Chicken Rice Bowl: 4 Global Flavors in One Easy Dish

Chicken Rice Bowl

Creating a delicious, restaurant-worthy meal doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. This chicken rice bowl combines tender, seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, fresh vegetables, and zesty pickled onions into a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With customizable ingredients and straightforward preparation, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Say goodbye to boring weeknight dinners! This chicken rice bowl delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures while keeping preparation simple and stress-free. The combination of warm rice, seasoned chicken, and crisp vegetables creates a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or accommodating different dietary preferences, these bowls can be easily customized to suit everyone’s tastes. Plus, all components can be prepared ahead of time, making it an excellent option for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners.

From a nutrition standpoint, these bowls offer a balanced mix of protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables. Each serving provides a satisfying meal that will keep you energized throughout the day.

Ingredients

For the Pickled Red Onions:

• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup warm water

For the Rice:

• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

For the chicken:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Avocado Corn Salsa:

• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halves
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Spicy Mayo:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Additional Toppings:

• Sliced cucumbers
• Shredded carrots
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh lime wedges
• Extra cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pickled red onions:

1. Slice the red onion thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline.
2. In a jar, combine vinegar, sugar, salt, and warm water, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Add the sliced onions to the jar, ensuring they’re fully submerged.
4. Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before using. These can be made several days in advance.

Perfect Rice:

1. Till the water flows clear, give the rice a good rinse.
2. Combine rice, water, and salt in a medium saucepan.
3. After bringing to a boil, lower the heat and cover.
4. Simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until water is absorbed.
5. Remove from heat, add butter if using, and let stand covered for 5-10 minutes.
6. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Seasoned Chicken:

1. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces.
2. Put the olive oil, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Add chicken and toss to coat evenly.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.

Avocado Corn Salsa:

1. If using frozen corn, thaw and pat dry.
2. Combine diced avocados, corn, tomatoes, and red onion in a bowl.
3. Add lime juice, salt, and chopped cilantro.
4. Take care not to mash the avocados as you gently toss to blend.

Spicy Mayo:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and garlic powder.
2. Adjust spiciness to taste.
3. Transfer to a squeeze bottle or small container for serving.

Bowl Assembly:

1. Start with a base of warm rice.
2. Add a portion of seasoned chicken.
3. Top with avocado corn salsa.
4. Add pickled red onions and any additional toppings.
5. Drizzle with spicy mayo.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Rice Bowls

• Prep ingredients in advance: the pickled onions, spicy mayo, and even the chicken can be prepared ahead of time.
• Rice texture: Rinsing the rice removes excess starch and prevents clumping.
• Chicken tenderness: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to ensure proper browning.
• Temperature contrast: Serve with warm rice and chicken but cool toppings for the best experience.
• Meal prep: Store components separately and assemble just before eating.

Substitutions and Variations

Use these simple changes to personalize it:

1. Protein: Swap chicken for tofu, shrimp, or beef
2. Grain: Use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
3. Vegetables: Add roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms
4. Sauce: Try peanut sauce or cilantro lime dressing instead of spicy mayo

Try these popular variations:

1. Mediterranean Style:
   • Use Greek-seasoned chicken
   • Add cucumber, tomatoes, and feta
   • Replace spicy mayo with tzatziki
2. Tex-Mex Bowl:
   • Season chicken with taco seasoning
   • Add black beans and corn
   • Top with pico de gallo and guacamole
3. Asian-Inspired:
   • Use teriyaki chicken
   • Add edamame and shredded cabbage
   • Top with sesame ginger dressing

Storage and Meal Prep

These bowls are perfect for meal prep and can last up to 4 days when stored properly.

• Store components separately in airtight containers
• Keep avocado corn salsa fresh by adding lime juice and storing with minimal air exposure
• Reheat chicken and rice separately before assembling
• Add fresh toppings and sauce just before serving

Common Questions

Q: Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breast? A: Yes! Ground chicken works well and cooks even faster. Season it the same way and cook until no longer pink.

Q: How long do pickled onions last? Properly stored in the refrigerator, pickled onions will last up to 2 weeks.

Q: Can I make this bowl low-carb? A: Absolutely! Replace the rice with cauliflower rice or mixed greens for a low-carb option.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 4g

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy this chicken rice bowl, try these other delicious bowl recipes:

• Teriyaki Salmon Bowl with Cucumber Salad
• Southwest Quinoa Bowl with Black Beans
• Greek Chicken Bowl with Tzatziki
• Asian-Inspired Tofu Bowl with Peanut Sauce

We’d love to hear how your chicken rice bowl turned out! Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. Tag us in your social media posts to share your beautiful creations with our community.

This versatile chicken rice bowl recipe is sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. With its perfect balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients, it’s a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or looking for a quick and delicious dinner solution, this recipe delivers every time.