High Protein Rice Bowls

Highlighted under: Clean Healthy Meals Recipes

High protein rice bowls are a nutritious and filling meal option, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Amelia Roberts

Created by

Amelia Roberts

Last updated on 2025-12-25T17:58:15.111Z

These high protein rice bowls are designed to fuel your body with essential nutrients while satisfying your taste buds. Packed with lean proteins, colorful vegetables, and wholesome grains, they make for a perfect meal prep option!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Packed with protein to keep you full and energized
  • Versatile and customizable to fit your taste
  • Easy to make ahead for meal prep

Nutritional Benefits

High protein rice bowls are an excellent choice for anyone looking to boost their protein intake without sacrificing flavor. Packed with ingredients like grilled chicken and Greek yogurt, these bowls provide a hearty serving of protein that supports muscle growth and repair. Additionally, the fiber from brown rice, black beans, and vegetables contributes to digestive health, making this meal both satisfying and nourishing.

Incorporating a variety of colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers and cherry tomatoes, not only enhances the visual appeal of your dish but also adds essential vitamins and antioxidants. This combination helps to combat oxidative stress and supports overall health, making these rice bowls a well-rounded meal option for busy individuals.

Meal Prep Made Easy

One of the standout features of high protein rice bowls is their versatility in meal prepping. You can easily prepare a large batch of rice and protein at the beginning of the week, storing them separately in the fridge. This allows for quick assembly during hectic weekdays, making it simple to enjoy a healthy meal without cooking from scratch each time.

To customize your bowls, feel free to mix and match proteins and veggies based on your preference or what you have on hand. Substitute grilled chicken with tofu or shrimp, and add seasonal vegetables for a refreshing twist. This adaptability not only keeps your meals exciting but ensures you’re getting a variety of nutrients throughout the week.

Serving Suggestions

These high protein rice bowls are not just limited to lunch or dinner; they can also be enjoyed as a filling breakfast option. Top them with a poached egg for an extra protein boost and a delicious twist. Serve them at a gathering or potluck, and watch as friends and family rave about how delicious and nutritious they are.

Pair your rice bowls with a refreshing beverage, such as iced tea or flavored water, to complete your meal. And don’t forget the lime wedges! A squeeze of lime adds a zesty kick that elevates the flavors, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Ingredients

For the Rice Bowls

  • 2 cups brown rice
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

For the Protein Topping

  • 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to customize your bowls with your favorite toppings!

Instructions

Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, combine brown rice with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.

Prepare the Protein

While the rice is cooking, season the sliced chicken breasts with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Grill the chicken on medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Set aside.

Assemble the Bowls

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork. In each bowl, layer the rice, black beans, corn, grilled chicken, diced bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and avocado slices. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and garnish with cilantro.

Serve

Serve the rice bowls with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy your nutritious meal!

These bowls are perfect for meal prep - just store the components separately and assemble when ready to eat!

Storage Tips

To keep your high protein rice bowls fresh, store each component in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The rice, protein, and toppings should be kept separate until you're ready to eat to prevent sogginess. Properly stored, the ingredients can last for up to four days, making them ideal for a quick grab-and-go meal throughout the week.

If you're planning to store the bowls for longer, consider freezing the rice and protein. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating, and add fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro right before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.

Variations to Try

Explore different flavor profiles by altering the spices used in the protein topping. For a Mediterranean twist, try seasoning the chicken with oregano and lemon zest, and swap the Greek yogurt for tzatziki. You can also experiment with different grains, such as quinoa or farro, to keep your meals exciting and diverse.

For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with chickpeas or roasted vegetables, and consider adding a tahini dressing for creaminess. These variations ensure that everyone can enjoy a delicious and nutritious rice bowl tailored to their dietary preferences.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I meal prep these bowls?

Absolutely! You can prepare all components in advance and store them separately. Assemble when ready to eat.

→ What can I substitute for chicken?

You can use grilled tofu, shrimp, or even a plant-based protein if you prefer a vegetarian option.

→ Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, you can use white rice, but keep in mind that brown rice provides more fiber and nutrients.

→ How long do leftovers last in the fridge?

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

High Protein Rice Bowls

High protein rice bowls are a nutritious and filling meal option, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration20 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Amelia Roberts

Recipe Type: Clean Healthy Meals Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Rice Bowls

  1. 2 cups brown rice
  2. 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  3. 1 cup corn kernels
  4. 1 bell pepper, diced
  5. 1 avocado, sliced
  6. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  7. 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  8. Fresh cilantro for garnish
  9. Lime wedges for serving

For the Protein Topping

  1. 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
  2. 1 cup cooked quinoa
  3. 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  4. 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  5. Salt and pepper to taste

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a medium saucepan, combine brown rice with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.

Step 02

While the rice is cooking, season the sliced chicken breasts with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Grill the chicken on medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Set aside.

Step 03

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork. In each bowl, layer the rice, black beans, corn, grilled chicken, diced bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and avocado slices. Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and garnish with cilantro.

Step 04

Serve the rice bowls with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Enjoy your nutritious meal!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 56g
  • Dietary Fiber: 12g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 28g