red onion (sliced)
  • Seasoning for chicken: 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional spice: 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or red pepper flakes
  • Olive oil: 2–3 tablespoons for cooking
  • Lemon: 1 lemon, zested and juiced (for brightness)
  • Low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos: 1–2 tablespoons (optional for savory depth)
  • Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish
  • Extras for serving: Avocado slices, plain Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of tahini or hot sauce (optional)
  • Water or broth: For cooking rice (use chicken broth for more flavor)

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook according to package directions. For extra flavor, use chicken broth and add a pinch of salt. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  2. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and slice into 1-inch pieces or thin filets for faster cooking. In a bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and optional chili powder. Toss chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil and the spice mix until coated.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 4–6 minutes per side (less if in small pieces) until browned and cooked through. Squeeze half a lemon over the top and set aside to rest.
  4. Sauté the veggies: In the same pan, add another drizzle of oil if needed. Add onion and bell pepper; cook 3–4 minutes until slightly soft. Add broccoli and carrots with a splash of water. Stir and cover for 2–3 minutes to steam until crisp-tender.
  5. Season and brighten: Stir in the remaining lemon juice and zest. Add soy sauce or coconut aminos if using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  6. Assemble the bowls: Divide rice among 4–6 containers. Top with chicken and veggies. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro. Add optional extras like avocado, Greek yogurt, tahini, or hot sauce.
  7. Cool, then seal: Let bowls cool to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before sealing and refrigerating. This helps prevent condensation and soggy textures.

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