Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl With Broccoli & Cucumber Recipe

Quick & Zesty Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli & Cucumber Recipe

Culinary magic happens when you craft this glazed chicken rice bowl bursting with vibrant flavors and textures.

Crisp cucumber and tender broccoli create a delightful contrast against succulent chicken.

Marinated protein brings depth to each satisfying bite.

Fragrant jasmine rice forms the perfect canvas for this wholesome meal.

Tangy glaze coats each ingredient, ensuring maximum deliciousness in every forkful.

Colorful vegetables add nutrition and visual appeal to the dish.

Seriously, you won’t be able to resist digging into this simple yet spectacular bowl that promises comfort and excitement on a single plate.

Ingredients for Chicken Rice Bowl Delight

For the Protein:
  • Chicken: A lean protein that provides the main source of meat in the dish and absorbs the delicious glaze.
  • Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to enhance the chicken's taste.
For the Vegetables:
  • Broccoli: A nutrient-rich green vegetable that offers a crunchy texture and earthy flavor when roasted.
  • Cucumber: A fresh and crisp vegetable that adds a cool and light element to the rice bowl.
  • Avocado: A creamy ingredient that provides a smooth and rich texture to balance the other components.
For the Seasonings and Sauces:
  • Olive Oil: A versatile cooking oil used for sautéing chicken and roasting broccoli.
  • Paprika: A spice that adds a subtle warmth and mild smoky flavor to the chicken.
  • Soy Sauce: A savory condiment that brings depth and umami to the glazed chicken.
  • Honey: A natural sweetener that helps create a sticky and caramelized glaze for the chicken.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Rice: A staple grain that serves as the foundational base for the bowl.

Instructions for Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in diced chicken and cook until golden brown and crispy.

Add:
  • Minced garlic
  • Paprika
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey

Let the sauce simmer and caramelize, coating the chicken with a glossy, sweet-savory glaze.

Step 2: Roast the Broccoli

Prepare broccoli florets by tossing with:
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Roast in the oven at 400°F or quickly sauté in a skillet until edges turn crispy and deep green with beautiful char marks.

Step 3: Build a Delicious Bowl

Create your base with fluffy cooked rice. Layer the dish with:
  • Glazed chicken
  • Roasted broccoli
  • Cucumber slices
  • Creamy mashed avocado

Step 4: Finish with Flavor

Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the avocado.

For an extra flavor boost, drizzle soy sauce across the bowl. Your vibrant, delicious meal is ready to devour!

Expert Tips for Chicken Rice Bowl Success

  • Pat the chicken dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming.
  • Spread broccoli florets in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting and crispy edges.
  • Marinate chicken for 15-30 minutes before cooking to infuse deeper flavors and tenderize the meat.
  • Slice avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain its vibrant green color.
  • Cook extra rice and chicken to create easy lunch leftovers for the next day.

Variations to Try on Chicken Rice Bowl

  • Spicy Korean Fusion Bowl: Replace honey with gochujang sauce, add kimchi, and sprinkle sesame seeds for a bold Korean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Bowl: Use oregano and lemon zest instead of paprika, swap cucumber for cherry tomatoes, and top with crumbled feta cheese.
  • Thai Coconut Curry Bowl: Substitute soy sauce with coconut milk and red curry paste, add sliced red bell peppers, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
  • Teriyaki Pineapple Bowl: Mix teriyaki sauce with chicken, include grilled pineapple chunks, replace cucumber with edamame, and scatter green onions on top.

Best Pairings with Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the sweet and savory chicken glaze, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's bright flavors.
  • Enhance with Pickled Vegetable Side: Create a quick pickled cucumber or radish salad with rice vinegar, adding tangy contrast to the sweet glazed chicken and providing a zesty palate cleanser between bites.
  • Match with Herbal Green Tea: Brew a cool, smooth green tea that balances the honey's sweetness and helps digest the protein-rich bowl, offering a cleansing and refreshing accompaniment to the meal.

Storage Tips for Chicken Rice Bowl Freshness

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate rice, chicken, and vegetables to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess.

Pack individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Chicken and rice can be frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Place rice and chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.

Warm chicken and rice in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with protein from chicken, healthy fats from avocado, and nutrients from broccoli. The balanced combination provides a nutritious meal with lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains.

  • Can I use different types of chicken?

Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts, thighs, or even pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly and seasoned well.

  • How can I make this gluten-free?

Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. Check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to ensure the entire dish meets dietary requirements.

  • What if I don't have honey?

No problem! You can substitute honey with maple syrup, brown sugar, or agave nectar. Each alternative will provide a similar sweet glaze for the chicken.

Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl with Fresh Veggies

  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add personal favorites to make this bowl uniquely yours, perfect for satisfying individual taste preferences.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and healthy fats from avocado, this dish delivers a balanced meal in one bowl.
  • Quick Kitchen Triumph: Combines simple cooking techniques like roasting and sautéing to create a restaurant-quality meal without complex culinary skills, making it ideal for home cooks of all levels.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with straightforward cooking methods, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending ages washing dishes.
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Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl With Broccoli & Cucumber Recipe

Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl With Broccoli & Cucumber Recipe


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4.6 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Delectable glazed chicken rice bowl blends tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and cool cucumber into a harmonious Asian-inspired meal. Savory glazed protein and fresh vegetables promise a delightful dining experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 2 chicken breasts (diced)
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)

Seasonings and Marinades:

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)

Vegetables and Base:

  • 1 cup white rice (cooked)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cucumber (thinly sliced)
  • 1/2 avocado (mashed)

Cooking Oils:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Sear chicken in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes, creating a caramelized exterior.
  2. Infuse chicken with a vibrant glaze by incorporating garlic, paprika, soy sauce, and honey. Simmer until sauce thickens and thoroughly coats the meat, about 5 minutes.
  3. Prepare broccoli by tossing with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 15 minutes, ensuring florets become tender with crispy edges.
  4. Arrange warm rice as the foundational layer in a serving bowl, creating a canvas for the upcoming ingredients.
  5. Layer roasted broccoli strategically across one section of the rice, showcasing its charred texture.
  6. Distribute glazed chicken atop the broccoli, allowing the sauce to subtly blend with the rice.
  7. Garnish with thinly sliced cucumber ribbons, adding a refreshing crunch and visual contrast.
  8. Incorporate creamy mashed avocado as a rich, velvety element that complements the savory components.
  9. Enhance the bowl’s flavor profile with a delicate sprinkle of salt over the avocado and an optional soy sauce drizzle.

Notes

  • Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, juicy meat that absorbs the glaze perfectly.
  • Adjust honey and soy sauce ratios to control sweetness and saltiness according to personal taste preferences.
  • Swap broccoli with asparagus, green beans, or zucchini for variety and different nutritional profiles.
  • Replace rice with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables to create a lighter, grain-free version of the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 533 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 1160 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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