Let's be honest, there are nights when you just need dinner to happen, and happen fast.
This recipe is that reliable friend, the one that shows up exactly when you need it, with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.
Why This Bowl Belongs in Your Rotation
It’s the beautiful simplicity of a complete meal, all cozy in one dish, that gets me every time.
You’re building layers of flavor and texture in about the same time it takes to argue about what to order for delivery.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Here’s what you’ll gather. Each one plays a specific, simple role in building your bowl.
Instant Rice (1 cup): The fast, fluffy foundation that soaks up all the good flavors.
Chicken Broth (1 cup): Instead of water, this cooks the rice, giving it a savory depth from the inside out.
Frozen Green Pepper & Onion (1/2 cup chopped pepper, 1/4 cup onion): A convenient start for that classic aromatic base, adding sweetness and crunch.
Olive Oil (2 teaspoons): Just enough to get those veggies sautéing nicely in the pan.
Grilled Chicken Breast Strips (9 oz package): The superstar shortcut, providing hearty, ready-to-go protein.
Frozen Corn & Peas (1/2 cup each): Little bursts of sweetness and color that thaw in a flash right in the skillet.
Dried Basil & Rubbed Sage (1 teaspoon each): An earthy, fragrant herb duo that makes the whole kitchen smell like home.
Salt & Pepper (1/8 teaspoon each): The essential finishers, brightening every other ingredient in the bowl.
The Magic of the Meal Prep Bowl
This is where the recipe truly shines, transforming from a quick dinner into a week of solved problems.
Spending twenty minutes on a Sunday to assemble these means you’ve gifted your future self a treasure trove of ready-to-go lunches.
How to make ?
The process flows in two easy, parallel tracks. Everything comes together almost magically at the end.
Make this recipe yours—just save it to your Pinterest board!”
Step 1- The Foundation of Flavor
Grab a small pot and get your rice cooking in that chicken broth, just following the package directions.
While that’s happening, you’re not just waiting, you’re starting the main event in a large skillet.
Step 2- Wake Up the Veggies
Heat the oil in your skillet and add the chopped pepper and onion.
Give them just a few minutes over the heat, you want them to soften a touch but keep some of their cheerful crispness.
Step 3- Bring the Party Together
Now, toss in the chicken, corn, peas, and those dried herbs.
Let everything mingle and get to know each other over medium heat until it’s all warmly heated through, about five minutes.
Step 4- The Grand Finale
By now, your rice should be perfectly done, fluffed with a fork.
Stir it right into the skillet, season with the salt and pepper, and give it one big, happy fold until every grain is mixed in.
Building Your Perfect Bowl Style
The basic recipe is a blank canvas, honestly, and it’s begging for your personal touch.
Think about the flavors you love most from your favorite restaurants, and see how you can bring them home right here.
Tips
Thaw your frozen veggies first by running them under warm water in a colander. This stops the skillet from cooling down and keeps everything cooking evenly.
If you have a spare lemon, a little squeeze of fresh juice right at the end can lift all the flavors in a wonderful, bright way.
Don’t skip the “uncovered” part when heating the chicken and veggies. Letting any extra moisture cook off prevents your final dish from becoming soggy.
Simple Swaps and Clever Twists
Out of something? Craving a different vibe? No problem at all. This recipe is incredibly forgiving.
Use any quick-cooking grain you have, such as quinoa or couscous, and adjust the liquid as needed. Leftover roasted broccoli or diced zucchini can stand in for the corn or peas without a second thought. That rotisserie chicken in your fridge? Shred it up and use it here, it’s a fantastic switch.
Storing Your Creations
Let the mixture cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
It will keep happily in the fridge for up to four days, making reheating a simple, one-minute microwave task. For the best texture, if you’re meal-prepping, consider keeping any extra sauce or a creamy element like avocado or cheese separate, adding it fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Chicken and rice bowls are the perfect recipe for meal-prep fans—or anyone in need of an easy-breezy dinner. They’re endlessly adaptable, great for using up leftover chicken and veggies, and can be made in under 15 minutes. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy delicious, reheat-friendly lunches or dinners all week long!
Ingredients
1cup uncooked instant rice
1cup chicken broth
1/2cup chopped frozen green pepper (thawed)
1/4cup chopped onion
2tsp olive oil
1package (9 oz) ready-to-use grilled chicken breast strips
1/2cup frozen corn (thawed)
1/2cup frozen peas (thawed)
1tsp dried basil
1tsp rubbed sage
1/8tsp salt
1/8tsp pepper
Instructions
1
Cook rice in broth according to package directions.
2
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, sauté the green pepper and onion in olive oil for 2–3 minutes or until crisp-tender.
3
Stir in the chicken, corn, peas, dried basil, and rubbed sage. Cook uncovered over medium heat for 4–5 minutes or until heated through.
4
Stir in the cooked rice, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 1 cup
Amount Per Serving
Calories239kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat5g8%
Saturated Fat1g5%
Cholesterol42mg15%
Sodium914mg39%
Potassium380mg11%
Total Carbohydrate30g10%
Dietary Fiber2g8%
Sugars3g
Protein19g38%
Calcium 20 mg
Iron 15 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Switch up grains: Try quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice for variety.
Add a sauce: Drizzle with pesto, tzatziki, or soy-ginger dressing for extra flavor.
Meal prep tip: Store components separately for best texture; combine when reheating.
Keywords:
chicken and rice bowl, quick dinner, meal prep, easy chicken recipe, one bowl meal