Grilled Chicken and Veggie Bowl
Juicy grilled chicken breast sliced over a bed of fluffy rice, paired with smoky charred bell peppers and zucchini. A fresh, colorful bowl that's hearty yet wholesome, finished with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of herbs. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Season the chicken.
1.In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper.2.Add the chicken breasts and coat evenly with the marinade.3.Set aside at room temperature while you prep the vegetables and rice. - prep · ~20 min
Cook the rice.
1.Rinse basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear.2.In a saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.3.Add rice and a pinch of salt, stir once, then reduce heat to low.4.Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.5.Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.TIPRinse the rice well to remove excess starch — this keeps the grains separate and fluffy. - grill · ~14 min
Grill the chicken.
1.Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.2.Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill.3.Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).4.Transfer to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.TIPDon't move the chicken too early — let it develop grill marks and release naturally from the pan. - grill · ~8 min
Grill the vegetables.
1.Lightly brush the halved bell peppers and zucchini slices with any remaining marinade or a drizzle of olive oil.2.Place vegetables on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until charred and tender.3.Remove and slice the bell peppers into strips and zucchini into bite-sized pieces.TIPKeep the vegetables slightly firm — they should have a nice bite and not turn mushy. - assemble · ~5 min
Assemble the bowls.
1.Divide the cooked rice evenly among 4 bowls.2.Slice the rested chicken breast against the grain into strips.3.Arrange the sliced chicken and grilled vegetables over the rice.4.Squeeze additional lemon juice over the top if desired.5.Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pound chicken breasts to even thickness before marinating for consistent cooking.
- 2Let the chicken rest 5 minutes after grilling to lock in juices before slicing.
- 3Grill vegetables in a single layer and avoid overcrowding for the best char.
- 4Use a grill basket or skewers for zucchini to prevent them from falling through grates.
- 5Make-ahead: keep grilled chicken and veggies separate from rice until ready to serve.
- 6Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days; reheat chicken and veggies separately.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-carb / keto
Replace the basmati rice with cauliflower rice or a bed of fresh greens to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the protein and veggies intact.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add a second protein like grilled shrimp or chickpeas, and swap rice for quinoa to boost protein content without changing the cooking method.
spicySpicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade for a kick, and top with sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
MediterraneanMediterranean
Swap paprika for dried oregano and za'atar, add crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives to the assembled bowl.
veganVegan
Replace chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms, marinated in the same mixture, and grill until charred.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Lean Protein
Chicken breast provides a low-fat, high-quality protein source that supports muscle repair and keeps you feeling full longer.
Rich in Fiber and Vitamins
Bell peppers and zucchini add dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, aiding digestion and immune function.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil supplies monounsaturated fats that can help reduce bad cholesterol when used in place of saturated fats.
Naturally Gluten-Free
Basmati rice, chicken, and fresh vegetables make this bowl suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but brown rice requires about 40-45 minutes of cooking and about 2 cups of water per cup of rice, so adjust cooking time and liquid accordingly.



