Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl: The Easiest Weeknight Dinner

Name: Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl: The Easiest Weeknight Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional; 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 avocado, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed or grilled; ½ cup shredded carrots; ¼ cup chopped green onions; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds; Spicy mayo or sriracha for drizzling (optional)

January 7, 2026

By:

Navy

Grilled chicken rice bowl, a weeknight staple at our house, is a delicious and customizable meal that I can’t wait to share with you. This simple yet satisfying combination of tender, grilled chicken, fluffy rice, and your favorite toppings is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner option. I’ve been making this grilled chicken rice bowl for years, building it one delicious layer at a time!

Growing up, rice bowls were a blank canvas for whatever leftovers were in the fridge, and this version builds on that tradition with the smoky goodness of grilled chicken. Forget boring dinners, this grilled chicken rice bowl is where it’s at.

Why You Will Love This grilled chicken rice bowl Recipe

This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a flavor adventure waiting to happen. What makes this grilled chicken rice bowl so special? It’s infinitely adaptable. Use your favorite rice, toss in any veggies you love, and customize the sauce to your heart’s content.

The ease and speed are my favorite parts. Weeknights are busy enough, so this grilled chicken comes together in under 30 minutes. And believe me, your family will thank you for this comforting and healthy meal. Follow us on Pinterest for more easy and delicious recipes!

Close-up detail

Ingredients Needed for This grilled chicken rice bowl Recipe

For the Chicken Marinade:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

For the Rice Bowl:

2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 avocado, sliced
1 cup broccoli florets, steamed or grilled
½ cup shredded carrots
¼ cup chopped green onions
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Spicy mayo or sriracha for drizzling (optional)

How to Make This grilled chicken rice bowl Recipe

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate.

2. Prepare the Rice: While the chicken is marinating, cook the rice according to package directions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in the sesame oil. This adds a subtle nutty flavor.

3. Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken breasts for 6 8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. Rest and Slice: Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips. This helps to retain the juices.

5. Assemble the Rice Bowl: Divide the cooked rice between two bowls. Top with the sliced grilled chicken, avocado, broccoli, carrots, and green onions.

6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and drizzle with spicy mayo or sriracha, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy! For another delicious option, check out my Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl.

How to Serve This grilled chicken rice bowl Recipe

This grilled chicken rice bowl is a complete meal in itself, but you can easily customize the serving style.

Consider serving it with a side of kimchi or a fresh salad to add some crunch and flavor. Presentation matters, so arrange the ingredients attractively in the bowl. You can also offer a variety of sauces and toppings so everyone can personalize their own bowl. Perhaps even try another variation like this Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl 2.

How to Store This grilled chicken rice bowl Recipe

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keep the chicken, rice, and toppings in separate containers to prevent them from getting soggy. When reheating, microwave the chicken and rice separately before assembling the bowl. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months; thaw it completely before reheating. Fresh toppings are best when added just before serving after reheating.

Tips to Make This grilled chicken rice bowl Recipe

For an extra flavorful grilled chicken, marinate it overnight.

If you don’t have a grill, you can pan sear the chicken in a skillet or bake it in the oven. Feel free to swap the vegetables with your favorites such as bell peppers, edamame, or corn. To make it a low carb meal, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. Always ensure no cross contamination when preparing meats. The flavors are sure to pop!

Helpful Notes for This grilled chicken rice bowl Recipe

Rice vinegar can be found in the Asian section of most grocery stores. It adds a subtle tanginess to the marinade.

For spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade. If you don’t have honey, maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a substitute. You can also use pre cooked rice for an even quicker meal.

Variation of This grilled chicken rice bowl Recipe

In the fall, add roasted sweet potatoes, cranberries, and a sprinkle of cinnamon to the rice bowl for a seasonal twist.

For a Mediterranean version, use lemon herb marinated chicken, feta cheese, olives, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce. You can even try adding a fried egg on top for added richness and flavor. Think about combining all your favorite flavors together. Love the flavors this Grilled Chicken Rice Bowl brings? Then you are set!

How do I keep grilled chicken from drying out?

Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes and use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Resting the chicken after grilling also helps retain moisture.

What are some good toppings for a chicken rice bowl?

The possibilities are endless! Consider adding avocado, a fried egg, kimchi, shredded carrots, edamame, cucumbers, sauces like sriracha mayo or teriyaki, and fresh herbs such as cilantro or green onions.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken in a rice bowl?

Absolutely! Using leftover chicken is a great way to save time and reduce food waste. Make sure the chicken is properly stored and reheated thoroughly before adding it to your rice bowl.

What kind of rice is best for rice bowls?

Short-grain rice like sushi rice or medium-grain rice like jasmine rice are excellent choices because they are slightly sticky and hold together well. However, you can use any type of rice you prefer, such as brown rice or basmati rice.

Conclusion

Ready to bring those messages from readers who’ve conquered a cooking fear or brought their family together around a recipe? This grilled chicken rice bowl recipe is incredibly versatile AND easy, I encourage you to give it a try and find your own delicious variations. Let me know in the comments how you customized yours!