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Healthy 15-Minute Simple Chicken Bowl Recipe for Easy Meal Prep

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A quick, healthy, and satisfying chicken bowl recipe that takes just 15 minutes to prepare, perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights. Features tender seared chicken, fresh veggies, and fluffy rice with a tangy dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice, cooked
  • 1½ cups water or low-sodium chicken broth (for cooking rice)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of jasmine or basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice with 1½ cups water or low-sodium chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
  2. While the rice cooks, pat dry the chicken pieces. In a bowl, toss chicken with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon cumin, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear for 3–4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until cooked through and juices run clear (internal temperature 165°F). Remove from heat.
  4. In a large bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and chopped cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  5. Divide cooked rice between meal prep containers or bowls. Top each with seared chicken and veggie mix. Drizzle dressing evenly over each bowl. Add sliced avocado just before serving or pack separately to keep fresh.
  6. Optional: Sprinkle extra smoked paprika or chili flakes for heat. Serve with a wedge of lime.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to avoid steaming and rubbery texture. Use room temperature chicken for even cooking. Let rice rest covered after cooking and fluff to keep grains separate. Marinate chicken briefly if time allows for enhanced flavor. Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Leftovers keep well up to 4 days refrigerated. Reheat covered with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy chicken bowl, quick chicken recipe, meal prep chicken bowl, easy chicken dinner, simple chicken bowl, 15-minute chicken recipe

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/healthy-15-minute-simple-chicken-bowl-recipe-for-easy-meal-prep/