Chicken and Rice Bowl
Cuisine: American Type: Entree

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Chicken Breast
1 piece (120)
Rice
1 cup (185)
Chicken Broth
1 cup (240)
Onion
1 medium (110)
Garlic
2 cloves (6)
Soy Sauce
2 tablespoons (30)
Sesame Oil
1 teaspoon (5)
Carrots
1 medium (61)
Peas
1 cup (160)
Green Onions
2 stalks (30)
Salt
1 teaspoon (6)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Totals
34 oz
(958 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Chicken Breast
165
White Rice
206
Vegetable Oil
120
Soy Sauce
8
Garlic
4
Ginger
9
Green Onions
4
Carrots
25
Peas
62
Corn
77
Sesame Oil
40
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Totals
720 kcal
Steps
Step 1: Cook the rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Add diced chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5: In the same skillet, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Add sliced bell peppers and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
Step 8: Season with salt, black pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. Stir well to combine.
Step 9: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken and vegetables simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 10: In a separate small saucepan, prepare the sauce of your choice, such as teriyaki, barbecue, or buffalo sauce, by heating it over low heat until warm.
Step 11: Once the sauce is heated, pour it over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir to coat everything evenly.
Step 12: Serve the chicken and vegetable mixture over a bed of cooked rice in individual bowls.
Step 13: Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or any other desired toppings.
Step 14: Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken and Rice Bowl!
Substitutions
Substitutions/Alterations for Chicken and Rice Bowl:
1. Chicken breast:
- Substitute with tofu (200g) for a vegetarian option.
- Substitute with shrimp (200g) for a seafood twist.
- Adjust cooking time accordingly for tofu or shrimp.
2. Rice:
- Substitute with quinoa (1 cup) for a healthier alternative.
- Substitute with cauliflower rice (1 medium head) for a low-carb option.
- Adjust cooking time and liquid requirements as per the substitute used.
3. Soy sauce:
- Substitute with tamari sauce (same quantity) for a gluten-free option.
- Substitute with coconut aminos (same quantity) for a soy-free alternative.
4. Garlic:
- Substitute with garlic powder (1 teaspoon) if fresh garlic is unavailable.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Ginger:
- Substitute with ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon) if fresh ginger is not on hand.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, broccoli):
- Substitute with any available vegetables of your choice (same quantity).
- Adjust cooking time based on the vegetable's texture and desired doneness.
7. Olive oil:
- Substitute with any cooking oil of your preference (same quantity).
8. Green onions:
- Substitute with regular onions (1 small) or shallots (1 small), finely chopped.
- Adjust sautéing time as per the substitute used.
9. Sesame oil:
- Substitute with any other flavorful oil (e.g., peanut oil, chili oil) for a different taste.
- Adjust quantity based on personal preference.
10. Sesame seeds:
- Substitute with crushed peanuts or cashews (same quantity) for added crunch.
- Adjust quantity based on personal preference.
Note: Adjust any additional seasonings (salt, pepper, herbs, spices) according to taste and personal preferences.
Pairings
- Grilled vegetables
- Fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Roasted potatoes
- Steamed broccoli
- Corn on the cob
- Pickled jalapeños
- Avocado slices
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Cilantro-lime coleslaw
- Mango salsa
- Black beans and corn salad
- Garlic bread
- Fresh lime wedges
- Tomato and cucumber salad
- Sliced red onions
- Chipotle mayo
- Crispy bacon bits
- Sour cream
- Chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or basil)
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish the chicken and rice bowl with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.
- Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or crushed nuts for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve the dish in a stylish and elegant bowl or plate to elevate its presentation.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Marinate the chicken in a blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey before cooking to enhance its flavor.
- Sauté the rice with diced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to add crunch and a burst of freshness.
- Incorporate different textures by adding crispy fried onions or shallots on top of the bowl.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use high-quality organic or free-range chicken for a more succulent and flavorful meat.
- Replace regular white rice with fragrant jasmine or basmati rice to add an exotic touch.
- Include premium ingredients like truffle oil, saffron, or porcini mushrooms to infuse the dish with a luxurious flavor.
Remember to adjust cooking times and techniques accordingly to ensure all the elements of the dish are cooked perfectly. Enjoy your next-level dining experience!
Diet Restrictions
- Use skinless chicken breast instead of dark meat or skin-on chicken to reduce saturated fat content.
- Opt for brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
- Increase the vegetable content by adding a variety of colorful veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots.
- For individuals with gluten intolerance, substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.
- Reduce sodium intake by using low-sodium chicken broth and limiting the amount of added salt.
- For individuals with lactose intolerance, avoid adding dairy-based sauces or toppings like cheese or sour cream.
- To make it suitable for vegetarians or vegans, replace chicken with plant-based protein alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or seitan.
- For individuals with diabetes, control portion sizes by using smaller amounts of rice and adding more non-starchy vegetables.
- Consider using herbs and spices to enhance flavor instead of high-sugar or high-sodium sauces.
- If following a low-fat diet, cook chicken using methods like grilling, baking, or steaming instead of frying.
Healthy Choices
- Use skinless chicken breast instead of chicken thighs to reduce saturated fat.
- Opt for brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the bowl, such as adding steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Use homemade or low-sodium chicken broth instead of store-bought broth to control the sodium content.
- Marinate the chicken in herbs, spices, and lemon juice instead of using high-sodium marinades or sauces.
- Cook the chicken using healthier methods like grilling, baking, or poaching instead of frying.
- Limit the amount of added oils or fats when cooking the chicken and vegetables.
- Garnish the bowl with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added flavor without extra calories.
- Consider adding a small amount of healthy fats like sliced avocado or chopped nuts for added nutrition and satiety.
- Minimize the use of condiments high in sodium and sugar, and use healthier alternatives like low-sodium soy sauce or homemade salsa.
Shortcuts
1. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs cook faster and are usually cheaper.
2. Opt for pre-cooked or instant rice to save cooking time. Alternatively, use a rice cooker for hands-off preparation.
3. Use frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh ones. They are convenient, cost-effective, and cook quickly.
4. Consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. It's already seasoned and saves time.
5. Utilize a pre-made sauce or dressing to add flavor without the need for additional ingredients or time-consuming preparation.
6. Use canned chicken broth or bouillon cubes to speed up the process instead of making homemade broth from scratch.
7. Utilize a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to significantly reduce cooking time for both chicken and rice.
8. Incorporate herbs and spices to enhance the taste without relying on expensive or time-consuming marinades.
9. Opt for economical cuts of chicken, such as drumsticks or chicken quarters, which are flavorful and budget-friendly.
10. Plan ahead and cook larger batches, then portion and freeze leftovers for quick and easy meals in the future.