simple rice bowl recipe with chicken

The Best simple rice bowl recipe with chicken

This simple chicken rice bowl is one of my favorite go-to meals because it’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and feels like a real home-cooked meal even when life gets busy. I love how it lets you customize it to fit what you have on hand—whether you swap in extra veggies, different seasonings, or even a different protein like tofu or shrimp. My kids actually beg for this dish because it’s not only tasty but also feels like a little treat without being too heavy. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel good, both in the moment and afterward, and it’s something you can easily prepare when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying.

I’ve found that this recipe is perfect for all kinds of occasions—whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner after a long day or a light meal for a family gathering. It’s versatile enough to be a simple lunch or a lighter dinner, but it also holds up well if you’re serving it in larger quantities for a potluck or a family meal. Plus, the rice itself is a great source of energy, and the protein keeps you full, making it a balanced choice. My husband and kids especially love how easy it is to adjust the ingredients—like adding extra sriracha for heat or mixing in some steamed broccoli for extra nutrients. It’s that kind of recipe that feels like a comfort, but it’s also healthy enough to make you feel good about what you’re putting into your body.

Simple Chicken and Rice Bowl

4.7 from 1433 votes

A quick and flavorful bowl featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a simple sauce. Perfect for a balanced and satisfying meal.

🖨️ Print Recipe📌 Pin Recipe❤️ Add to Collection

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time25 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time35 mins

Servings: 2Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Rice

• 1 cup jasmine rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp salt

For the Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

• ½ cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Optional Toppings

• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup sliced cucumbers
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp chopped green onions

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1 Cook the rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a rice cooker or pot, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes (or follow rice cooker instructions). Let it sit off heat for 10 minutes before fluffing.
2. 2 Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and coat them evenly with the mixture. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Set aside.
3. 3 Make the sauce: In a small pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds. Pour in soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil, stirring until well combined. Simmer for 2 minutes.
4. 4 Assemble the bowls: Divide cooked rice between bowls. Top each bowl with shredded chicken. Pour the sauce over the chicken and rice. Add optional toppings like shredded carrots, cucumbers, avocado, sesame seeds, and green onions.

🔧Equipment

• Large skillet or pan
• Rice cooker or pot with lid
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18💛Saturated Fat: 3❤️Cholesterol: 80🧂Sodium: 850🌾Total Carbs: 50🥦Dietary Fiber: 4🍬Sugars: 10🥩Protein: 35

📝Notes

For extra flavor, add a dash of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce.,You can use pre-cooked rice to save time.,Adjust the amount of soy sauce and honey to suit your taste preferences.

This simple chicken rice bowl is always a lifesaver for quick meals or when you need something hearty to feed a crowd. It’s easy to customize with whatever you’ve got on hand—extra veggies, different sauces, or even just plain seasoned chicken—so it’s flexible enough for weeknight dinners or a casual family get-together. Plus, it’s comforting, filling, and never feels like a chore to make, which is why I keep it in my rotation whenever life gets busy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken and Rice Bowl

What is the basic ingredient list for a simple rice bowl with chicken?

To make a simple rice bowl with chicken, you’ll need: – 1 cup of cooked white rice (or your preferred type of rice) – 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces – 2 tbsp of soy sauce (adjust to taste) – 1 tbsp of sesame oil – 1 tbsp of honey or brown sugar – 1 small onion, thinly sliced – 1 clove of garlic, minced – 1 tsp of ginger, grated – 1 tbsp of vegetable oil – Optional toppings like sliced green onions, sesame seeds, cucumber, bell peppers, or avocado

—

How do I prepare the chicken for the rice bowl?

For a simple rice bowl with chicken, start by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger for about 10-15 minutes. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken until fully done (around 6-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pan, set aside, and let it cool slightly before using it in your rice bowl.

—

What type of rice should I use for this recipe?

For a simple and delicious rice bowl with chicken, you can use any type of cooked rice, but short-grain white rice (like sushi rice) or jasmine rice works best because it has a slightly sticky texture that holds together well with the other ingredients. If you prefer a firmer bite, long-grain rice can also be used.

—

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes, you can prepare most of the components of this rice bowl ahead of time. Cook the rice and store it in the fridge or freezer. Marinate the chicken in advance and refrigerate it until ready to cook. Reheat the chicken in a pan or microwave, and assemble the rice bowl fresh when serving. Just ensure the rice is reheated gently to avoid making it mushy.

—

What are some creative ways to customize this simple rice bowl with chicken?

Customizing your rice bowl is easy! Here are some creative ideas: – Add a protein like shredded rotisserie chicken, tofu, or shrimp. – Include veggies such as shredded carrots, sliced bell peppers, cucumber, or steamed broccoli. – Try different sauces like teriyaki, peanut sauce, or a spicy mayo (mix mayo, sriracha, and a little bit of honey). – Use different types of rice like brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa. – Experiment with toppings like avocado slices, pickled radishes, or crispy fried shallots. – Incorporate flavorful additions like fried eggs, crispy wonton strips, or a fried egg on top.