For a balanced, protein-packed dinner that’s easy to prepare, try this Honey Mustard Chicken and Rice Bowl with Veggies!

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If there’s one recipe that’s always a hit in my house, it’s this chicken and rice bowl. To me, this meal feels like a warm hug after a long day—simple, hearty, and packed with flavor.

It’s a complete meal in one bowl: tender chicken breasts, a base of rice, and a rainbow of fresh veggies that add crunch and color. Plus, the sauce is the kind of magic you can whip up in a minute, and it ties everything perfectly.

This recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights because it’s quick and works wonders for meal prep. My family loves it, and I know yours will too. It’s flexible, so you can tweak it to suit your taste, and it’s a great option for using up leftover chicken or whatever veggies you have on hand.

Trust me, once you try it, this bowl will become a regular in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Like I said, this chicken recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights, a crowd-pleaser for the family, and a delicious meal that checks all the boxes. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love it:

Quick to Make: This recipe is a breeze to put together. With simple steps like placing chicken on low heat and tossing in fresh veggies, you’ll have dinner ready in no time. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Perfect for Meal Prep: If you’re a fan of meal prep, this bowl is your new best friend. Cook a big batch of brown rice or cauliflower rice, store it in an airtight container, and pair it with cooked chicken and veggies. You can even pack it in separate containers for grab-and-go lunches all week.

Packed with Flavor: The combination of tender chicken breasts, thyme, and delicious sauce makes every bite irresistible. You can also add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor—it’ll take it to the next level.

Healthy and Balanced: This bowl is loaded with healthy dinner ideas because you can add black beans, red bell pepper, or green bell pepper along with the veggies I have listed for a boost of vitamins and fiber. You can also swap in cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or sub jasmine rice for a comforting base.

Ingredients Needed for this Easy Weeknight Dinner

If you want to feed something nutritious and delicious to the family, this chicken and rice bowl is a great way to do so. Plus, you only need a few simple ingredients to put together these bowls. Here’s what you need to make chicken rice bowls:

For the rice

White rice: A classic base that’s fluffy and filling. I like this because it’s quick cooking!
Chicken stock or water: Using chicken stock or broth cooks the rice while adding extra flavor, but water will work just fine.

For the vegetables

Cauliflower florets: Cauliflower is a vegetable powerhouse, and it brings a nice amount of fiber along with vitamin C, choline, iron, and strong antioxidants. Roasted Cauliflower has incredible flavor; it’s my favorite way to enjoy this veggie!
Halved Brussels sprouts: Brussels sprouts roast beautifully for a caramelized taste and are another nutritious vegetable. They bring more fiber and are rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate. Brussels sprouts and cauliflower is such a great combination and I use it often, like in this Sweet and Spicy Brussels Sprouts with Cauliflower recipe.
Carrots, cut thinly at the diagonal: Sweet and colorful, they cook quickly and bring a pop of color to the dish. Roasted carrots are so tasty! Have you tried these Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips?
Avocado oil: Perfect for roasting veggies at high heat.
Kosher salt & pepper: to bring out the flavor of the vegetables.

For the chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small chunks: Boneless, skinless breasts provide a lean protein and they’re easy to cook in small chunks.
Dried thyme, sweet paprika, garlic powder: A simple spice blend for best flavor.
Avocado oil: Keeps the chicken moist while searing.
Kosher salt & pepper

For the sauce

Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the sauce. I recommend a high-quality mayonnaise that uses avocado oil instead of soybean oil.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy kick.
Honey: Balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness.

How to Make The Best Chicken Rice Bowls

You’ll see how easy it is to make this dinner with these step-by-step instructions. If you need a printable version, scroll down to the recipe card!

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Place the cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and carrots on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle them
with 2 tablespoons avocado oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss to coat. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until they are browned and tender.
Meanwhile, cook the rice: place 1 1/2 cups white rice and 3 cups chicken stock or water in a pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat.
While the vegetables are cooking, place the chicken breast chunks in a medium bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning on the chicken pieces and stir until they are evenly coated.
Heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook, undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. Turn the pieces over and cook until cooked through, about another 3-4 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk together 1/4 mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons honey in a small bowl. Set aside.
To assemble the bowls, put 1/4 of the rice in each bowl, then fill with 1/4 of the vegetables and 1/4 of the chicken. Top with 1/4 of the sauce. Enjoy!

Variations You can Try to Make These Bowls Perfect for You

One of the best things about this chicken bowl is how versatile it is. You can tweak it to suit your taste, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have in your pantry. Here are five practical and tasty variations to keep things exciting:

Experiment with Sauces and Flavors

You can add a little hot sauce to turn it into a spicy sauce. Try a tangy teriyaki sauce to make it a teriyaki chicken rice bowl (my healthy teriyaki sauce is perfect!) or a creamy chipotle peppers blend. A simple mix of lime juice, sesame oil, and rice vinegar also adds a zesty kick. The whole dish can change based on your sauce! Or go Mediterranean with feta cheese, lemon juice, and a handful of fresh herbs.

Switch Up the Protein

If you’re not in the mood for chicken, no problem. Try ground beef for a heartier twist, or go for salmon for a dose of omega-3s. If you’re vegetarian, black beans or crispy tofu make a fantastic substitute.

Play with the Base

While regular white is a classic choice for a bowl, and cooks quickly, but you can go for brown rice, too. Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Throwing in some quinoa or couscous also works beautifully. Follow my instructions for how to cook farro for a nutty change.

Add Different Veggies

Don’t limit yourself to Brussels, carrots, and cauliflower, you can toss in fresh cucumbers, poblano peppers, creamy avocado, and even roasted sweet potatoes for a changed flavor profile. Try my air fryer zucchini and squash when they come into season, steamed broccoli in the Instant Pot, or some coconut oil roasted beets. So many possibilities!

FAQs

Can I use a rice cooker for this recipe?

Of course. A rice cooker makes cooking the rice hands-off and ensures it’s perfectly fluffy every time.

How can I make the chicken crispier?

While the chicken pieces get a nice sear, this isn’t a crispy chicken recipe. We keep it lighter by not adding a flour coating. But to ensure you get the best sear, pat the chunks dry before seasoning, and cook them in a hot skillet with avocado oil. Let the chicken rest for a minute after cooking to lock in the juices.

Can I prep these bowls ahead of time?

Yes. Store the cooked rice, chicken, and veggies in individual containers or a freezer bag for easy meal prep. Assemble and reheat when ready to eat.

I hope you love this Chicken and Rice Bowl recipe and it becomes a dinnertime staple for your family! If you try it (or any of my healthy recipes), please leave a comment and star rating–it’s so helpful! Share a photo of these on Instagram so I can see and I’d love to feature you.

Honey Mustard Chicken and Rice Bowl with Veggies

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe