High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl

Name: High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced; 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked brown rice; 1 cup bell peppers, diced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 cup carrots, julienned; Fresh cilantro for garnish; Lime wedges for serving

Highlighted under: Fresh Daily Nutrition

I often find myself craving a meal that's not only healthy but also satisfying, and this High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl definitely hits the spot. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant veggies creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, it's packed with protein to keep me energized throughout the day. Easy to prepare and customizable to my tastes, this bowl has quickly become one of my go-to meals for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions. Let me show you how to bring this delicious dish to life!

Created by

Tessa Wright

Last updated on 2026-02-01T21:21:35.929Z

When I first tried making a High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl, I was amazed at how simple yet delicious the result was. By marinating the chicken in a blend of spices and yogurt, I discovered that it not only tenderized the meat but also infused it with incredible flavor. I also love how the colorful vegetables add a fresh crunch, making every bite enjoyable.

Cooking the rice in chicken broth instead of water was a game changer for me. It enhanced the overall taste of the bowl and made the dish feel much more complete. The key to this recipe is the balance of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates, providing a nutritious meal that fuels my day.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Delicious blend of spices elevates the chicken flavor
Customizable with your favorite veggies for added nutrition
Perfect for meal prep, saving time during the week

Marinating Made Easy

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step that infuses it with flavor and ensures tenderness. The combination of yogurt and olive oil not only enhances the taste but also helps to keep the chicken moist while cooking. I recommend letting the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, but if you have more time, an hour or even overnight will yield even better results. This allows the spices to penetrate deeply, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.

If you're short on time, you can marinate while you prepare other components of the bowl. Keep in mind that if you increase the size of the chicken batch, you'll need to adjust the marinade quantities accordingly to maintain that flavorful depth. Remember to use a resealable bag or bowl with a lid to prevent spills and ensure even coverage of the chicken pieces.

Perfecting Your Veggies

The vegetables play a significant role in adding both nutrition and texture to your High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl. I recommend using vibrant, fresh produce for the best flavor and nutritional value. When cooking the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, aim for a tender yet crisp texture to retain their vibrant colors. Steaming or stir-frying will keep them bright and crunchy. A quick cook time of 5-7 minutes is ideal, allowing you to maintain their nutritional benefits while enhancing their natural sweetness.

Feel free to experiment with your vegetable choices! If broccoli isn’t your favorite, zucchini or snap peas can work great, too. Remember to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. If you prefer a charred taste, roasting the veggies at 425°F until they are browned with crispy edges can add another layer of flavor that complements the spiced chicken beautifully.

Serving and Storing

When it's time to serve, arrange your chicken and vegetables over the fluffy brown rice and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a refreshing touch. The lime juice not only brightens the dish but also balances out the spices, creating a cohesive flavor profile that’s hard to resist. My personal tip is to squirt some lime over the chicken after cooking; it adds a delightful zest that elevates the entire bowl.

This High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl is excellent for meal prep, lasting up to four days in the refrigerator when stored in airtight containers. If you want to make it in advance, consider cooking the rice separately and combining the components just before serving to preserve the textures. If you need to freeze portions, keep the chicken and veggies/storage separate from the rice to maintain their quality. Reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of water before covering to avoid dryness.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

2 cups boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice Bowl

2 cups cooked brown rice
1 cup bell peppers, diced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup carrots, julienned
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Lime wedges for serving

Ensure to prepare the rice according to package instructions if you haven't done so already.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the diced chicken, yogurt, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until fully cooked and golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Veggies

While the chicken is cooking, steam or stir-fry the bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots until they are tender yet crisp, about 5-7 minutes.

Assemble the Bowls

In each bowl, place a serving of brown rice, top with the cooked chicken, and arrange the veggies around. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Enjoy your delicious High Protein Chicken Rice Bowl warm!

Pro Tips

Feel free to swap out the veggies for any you have on hand or prefer. This recipe is highly versatile and can accommodate various flavors and tastes.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free option, consider using coconut yogurt in place of plain yogurt for marinating the chicken. It adds a subtle sweetness and helps tenderize the meat in a similar way. If you're watching your calories, replacing the olive oil with a calorie-free cooking spray can cut down on fat without sacrificing too much moisture.

In terms of rice, you can swap out brown rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative. Quinoa will add an additional protein boost, while cauliflower rice greatly reduces the dish's carbohydrates. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as cauliflower rice cooks much faster, needing just about 5 minutes in a skillet.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can easily be scaled to serve a crowd. To prepare larger batches, simply multiply the quantities of each ingredient by the desired number of servings. Keep in mind that you'll need a larger skillet or multiple pans to cook the chicken evenly; overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking and steaming rather than searing. Cooking in batches allows for better heat circulation and that beautiful golden color.

When scaling, consider using an instant-read thermometer to check the chicken's doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures that even larger pieces of chicken are safely cooked through without drying out. Additionally, prep the vegetables in advance, possibly chopping them the night before to speed up the cooking process on busy days.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can add more flavor and moisture to the dish. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free brown rice and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

→ How can I make this vegetarian?

You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and follow the same marinating and cooking instructions.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! This chicken rice bowl is perfect for meal prepping. Just store the components separately in airtight containers.