Healthy Grilled Chicken And Brown Rice Bowl

Name: Healthy Grilled Chicken And Brown Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups brown rice; 4 cups water; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 cup bell peppers, sliced; Fresh cilantro, for garnish; Lime wedges, for serving

Highlighted under: Lightly Delicious

I love making this Healthy Grilled Chicken and Brown Rice Bowl because it’s not only nourishing but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of tender, marinated chicken with fluffy brown rice creates a wholesome meal that fuels my day. I can adjust the spices and toppings based on what I have on hand, making it a versatile option for busy weeknights. This bowl is perfect for meal prep, allowing me to enjoy balanced portions throughout the week without compromising on flavor.

Created by

Elara Whitfield

Last updated on 2026-02-28T10:29:35.626Z

I can still remember the first time I made this bowl; I was impressed by how easy it was to prepare while maintaining great taste. The secret is in the marinade, where I let the chicken soak up all those flavors before grilling it to perfection. It ensures every bite is infused with this amazing zest that pairs beautifully with the earthy notes of brown rice.

Another tip I picked up is to slightly undercook the rice so that it retains a chewy texture, adding depth to every mouthful. By garnishing with fresh veggies and herbs, you not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a refreshing crunch that elevates the whole dish!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Juicy grilled chicken full of flavor
Nutritious brown rice as a hearty base
Customizable with your favorite veggies
Perfect for meal prep and easy leftovers

Mastering the Marinade

The marinade is the foundation of flavor for this grilled chicken, making it juicy and tender. By combining olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and paprika, you create a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory notes. I recommend letting the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, but if you have more time, extending it to a couple of hours can deepen the flavor. Just remember to keep it refrigerated during this time to maintain food safety.

Ensure that the chicken breasts are well-coated in the marinade for even flavor distribution. Consider using a resealable plastic bag for marinating; this allows the chicken to be fully submerged in the marinade, making cleanup easy. Also, a good tip is to poke a few holes in the chicken before marinating—this helps the flavors penetrate more effectively.

Cooking the Brown Rice

Cooking brown rice requires patience but the result is well worth the wait. It typically takes about 30 minutes to fully cook, and water absorption is key for that fluffy texture. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Avoid lifting the lid frequently during cooking, as this releases steam and can lead to unevenly cooked rice. If it seems too firm after the cooking time, add a splash more water and continue cooking for a few minutes.

For added flavor, consider substituting some of the water with low-sodium chicken broth instead. This adds another layer of taste to the dish without complicating the cooking process. Alternatively, if you're short on time, using a rice cooker can simplify the process; just follow the machine's instructions for the proper rice-to-water ratio.

Customizing Your Bowl

This grilled chicken and brown rice bowl is highly adaptable to whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand. Swap out cherry tomatoes for halved radishes or diced avocados for creaminess. Feel free to play with the vegetable cuts; thinly sliced carrots or shredded cabbage add great texture and flavor. Be mindful to consider the cooking time of vegetables if you plan to grill them or add them raw—some, like broccoli, may require a brief steam to soften.

For those who are following dietary restrictions, this bowl is easy to customize as well. If looking for a low-carb option, try substituting the brown rice with cauliflower rice, which has a similar texture when cooked. Additionally, to make this bowl vegetarian, replace chicken with marinated tofu or chickpeas, while ensuring to adjust cooking times to ensure proper texture and flavor absorbance.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Rice Bowl

2 cups brown rice
4 cups water
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 cup bell peppers, sliced
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

Mix and match your favorite toppings!

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and ensure they are well coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Cook the Rice

In a pot, combine brown rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until rice is tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

Grill the Chicken

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from grill and let rest before slicing.

Assemble the Bowl

In a serving bowl, layer cooked brown rice, sliced grilled chicken, and fresh veggies. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Enjoy your healthy meal!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize the bowl with your choice of vegetables or add avocado for extra creaminess.

Storage Tips

To keep the flavors fresh, store the grilled chicken and brown rice separately in airtight containers. The chicken can be refrigerated for up to 4 days, while brown rice stays good for about a week. If you'd like to freeze portions for later, prepare them individually, allowing both to cool completely before freezing. Just be aware that reheating the chicken may dry it out; consider microwaving it with a splash of water to maintain moisture.

When you're ready to enjoy your meal again, simply reheat in the microwave or stovetop. For the rice, add a bit of water before reheating to help rehydrate it, which restores that fluffy texture. As for the veggies, I recommend adding them fresh rather than reheating, as this keeps them crisp and adds a refreshing bite to the bowl.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your grilled chicken and brown rice bowl with lime wedges on the side, as the acidity brightens the flavors beautifully. If you're feeling adventurous, drizzle a homemade yogurt sauce or a store-bought chili garlic sauce over the top for an extra kick. If you have extra cilantro, consider whipping up a quick cilantro lime dressing to drizzle over the assembled bowl for a zesty touch.

If you’re feeding a crowd, consider making a larger batch of rice and chicken, and then allowing everyone to customize their bowls. This makes it a fun, interactive meal! Setting out a variety of toppings such as sliced olives, shredded cheese, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds can cater to different tastes and dietary needs, making mealtime even more enjoyable.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use quinoa instead of brown rice?

Absolutely! Quinoa is a great substitute and will give the bowl a unique flavor.

→ Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this bowl stores well in the fridge and can last up to 4 days!

→ Can I grill the chicken indoors?

Yes, you can use a grill pan or stovetop grill if you don’t have an outdoor grill.

→ What if I have leftover chicken?

Leftover chicken can be added to salads or wraps for a quick meal.