Chicken protein bowls save the day when you have leftovers to use and need a quick, healthy meal! Chicken, black beans, rice, and veggies are topped with an easy sour cream protein sauce for a flavorful, high-protein meal that will make your mouth happy!
We’re passionate about food waste around here, and these chicken and rice bowls are incredibly versatile! This bowl is giving burrito bowl vibes, but it’s easy to add a Greek, taco, or even a buffalo twist! Use what you’ve got!
They’re quick to make and loaded with protein. For more easy, high-protein recipes, my tuna pasta salad is a fan favorite, and I’m making my chicken congee for one on repeat. It’s soothing, gut-healing, and comforting!
These chicken protein bowls do not disappoint. The combination of savory chicken, crisp veggies, and a cool, creamy sauce is absolutely delicious. If you’re following a high-protein, low-carb, or gluten-free lifestyle, this one’s for you!
Salad and rice bowls are a great way to use leftovers with endless variations. Most people struggle with what to do with leftover chicken, and this is a perfect way to turn it into a completely different meal!
Chicken Protein Bowls
There are four basic steps to building a good meal bowl:
- Choose a base. This could be greens, grains, or both. Crunchy romaine, kale, and rice are my fav.
- Pick a protein. Cooked chicken, beef, and shrimp or avocado, eggs, and legumes.
- Fun toppings add texture and flavor! Cheese, nuts, pickled onions, etc – the options are endless!
- Finish with sauce. A great sauce elevates the whole dish, and I have some ideas for you below.
Let’s discuss what went into this protein bowl and ideas for making your own high-protein bowls at home!
Ingredient Notes
The ingredients in my chicken protein bowls are simple and versatile. I’ll give you some ideas below.
- Chicken. We used rotisserie chicken, but you can use any protein you have on hand.
- Rice. My oven-baked rice is part of my weekly food prep. Pasta, potatoes, and quinoa all work!
- Lettuce. Any crisp, fresh greens will do. Use what you like and use what you’ve got.
- Beans. Beans contain fiber, protein, and nutrients. Literally all beans are nutritious!
- Pickled onions. I make a batch of these every week. They add sweetness and crunch.
- Peppers. Roasted peppers are also part of my weekly food prep. We love them!
- Limes. A squeeze of fresh lime adds acidity and brightens up the dish.
- Olives. They add a salty, spicy element to any dish. A pantry staple!
- Sauce. A killer sauce can completely transform a dish. For this, my sour cream sauce was perfect.
How to Make Chicken Protein Bowls
- Start with the sauce. The longer it sits, the better it tastes.
- Make the rice if you don’t have some left over. I’m partial to my foolproof baked rice.
- Prep the other ingredients by draining the beans and chopping the chicken, olives, and scallions.
- Assemble the bowl by laying down the base and adding all the other ingredients.
Note. To add a TON of protein, cook your rice in bone broth! The nutritional benefits of bone broth far outweigh regular broth or stock, and it’s loaded with protein. I like this brand, and it’s a good value.
Cook’s Notes & Ingredients Swaps
- Meal bowls can be served warm or cold. I love combining rice and lettuce, so I warm any necessary ingredients before adding them to the bowl. I also popped the leftovers from previous meals in the microwave.
- Add beans, cheese, avocado, nuts, and eggs for extra protein. Swap the chicken out for whatever meat you have. Leftover cooked steak, ground meat, and shrimp are excellent sources of protein!
- We used leaf lettuce today, but kale, spinach, or arugula would also work well. I love adding greens to my meal bowls. They lighten them up a bit and add nutrition and texture.
- Leftover cooked quinoa, farro, or even pasta would be delish. For something fun, make a mashed potato bowl!
- For the toppings, fresh tomatoes add color and sweetness. Avocados are full of healthy fat and add a delicious creaminess. Corn adds sweetness and crunch. Cilantro (or any fresh herb) gives a bright, fresh, herby flavor.
- I made this chicken protein bowl using my oven-baked rice. One of the reasons I LOVE that rice recipe is that it’s so easy to change up. Use different broths, herbs, and seasonings to make it your own. A few of my favorite flavor combos are cilantro and lime, butter and lemon, garlic and herb, and turmeric with lemon.
- Don’t sleep on the sauce. A great sauce brings the dish together and can change it up! My easy honey mustard, sour cream sauce, ranch dressing, and lemony pesto are all excellent places to start!
Questions About This Recipe
How can I make rice bowls for meal prep?
- Add the ingredients to meal prep containers, keeping items like lettuce that can go downhill separate and adding them when you’re ready to eat.
How can I add more protein?
- These chicken protein bowls are already high in protein. To add more, tuna, lunch meat, cottage cheese, eggs, and avocado are all great sources.
Can I use ground meat?
- Absolutely, and it’s perfect for high-protein bowls! Ground beef, chicken, or turkey are versatile and go with everything. In fact, I often cook up a pound or two of ground beef to make quick meals like this.
How do I make a keto protein bowl?
- Use greens or cauliflower rice as the base, and choose low-carb proteins and toppings. Chicken, shrimp, tuna, cucumbers, avocados, onions, and bell peppers are all delicious. For some crunch, add toasted nuts or crumbled cheese crisps.
If you try my chicken protein bowls, I’d love it if you would leave a comment below!
Chicken Protein Bowls: Quick Healthy Meals
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup choppeed romaine
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup roasted bell peppers
- 1/4 cup black beans
- 1/4 cup black olives
- 1/4 cup pickles onions
- 1/4 cup sour cream sauce recipe above
- Garnishes: pepper flakes, lime wedges, and scallions
Instructions
- Make the sauce or dressing. Set aside.
- Warm any ingredients that need to be.
- Arrange the rice and lettuce in the bottom of the bowl.
- Add the chicken, beans, oloves, onions, and peppers.
- Top with desired amount of sauce.
- Finish with garnishes and enjoy!
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