I grew up on simple one-bowl dinners, and this Favorite Healthy Chicken Bowl is the modern version I keep coming back to. It’s a grain-forward, protein-packed meal that comes together fast, feeds picky eaters and health-conscious adults alike, and makes great leftovers for the week. If you want a reliable weeknight dinner that feels fresh and balanced, this is it — and it’s flexible enough to match whatever’s in your fridge.
Why you’ll love this dish
This bowl hits the trifecta: whole grains, lean protein, and colorful vegetables in one satisfying package. It’s quick to assemble, easy to scale for meal prep, and forgiving if you swap ingredients. Make it on a busy weeknight, pack it for lunch, or serve it when friends pop by — it looks composed but is ridiculously simple to build.
“Hands down my go-to. Prep in under 30 minutes and everyone eats it — even the kids.” — a regular weeknight tester
If you’re curious about other lean chicken ideas for dinner, check out this roundup of best chicken breast recipes for more inspiration.
Step-by-step overview
Before you start: cook your grain first so it can cool slightly while you cook. Sear seasoned chicken in a hot skillet, then let it rest before slicing — that keeps the meat juicy. Use the same pan to quickly sauté mixed vegetables so they pick up the fond (the browned bits) for extra flavor. Finish by assembling bowls: grains on the bottom, sliced chicken, veggies, sliced avocado, herbs, and a squeeze of lemon.
What you’ll need
- 2 cups cooked grains (quinoa, brown rice, or farro). (Quinoa is lighter; farro gives a chewy, nutty bite.)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- 1 cup chopped mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, etc.).
- 1 avocado, sliced.
- Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) for garnish.
- Lemon wedges for serving.
Substitutions/notes: Swap the olive oil for avocado oil if you want a higher smoke point. Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken in a pinch for even faster prep. For a gluten-free bowl, choose quinoa or brown rice.
Also useful for texture variations: try air-fried chicken for a crisp exterior — here’s a simple guide on crispy air-fryer chicken breast to adapt.
Step-by-step instructions
- Cook the grains: Follow package directions. Fluff and set aside to keep warm or cool for meal prep.
- Heat the skillet: Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Season the chicken: Salt and pepper both sides. Place in the skillet.
- Sear and cook: Cook the breasts 6–7 minutes per side. Adjust time for thickness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and slice: Remove chicken and let rest 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped vegetables. Cook 4–6 minutes until tender-crisp. Season lightly.
- Assemble bowls: Layer 1/2 cup cooked grains per bowl, add sliced chicken, top with sautéed vegetables, and place avocado slices on the side.
- Finish and serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over.
Best ways to enjoy it
- Plating: Use a shallow bowl so each component is visible and easy to grab with a fork. Place avocado last so it looks fresh.
- Sides: Serve with a simple side salad or roasted sweet potatoes for more root-vegetable comfort.
- Beverage pairings: A crisp white wine, sparkling water with lemon, or iced green tea complement the fresh flavors.
- Dressings: A quick drizzle of tahini-lemon, yogurt-herb sauce, or a splash of low-sodium soy sauce brightens the bowl.
Storage and reheating tips
- Refrigerate: Store components separately when possible. Cooked grains and sliced chicken keep 3–4 days in an airtight container at 40°F (4°C) or below.
- Reheat safely: Warm chicken and grains in a microwave-safe dish until steaming hot, or reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or oil until 165°F (74°C) internal temp.
- Freezing: Cooked grains freeze well up to 2 months. Freeze sliced chicken in meal-sized portions; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Avocado handling: Slice avocados fresh for best texture. If you must store sliced avocado, brush lightly with lemon juice and wrap tightly to slow browning.
Pro chef tips
- Don’t crowd the pan: Cook chicken in a hot skillet with space around each breast for a good sear. Overcrowding causes steaming.
- Test doneness correctly: Use an instant-read thermometer for 165°F (74°C) — it’s more reliable than time alone.
- Rest matters: Resting lets juices redistribute; cut too soon and the chicken will leak moisture.
- Boost flavor with the fond: After removing chicken, deglaze the skillet with a splash of water, broth, or lemon juice before adding vegetables. Scrape browned bits into the veggies for depth.
- Meal-prep hack: Cook a double batch of grains and chicken and store in separate containers. Add avocado and herbs only when serving.
For other flavor-packed chicken bowl ideas and marinades, you might like this spicy-sweet inspiration from my collection of black pepper chicken stir-fry and the broader best chicken breast recipe roundup.
Recipe variations
- Mediterranean: Use farro, swap mixed veggies for cherry tomatoes and cucumbers, add olives and a dollop of tzatziki.
- Tex‑Mex: Season chicken with cumin and chili powder. Add black beans, corn, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.
- Asian‑inspired: Use brown rice, add sautéed bok choy and snap peas, finish with sesame oil and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for roasted chickpeas or tempeh and increase the grain to 2.5 cups cooked for extra bulk.
Common questions
Q: How long does this take to make from start to finish?
A: About 30–40 minutes if you cook grains from scratch. Using pre-cooked grains or rotisserie chicken cuts total time to 10–15 minutes.
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A: Yes. Thaw or cook frozen veggies straight from frozen in the skillet; they’ll need a few extra minutes and may release more water, so cook over medium-high heat to evaporate excess moisture.
Q: Is this meal good for meal prep?
A: Absolutely. Store grains and chicken separately from avocado and herbs for up to 4 days. Assemble bowls fresh each day for best texture.
Q: Can I make this lower sodium?
A: Yes. Use low-sodium or no-salt-added ingredients and flavor with fresh herbs, lemon, and spices instead of extra salt.
Q: What’s the best grain if I want more fiber?
A: Farro and brown rice offer more fiber than white rice; quinoa adds a little protein and is gluten-free.
Conclusion
If you want more bowl ideas with bold sauces and make-ahead options, try this zesty orange chicken bowl recipe for a citrus twist, or explore the smoky-sweet option with this Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls for a spicy-sweet dressing.
Favorite Healthy Chicken Bowl
Ingredients
Grains
- 2 cups cooked grains (quinoa, brown rice, or farro) Quinoa is lighter; farro gives a chewy, nutty bite.
Chicken
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Can substitute with avocado oil for higher smoke point.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 cup chopped mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, etc.) Frozen veggies can be used, but may need extra cooking time.
Toppings
- 1 piece avocado, sliced Slice fresh for best texture.
- Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the grains by following package directions. Fluff and set aside to keep warm.
- Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
Cooking Chicken
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the skillet.
- Sear the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
Cooking Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the chopped vegetables and sauté for 4–6 minutes until tender-crisp.
Assembly
- Layer 1/2 cup of cooked grains in a bowl, add sliced chicken, top with sautéed vegetables, and place avocado slices on the side.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over.
