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Chicken Meal Prep Bowls With Rice and Veggies - Simple, Tasty, and Ready for the Week

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Rice: 2 cups uncooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown)
  • Veggies: 1 head broccoli, 2 bell peppers, 2 medium carrots, 1 red onion
  • Oil: Olive oil or avocado oil
  • Seasonings for chicken: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, chili powder or cumin, salt, black pepper
  • For rice flavor (optional): Low-sodium chicken broth or stock, bay leaf
  • Extras (optional): Lemon, fresh parsley, soy sauce or coconut aminos, sriracha, sesame seeds
  • Containers: 4–6 meal prep containers with tight lids (microwave-safe)

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice: Rinse 2 cups of rice until the water runs mostly clear. Cook according to package directions. For extra flavor, use half water and half chicken broth, and toss in a bay leaf. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  2. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment for easy cleanup. Chop broccoli into florets, slice bell peppers, peel and slice carrots into thin rounds, and slice the red onion.
  3. Season the veggies: Toss the veggies with 1–2 tablespoons of oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on the sheet pan in a single layer. Roast for 18–22 minutes, stirring once, until tender and slightly charred at the edges.
  4. Season the chicken: Pat chicken dry. In a bowl, mix 1.5 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Add 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or cumin if you like a little warmth. Drizzle chicken with 1 tablespoon oil and coat with the spice mix.
  5. Sear and cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add a little oil. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden. If thick, lower heat to medium, cover, and cook 4–6 more minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). Rest on a board for 5 minutes, then slice.
  6. Brighten it up: Squeeze fresh lemon over the sliced chicken. A small splash of soy sauce on the veggies or rice adds umami, but keep it light if you’re watching sodium.
  7. Assemble the bowls: Divide rice evenly among 4–6 containers. Top with roasted veggies and sliced chicken. Add a sprinkle of parsley or sesame seeds if you like.
  8. Cool, then seal: Let containers cool uncovered for about 15–20 minutes so steam can escape. Then seal and refrigerate.