Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl: Easy Weeknight Dinner

December 24, 2025

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Grilled chicken rice bowl perfection starts here! Tender, flavorful grilled chicken paired with fluffy rice and your favorite toppings makes for a quick, satisfying, and healthy meal. This grilled chicken rice bowl recipe is inspired by my grandmother's love for simple, wholesome ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.

Remember those weeknight dinners where she’d magically whip up a feast from what seemed like thin air? This rice bowl captures that same spirit, offering a delicious and adaptable meal you can customize to your taste. I hope you love this meal as much as my family does!

Why You Will Love This grilled chicken rice bowl Recipe

This is more than just a meal; it's comfort in a bowl. Preparing this grilled chicken rice bowl is easy and fast, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of savory grilled chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh toppings creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.

I also love how versatile this recipe is. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, sauces, and seasonings to create a unique culinary experience every time. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover ingredients and reduce food waste. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to takeout or processed meals! This recipe is a game changer! Also, if you are looking for a variation, you should try this Grilled Cod Rice Bowl.

Ingredients Needed for This grilled chicken rice bowl Recipe

For the Grilled Chicken:

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Rice:

2 cups cooked rice (I prefer jasmine or basmati)

For the Toppings (Optional):

1 avocado, sliced
1 cup edamame, shelled
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 cup green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds
Sriracha mayonnaise (or your favorite sauce)

How to Make This grilled chicken rice bowl Recipe

Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
Cook the Rice: While the chicken is marinating, cook the rice according to package directions. Set aside.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium high heat.
Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Rest & Slice the Chicken: Remove the grilled chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
Prepare the Toppings: While the chicken is grilling, prepare your desired toppings. Slice the avocado, dice the cucumber, shred the carrots, and slice the green onions.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among bowls. Arrange the sliced grilled chicken over the rice.
Add Toppings: Add your favorite toppings, such as avocado, edamame, carrots, cucumber, and green onions.

Drizzle with Sauce: Drizzle with sriracha mayonnaise or your sauce of choice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious grilled chicken rice bowl.

How to Serve This grilled chicken rice bowl Recipe

This grilled chicken rice bowl is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be paired with a side salad or a light soup. Consider serving it with a refreshing cucumber salad or a miso soup for a balanced and flavorful meal.

For plating, consider arranging the ingredients artfully in the bowl, creating visually appealing sections of color and texture. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and a drizzle of sauce can add an extra touch of elegance. If you are wanting a unique rice bowl recipe, you should try this Skillet Tuna Rice Bowl.

How to Store This grilled chicken rice bowl Recipe

Refrigeration: Store leftover grilled chicken and cooked rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store toppings in separate containers as well to maintain their freshness.

Freezing: Cooked rice can be frozen for up to 2 months. Grilled chicken can also be frozen, but its texture may change slightly upon thawing. Thaw both in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat the grilled chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

Tips to Make This grilled chicken rice bowl Recipe

Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. However, marinating longer (up to 4 hours) will result in even more flavorful and tender chicken.
Grilling Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium high heat before grilling the chicken. This will give the chicken a nice sear and prevent it from sticking to the grill grates.
Rice Choice: Feel free to use any type of rice you prefer. Jasmine and basmati rice are great options, but brown rice or quinoa can also be used for a healthier twist.
Vegetable Prep: Chop all vegetables into similar sizes for a uniform texture and appearance in the bowl.

Helpful Notes for This grilled chicken rice bowl Recipe

Chicken Type: While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken thighs may take slightly longer to cook.
Rice Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of rice to find your favorite combination. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber, while sushi rice provides a stickier texture.
Sauce Options: If you are not a fan of sriracha mayonnaise, you can use other sauces such as teriyaki sauce, yum yum sauce, or even a simple sesame dressing.

Variation of This grilled chicken rice bowl Recipe

Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken marinade for a spicier kick.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the grilled chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian friendly version.
Seasonal Variation: In the fall, add roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash to the bowl. In the spring, try adding asparagus or snap peas. If you want to try another chicken rice bowl, give this Slow Cooker Chicken Rice Bowl recipe a try.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good toppings for a grilled chicken rice bowl?

Great toppings include avocado, salsa, corn, black beans, shredded cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream, and a drizzle of lime juice. Customize your bowl to your liking!

How can I make my grilled chicken more flavorful?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Use a flavorful marinade with ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness from honey or brown sugar.

Can I use leftover grilled chicken in my rice bowl?

Absolutely! Using leftover grilled chicken is a great way to save time and reduce food waste. Just make sure to reheat the chicken properly before adding it to your rice bowl.

What kind of rice is best for a grilled chicken rice bowl?

You can use any type of rice you prefer, but white rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, and cilantro-lime rice are all popular choices. Consider the flavor profile you’re aiming for when selecting your rice.

Conclusion

This grilled chicken rice bowl recipe offers a delicious, healthy, and customizable meal that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful dish to impress your friends and family, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So grab your apron, fire up the grill, and let's create a memorable grilled chicken rice bowl together! I would love to hear about your experience in the comments!