Craving a quick and satisfying meal that bursts with flavor and color? Look no further than this Chicken & Grilled Pepper Rice Bowl! Juicy grilled chicken, charred sweet bell peppers, creamy avocado, and fluffy rice come together in one vibrant bowl.
In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a balanced, protein-rich meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a delicious lunch. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
- 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and lime juice. Let it marinate for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly charred. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing.
Step 3: Grill the Peppers
In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil. Add sliced red and yellow bell peppers. Cook for 4-5 minutes until tender and slightly charred. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
Layer cooked rice in a bowl. Add sliced grilled chicken, charred peppers, and avocado slices. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped cilantro for fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
- Extra Veggies: Include sautéed onions, zucchini, or corn for added color.
- Vegan Option: Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh.
- Whole Grains: Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a fiber-rich boost.
Cooking Note
- Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Peppers: Grill until they have a slight char for smoky flavor.
- Meal Prep: Double the recipe and store components separately for easy weekday lunches.
Serving Suggestions
This bowl is perfect on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with warm tortillas or a side of fresh pico de gallo.
For a refreshing drink, try a sparkling lime water or iced tea!
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Leftovers: Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat chicken and peppers in a skillet for best texture.
- Make Ahead: Marinate and grill chicken ahead of time for quick assembly.
Timing
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cooking Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Yield 2 servings
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories 480 kcal
Protein 32 g
Sodium 350 mg
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Lower Fat: Use low-fat Greek yogurt and less oil.
- Add Fiber: Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa.
- Boost Greens: Serve over a bed of fresh spinach or kale.
- Lighter Option: Use grilled fish or shrimp instead of chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Dry Chicken: Don’t overcook the chicken – use a thermometer for perfect doneness.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Cook peppers in batches if needed for better char.
- Unripe Avocado: Use a ripe avocado for creamy texture.
- Skipping Rest Time: Let chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
Conclusion
There you have it – a vibrant, Chicken & Grilled Pepper Rice Bowl that’s bursting with flavor and texture! Easy to customize and endlessly satisfying.
Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Share your photos and join our community of flavor lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful – just adjust cooking time as needed.
Q: Can I meal prep this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Cook rice, grill chicken and peppers in advance, and store separately.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Of course! Use dairy-free yogurt or skip the yogurt topping altogether.
Chicken & Grilled Pepper Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
A colorful and delicious rice bowl with juicy grilled chicken, charred peppers, creamy avocado, and a dollop of yogurt. A balanced, quick meal for any day of the week!
Ingredients
1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 cup cooked white rice
1/2 avocado, sliced
1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 tbsp lime juice
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and lime juice. Let it marinate for 5 minutes.
2. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly charred. Remove and rest.
3. In the same pan, add remaining olive oil. Cook sliced red and yellow bell peppers for 4-5 minutes until tender and charred. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Layer cooked rice in a bowl. Add sliced chicken, grilled peppers, and avocado slices.
5. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
For a vegan option, use grilled tofu instead of chicken.
Double the recipe and store components separately for easy meal prep!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Rice Bowl
- Method: Grilling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Chicken & Grilled Pepper Rice Bowl, Healthy Chicken Bowl, Easy Dinner Bowl