When it comes to quick, delicious dinners, this Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe is one I always count on. It’s packed with tender, marinated chicken, fluffy jasmine rice, and crisp, colorful veggies; everything you want in a balanced, satisfying meal. I’ve made this recipe countless times for busy weeknights and meal prep Sundays, and it always delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
What makes this Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe stand out is how easily it comes together without sacrificing taste. The juicy chicken, the perfectly cooked rice, and the fresh toppings create a comforting, restaurant-style bowl you can enjoy at home. It’s flexible, nourishing, and guaranteed to satisfy.
Whether you're planning ahead or just need a quick dinner fix, this Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe is a must-try. After one bite, you’ll see why it’s a favorite in my kitchen—and it might just become yours too.
Why You Will Love This Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
There’s a reason this Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe has earned a permanent spot in so many kitchens. Not only is it incredibly satisfying, but it also delivers a full, balanced meal in every bite. This Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe is designed for anyone who wants wholesome, flavorful food without fuss—no fancy techniques or obscure ingredients needed.
The marinade infuses the chicken with rich, savory flavor, making it tender and juicy every single time. What truly makes this Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe shine is its versatility; you can mix and match your favorite vegetables, sauces, or grains to craft the perfect bowl that fits your tastes and nutritional goals.
If you enjoy Asian-inspired meals or you’re working healthy bowls recipes into your routine, this Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe is a perfect fit. It complements other rice bowl meals beautifully and makes a smart addition to any weekly chicken dinner rotation. Easy to prep, endlessly adaptable, and always delicious—this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Jump to:
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Boneless chicken breast – Cut into bite-sized pieces (chicken thighs work great too for extra flavor)
- Soy sauce – Creates the savory base (use coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- Sesame oil – Adds nutty depth (substitute with olive oil if needed)
- Garlic, minced – Fresh garlic gives the best flavor
- Fresh ginger, grated – Brightens the marinade (ground ginger works)
- Honey – Balances the saltiness (maple syrup for vegan option)
- Rice vinegar – Adds subtle tang
For the Rice & Bowl:
- Sesame seeds – For garnish and crunch
- Jasmine rice – Creates fluffy, fragrant base (brown rice adds fiber)
- Chicken broth – Makes rice more flavorful than water
- Avocados, sliced – Adds creamy texture and healthy fats
- Cucumber, diced – Provides fresh crunch
- Carrots, julienned – Adds sweetness and color
- Green onions, chopped – Fresh finishing touch
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Marinate Chicken & Start Rice
- Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, and rice vinegar in a large bowl. Add chicken pieces and toss until completely coated. Let marinate for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, rinse jasmine rice and start cooking it with chicken broth - bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken along with all the marinade. Cook, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes until chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). The marinade will caramelize beautifully, creating a glossy coating. While chicken cooks, prepare your fresh toppings - slice avocados, dice cucumber, julienne carrots, and chop green onions.
Assemble & Serve
- Remove rice from heat and let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Divide cooked rice among 4 bowls. Top each with cooked chicken, then arrange avocado slices, cucumber, and carrots around the bowl. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Step 1: Marinate Chicken & Start Rice
Marinate the chicken and begin cooking the rice
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Cook the marinated chicken until browned and tender
- Step 3: Assemble & Serve
Assemble your bowl and add your favorite toppings
Hints & Expert Cooking Tips
- Don't skip the marinade – Even 10 minutes makes a huge difference in flavor and tenderness. The acid from rice vinegar helps break down proteins while the honey creates beautiful caramelization.
- Use a hot pan – High heat creates that delicious golden-brown exterior while keeping chicken juicy inside. Don't overcrowd the pan or chicken will steam instead of sear.
- Toast your sesame seeds – Quickly toast them in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes to bring out their nutty flavor.
- Prep vegetables uniformly – Consistent sizing ensures even cooking and better presentation.
Recipe Variations & Dietary Modifications
Asian-Inspired Variations:
- Transform this into a teriyaki chicken bowl by adding 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce to the marinade. For a Korean chicken rice bowl, add 1 tablespoon gochujang for heat and serve over brown rice with kimchi.
Dietary Modifications:
- Gluten-Free: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and ensure your rice is certified gluten-free. Low-Carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice and add extra roasted vegetables. High-Protein: Add a hard-boiled egg or extra chicken breast to boost protein content. Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with marinated tofu or tempeh using the same marinade.
Creative Additions:
- Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition. Try different rice varieties like brown rice for added fiber or coconut rice for tropical flavor.
Equipment Recommendations
- Large skillet or wok – Essential for properly searing chicken at high heat. Cast iron works exceptionally well for even cooking.
- Rice cooker (optional) – Makes perfect rice every time without watching. If you make rice bowls regularly, it's worth the investment.
- Sharp knife – Critical for uniform vegetable cuts and safe chicken preparation.
- Large mixing bowl – Needed for marinating chicken effectively.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Fridge Storage:
- Store cooked chicken rice bowls in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep components separate if possible – rice and chicken together, fresh vegetables separate to maintain crispness.
Freezing Instructions:
- Cooked chicken and rice freeze well for up to 3 months. Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating. Don't freeze fresh vegetables; add them after reheating.
Meal Prep Strategy:
- Cook chicken and rice in large batches on Sunday. Prep vegetables and store in separate containers. Assemble bowls throughout the week for quick, healthy meals.zing for X days/weeks/months.
The Bowl That Changed My Weeknights
I used to think healthy dinners had to be boring or bland—until I stumbled on the secret that became my go-to favorite: this Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe. One hectic evening, I had leftover grilled chicken, some cooked jasmine rice, and a few veggies begging to be used. I wasn’t expecting much, but I tossed them together, mixed up a quick homemade marinade, and just like that—a flavor-packed, balanced meal was born right in my own kitchen.
It was comforting, colorful, and way more delicious than I expected. It hit all the marks: simple, nourishing, and seriously satisfying. It was so good, I made it again the very next day… on purpose. That’s when I knew I’d found a weeknight winner I could always count on.Since then, this Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe has become my little weeknight secret. It’s endlessly customizable, fast to prep, and gives you that cozy “I cooked something amazing” feeling without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it.
FAQ
What goes in a chicken rice bowl?
A chicken rice bowl recipe typically includes marinated cooked chicken, steamed rice (like jasmine or brown), and a variety of toppings such as avocado, cucumbers, carrots, green onions, and sesame seeds. Sauces like soy, teriyaki, or spicy mayo can be added for extra flavor.
Are chicken and rice bowls healthy?
Yes, chicken and rice bowls can be very healthy. They offer lean protein, complex carbs, and fresh vegetables, making them balanced and nutrient-rich. You can customize them with wholesome ingredients to match your dietary needs.
How do you add flavor to rice bowls?
You can add flavor by marinating the chicken, cooking rice in broth, and topping your bowl with flavorful sauces like sesame ginger, sriracha mayo, or teriyaki. Fresh herbs, citrus, or toasted sesame seeds also boost taste.
Can raw chicken and rice be cooked together?
While it’s possible in one-pot recipes, it’s safer to cook chicken and rice separately to ensure each cooks properly and reaches the correct temperature. This also gives you better texture and flavor control.
Wrap Up Your Day with the Perfect Bowl
This Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe is living proof that healthy, delicious meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With juicy, flavorful chicken layered over fluffy rice and topped with crisp, fresh veggies, this recipe hits all the right notes—satisfying, nutritious, and incredibly easy to make. What I love most about this Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe is how flexible it is; you can totally make it your own with different vegetables, sauces, or even switch up the protein.
If you’re looking to build out your weeknight dinner lineup, you’ll also love my Tortilla Española Recipe for a comforting Spanish classic, or this vibrant Burrito Bowls Recipe that’s just as customizable and crowd-pleasing as this Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe.
Ready to whip up something truly satisfying? Try this Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe and see how easy it is to create a flavorful, balanced meal at home. Whether you're meal prepping or making a quick dinner, this Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Once you've made it, let me know how it turned out! Share your toppings or fun twists in the comments—and if you loved this Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe (I think you will!), don’t forget to leave a rating to help others find it too.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet or wok For searing chicken over high heat; cast iron or nonstick preferred
- 1 Rice cooker (optional) Makes cooking jasmine rice easier and consistent
- 1 Sharp knife For chopping vegetables and cutting chicken evenly
- 1 Large mixing bowl For marinating chicken thoroughly and evenly
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce use coconut aminos for gluten-free
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil or olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup for vegan
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Rice
- 2 cups jasmine rice rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
Vegetables & Garnish
- 2 avocados sliced
- 1 cucumber diced
- 2 carrots julienned
- 4 green onions chopped
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Combine marinade ingredients with chicken and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Rinse and cook jasmine rice with chicken broth.
- Sauté marinated chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Slice avocado, dice cucumber, julienne carrots, and chop green onions.
- Add rice to bowls, top with chicken and veggies, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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