Grilled chicken and brown rice recipes are a healthy meal-prepper’s dream. After all, they’re packed with lean protein and complex carbohydrates — the best meal combo for muscle recovery post-workout. But they can get boring if eaten the same way day in and day out. So if you’re among the 21 percent of Americans who aims to eat more nutritiously and lose some pounds in the new year, turn to these low-calorie, flavorful chicken and rice recipes. Each proves that the dinner favorite can actually be satisfying and crave-worthy.
RELATED: 30 Healthy Chicken Recipes That Don’t Suck
8 Chicken and Rice Recipes So You’ll Never Get Bored
1. One Skillet Spicy Ranch Chicken
One skillet, one pound of chicken breasts, one packet of ranch mix…this is one of the easiest chicken and brown rice recipes to remember. In addition to chicken and rice, you’ll also get a bevy of fiber-rich bell peppers and black beans with each scoop. Since it comes together in just 20 minutes, this is a stellar swap for those days when you’re tempted to order takeout. Photo and recipe: Erin Clarke / Well Plated
2. Baked Chicken and Brown Rice Vegetable Casserole
Like the easiest-ever Cuban arroz con pollo, this one-pan chicken, brown rice and veggie casserole practically cooks itself after 10 minutes of prep time. To boost the vitamins, double the carrots and peas. Pro tip: Buy a bag of frozen mixed veggies so you get peas, green beans and carrots in one. Photo and recipe: Sabrina Snyder / Dinner, Then Dessert
RELATED: 5 Easy Dinner Ideas, 1 Rotisserie Chicken
3. Chipotle Chicken and Rice Soup
Think of this 30-minute chicken tortilla soup remix as the ultimate way to transform leftovers into something you’ll love. Use bone broth as the base for its joint-soothing properties, opt for brown over white rice to crank up the fiber and top with a few slices of avocado for a dose of healthy fats. Photo and recipe: Alexa Schirm / Simple Roots Wellness
4. Maple-Ginger Chicken Meal Prep Lunch Bowls
This Asian-inspired is endlessly customizable and is the perfect healthy swap for take-out. For the most nutrition per nosh, stick to brown rice, low-sodium soy sauce, lean chicken breasts and any in-season vegetables. Simply stir-fry the meat and veggies in a wok and then toss the sauce over the food. Photo and recipe: Denise / Sweet Peas and Saffron
RELATED: 12 Delicius Asian-Inspired Recipes That Beat Takeout
5. Chicken Fajita Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers make same-old chicken and rice recipes more interesting because of the crunchy, fiber-rich “bowl.” A zesty Mexican marinade makes the chicken breasts the star of this this healthy dinner. In fact, the protein is so flavorful, you only need two chicken breasts for six servings. The original recipe calls for Spanish rice, but feel free to trade in brown, black or red rice and cook about five minutes longer for a nutrition upgrade. Photo and recipe: Lyuba Brooke / Will Cook for Smiles
6. Chicken Veggie and Brown Rice Bowls With Peanut Sauce
Pep up rotisserie chicken and leftover brown rice by mixing them with roasted sweet potatoes. Top it all with a generous spoonful of homemade peanut sauce for a flavorful weeknight meal. Don’t skip the cilantro for a burst of verdant freshness. Photo and recipe: Jaclyn Bell / Cooking Classy
RELATED: 15 Sweet Potato Recipes You’ll Crave Beyond Thanksgiving
7. Chili-Lime Mango Marinated Chicken Bowls
A splash of dry white wine in the mango marinade makes this chicken remarkably tender. A nice mix of spicy and citrus flavors, this healthy bowl is If you’re watching carbs, go bowl-ing with cauliflower rice, otherwise brown rice works wonderfully, too. Photo and recipe: Lindsay Cotter / Cotter Crunch
8. Grilled Orange Chicken
This isn’t the Chinese orange chicken you’re expecting. Naturally-sweet dates, coconut aminos, and OJ team up to nicely balance out the spicy crushed red pepper in the awesome sauce. Again, rice type is up to you, but the flavors here mingle nicely with mild cauliflower rice. Photo and recipe: Tess Forneris / Easy GF Recipes
Read More
12 Easy Dinner Ideas Ready in 30 Minutes or Less
15 One-Pot Meals for Quick, Healthy Dinners
9 Easy Sheet Pan Recipes for Crazy Busy Weekdays