I remember the exact moment when the Chicken And Rice Bowl became a go-to in my kitchen. It was one of those busy weeknights where I wanted something nourishing but totally doable after a long day. I had this idea that meals had to be complicated to be good, but this dish shattered that myth for me. I wanted a healthy chicken rice bowl that wasn’t heavy or overwhelming but still packed with flavor and satisfaction.
This Chicken And Rice Bowl fits into that balance I’m always chasing—real food without the stress. I wasn’t trying to follow a strict diet or fuss over exotic ingredients. It was about creating a meal that felt comforting, wholesome, and easy to throw together. And the best part? It’s totally sustainable for everyday life, whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a hungry crew.
If you’re a fellow home cook needing a simple, nourishing meal that doesn’t overcomplicate your evenings, this Chicken And Rice Bowl is where it’s at. It’s crazy flexible, so you can swap ingredients to match what’s in your fridge or suit your taste. I’m excited to share my favorite easy chicken rice recipe with you, and hopefully, it becomes a staple for your one bowl chicken dinner moments too. Ready? Let’s dive in together!
What You’ll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, chopped (No stress if you don’t have chicken breasts—I often use thighs for juiciness in my Chicken And Rice Bowl instead)
- 1 cup long grain white or brown rice (Brown rice is my go-to for extra fiber, but white rice works if you’re short on time)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (You can find this in the regular produce or soup aisle. It adds flavor to the rice without extra salt)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (Affordable and pantry-friendly, this helps brown the chicken perfectly)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (A seasonal favorite, but swap with whatever veggies you have like zucchini or frozen peas)
- 1 small onion, chopped (A simple base flavor that you can’t skip in this chicken and rice bowl)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (Fresh garlic amps up the flavor in a healthy chicken rice bowl)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (Adds a cozy smoky note, but curry powder works as a fun swap too)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
This Chicken And Rice Bowl ingredient list is intentionally simple—because good food doesn’t need to be complicated. Plus, it keeps the cost low by relying mostly on pantry staples and fresh produce. Prep shortcuts? I like to chop everything ahead on the weekend and store it in containers—makes weeknight cooking a breeze.
Leftovers? Store your Chicken And Rice Bowl in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats well and tastes just as nourishing the next day. I also love adding extra fresh herbs at serving for a bright finish.
Let’s Make It Together!
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped chicken, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and cook until golden brown on all sides—about 5-7 minutes. Your kitchen will already smell wonderful by now!
- Push the chicken to one side of the skillet. Toss in the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften—around 4 minutes. This colorful mix is what makes the Chicken And Rice Bowl feel so vibrant and fresh.
- Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir well to coat it with the oil and seasoning. Pour in the chicken broth. Give it a quick stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. That’s pure flavor.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. While your Chicken And Rice Bowl is cooking, this is a perfect time to set the table or prep a simple green salad.
- Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro on top. If your Chicken And Rice Bowl looks a tad saucy or dry, don’t worry—that’s just how the rice soaks up the broth. It’s all good!
From my experience, this easy chicken rice recipe usually takes under 40 minutes from start to finish—definitely doable on a busy weeknight. I used to overcomplicate my Chicken And Rice Bowl with too many spices or side dishes, but it turns out simpler is much better for everyday cooking.
How I Love to Serve This!
This Chicken And Rice Bowl becomes a complete meal when I add a crisp side salad, usually with a tangy lemon vinaigrette. The fresh crunch balances the warm, hearty rice and chicken perfectly.
Sometimes, I toss in a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a sliced avocado on top for creaminess and extra nourishment. It’s my go-to for easy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals when I want food that feels like a warm hug.
Friends and family have loved this dish too—the simple flavors make it easy to customize with whatever you have on hand. Leftovers are fab for lunch the next day, eaten cold or reheated.
Seasonal variation alert: in the fall, swapping bell peppers for roasted butternut squash turns this Chicken And Rice Bowl into something cozy and new. You might also like to check out this flavorful Chicken And Rice Bowl twist with honey sriracha sauce at Just Healthy Bites for a sweet and spicy kick!
Common Questions Answered
Can I make this Chicken And Rice Bowl ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! I often make this chicken and rice meal prep style for the week. It holds up well in the fridge, making quick lunches or dinners a breeze. Just store it in portioned containers.
What if I don’t have all the ingredients for this Chicken And Rice Bowl?
No worries. This recipe is super flexible. Missing bell peppers? Use frozen mixed veggies or spinach. Out of smoked paprika? Try cumin or curry powder instead.
How can I adjust the flavor of this Chicken And Rice Bowl to my taste?
You can easily switch up spices or add a splash of soy sauce or hot sauce after cooking. Adding fresh herbs like basil or mint gives a new flavor twist.
Is this a healthy chicken rice bowl for weight management?
Yes, it’s balanced with lean protein, fiber from veggies and rice, and moderate healthy fats. Just watch portion sizes if you’re closely tracking calories.
Can I use brown rice or other grains?
Definitely. Brown rice takes a bit longer to cook but works great for a healthier twist. Quinoa or cauliflower rice also make interesting swaps for a low-carb option.
How do I keep this Chicken And Rice Bowl from drying out?
Make sure to add enough broth and keep the lid tight while cooking. If it’s dry, a quick splash of broth when reheating does the trick.
What sides go well with this chicken rice dish?
Simple greens, roasted veggies, or a side of beans complement the dish well. If you want a little crunch, try toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds on top.
For more ideas on chicken and rice meal prep, check out these flavorful options from Meal Prep Fiesta Chicken Rice Bowls – The Girl on Bloor and Southwest Chicken Rice Bowl – Pass Me Some Tasty — their recipes add great inspiration for your one bowl chicken dinner lineup. You can also join the fun at What are yalls favorite chicken and rice recipes?? Fire away!!! on Reddit.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken And Rice Bowl has truly earned a special spot in my kitchen routine. It’s that rare recipe that’s both nourishing and no-stress, perfect for real-life cooking.
My Favorite Chicken And Rice Bowl Tips:
- Use bone-in thighs occasionally for juiciness and flavor
- Don’t skip the broth—it makes all the difference in a flavorful chicken rice dish
- Prep veggies ahead to speed things up on busy nights
I’ve tried variations with spicy honey sriracha sauce, creamy coconut curry, and classic herb-forward styles. The one I keep coming back to is the simple, comforting blend of paprika, bell peppers, and fresh herbs—pure comfort.
Feel free to make this Chicken And Rice Bowl your own. Swap veggies, switch up spices, or add sauces to suit your mood. I hope you find it as reliable and feel-good as I do.
If you enjoyed this, you might love these other dinner ideas: Honey Sriracha Chicken Rice Bowls, Chicken and Dumplings for a hearty comfort meal, or Japanese Katsu Bowls for a delicious twist.
Thanks for cooking along today—here’s to many more simple, nourishing chicken and rice bowls ahead!
Chicken And Rice Bowl
A hearty and flavorful Chicken and Rice Bowl combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh vegetables for a balanced, comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear.
- In a medium pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is cooked and liquid absorbed.
- While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced chicken to the skillet. Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add broccoli florets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
- Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide it into serving bowls.
- Top rice with the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lime wedges if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.