Description
Chicken Grain Bowls are a healthy, customizable meal combining juicy grilled chicken, nutrient-dense grains, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for meal prep or a quick, balanced meal.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 cup quinoa (or your choice of grains like brown rice, farro, or couscous)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, sliced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 avocado, sliced (optional)
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For the Dressing:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp honey (optional, for sweetness)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook the Grains: Cook your choice of grain (quinoa, brown rice, or farro) according to package instructions. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F). Let the chicken rest, then slice.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked grains into bowls. Top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado (if using).
- Add the Toppings: Drizzle with dressing, garnish with feta cheese (if using), and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately, or store for meal prep in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for grilled tofu, tempeh, or beans.
- For extra protein, consider adding a fried egg or more chicken.
- Experiment with different grains like farro, bulgur, or barley for texture variety.
- Make the dressing your own by adding different herbs, like basil or cilantro, for additional flavor.
- This dish is perfect for meal prep. Store the components separately to keep everything fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling/Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
