Healthy Chicken And Avocado Rice Bowl

Name: Healthy Chicken And Avocado Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 1 cup brown rice; 2 ripe avocados, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 lime, juiced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Nourishing Home Kitchen

I absolutely love making a Healthy Chicken and Avocado Rice Bowl for lunch or dinner. The combination of tender chicken, creamy avocados, and fluffy rice keeps everyone in our family happy. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up, and I can customize it with whatever veggies I have on hand. This dish is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients that make me feel good about what I’m eating. It's a great meal prep option too, as the flavors develop beautifully over time!

Created by

Clara Jennings

Last updated on 2026-02-23T19:05:39.494Z

When I first crafted this recipe, I wanted something fresh yet hearty, and this bowl hit the mark perfectly! The way the chicken is seasoned and grilled brings out amazing flavors that beautifully complement the creaminess of the avocado. I also experimented with different rice types, and I found that brown rice gives a delightful nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

What I love most is how versatile this dish is. It can easily transform to suit any season or occasion by adding seasonal veggies or switching up the protein. Plus, I like to drizzle a bit of lime juice over the top for a refreshing twist. It truly feels like a nourishing hug in a bowl!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Packed with protein and healthy fats for sustained energy
Vibrant colors and flavors that make each bite exciting
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep

Cooking the Brown Rice

Cooking brown rice is a fundamental step that can significantly impact the texture of your Healthy Chicken and Avocado Rice Bowl. For the best results, I recommend rinsing the rice under cold water before cooking to remove any excess starch. This helps prevent the rice from becoming gummy. Use a ratio of 2 cups of water to 1 cup of rice and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes for perfectly fluffy grains.

Keep an eye on the rice as it cooks; check for doneness by tasting it about 5 minutes before the timer is up. It should be tender yet slightly chewy. If the rice is still too firm but the water is evaporating, you can add a few more tablespoons of water and continue cooking until it’s just right. Fluff the rice with a fork before setting it aside to allow any remaining steam to escape.

Perfecting the Chicken

When seasoning the chicken, ensure that the olive oil and spices create a good coating. This not only enhances flavor but also helps achieve a beautiful golden crust. I like to let the seasoned chicken rest for about 10 minutes before cooking to allow the spices to adhere better. Heating your pan until it's just smoking can give you a nice sear, which locks in the juices for a moist and tender outcome.

To ensure the chicken is cooked safely, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). An instant-read thermometer is an excellent tool for this. After cooking, let the chicken rest for an additional 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, which makes for a juicier bite when you assemble your bowl.

Customizing Your Bowl

One of the best aspects of this rice bowl is its versatility. Feel free to customize the veggies based on what's in season or what you have on hand. For example, adding roasted carrots or sautéed spinach can add different textures and flavors. Additionally, swapping out avocados for a dollop of Greek yogurt can offer a tangy flavor with a creamy texture that also boosts your protein intake.

If you're planning on meal prep, assemble the components separately in airtight containers. This way, the avocado stays fresh longer, and you can simply toss everything together when you're ready to eat. You can also freeze the cooked chicken and rice in portioned bags so that you always have the base ready for a quick meal; just reheat and add fresh toppings.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your delicious Healthy Chicken and Avocado Rice Bowl:

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1 cup brown rice
2 ripe avocados, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 lime, juiced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

With these ingredients, you're all set to make a delicious and healthy rice bowl!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Healthy Chicken and Avocado Rice Bowl:

Cook the rice

Begin by cooking the brown rice according to package instructions. This usually takes about 20 minutes. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside.

Prepare the chicken

While the rice cooks, season the chicken breasts with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Assemble the bowl

In a large bowl, layer the cooked rice, sliced chicken, diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper. Drizzle with lime juice and toss gently to combine.

Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve immediately for a delightful and healthy meal!

Enjoy your Healthy Chicken and Avocado Rice Bowl, bursting with flavor and nutrients!

Pro Tips

To add an extra kick, consider adding some chili flakes or your favorite hot sauce. Leftovers store well in the fridge, making this a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks ahead.

Storage Tips

For optimal freshness, this Healthy Chicken and Avocado Rice Bowl should be consumed within 3-4 days if stored in the refrigerator. Make sure to keep the components separate until serving, especially the avocado, which tends to brown quickly. To prevent browning, you can sprinkle lime juice over the diced avocado before storing. This preserves its vibrant green color and zesty flavor.

If you have leftovers, you can also safely freeze the chicken and rice. Just allow them to cool completely before packing them into airtight freezer-safe containers. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Variations to Try

This recipe is a blank canvas, allowing for endless variations! Consider adding black beans or corn for extra fiber and a Southwestern twist. For a Mediterranean spin, toss in some olives and feta cheese. Experiment with different spices such as cumin or garlic powder on the chicken to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

If you're looking to make this dish vegan, you can easily substitute the chicken with marinated tofu or tempeh and use brown rice and a variety of colorful vegetables. The avocados should still be included for that creamy texture, while using lime juice enhances the overall freshness of the bowl.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice is a healthier alternative, offering more fiber and nutrients.

→ What can I substitute for chicken?

You can use grilled tofu, shrimp, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

→ How long do leftovers keep?

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

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add any seasonal vegetables or greens like spinach or arugula for added nutrition.