Chicken Cauliflower Rice Bowl Recipe

Are you looking for an easy-to-make, meal-prep-friendly meal? Try the healthy chicken cauliflower rice bowl recipe?

This bright and luscious low-carb recipe features tender chicken, nutritious cauliflower rice, and colourful vegetables to offer a filling meal for any busy lifestyle.

This cauliflower rice bowl is a lifesaver, whether you are on a keto, paleo, or gluten-free diet.

Let us move on to this healthy recipe that will become a kitchen staple in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy and Low-Carb: Cauliflower rice is a great alternative to traditional rice, being low in carbs and high in dietary fibre, making it well-suited for keto and low-carb diets.

Quick and Easy: In less than 30 minutes, it is an ideal weeknight meal for busy days.

Customizable: Change out the ingredients or add your favourite toppings to give this dish your personal touch.

Meal Prep Friendly: It will keep easily for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Flavour-Packed: A beautiful balance of savoury chicken with vibrant veggies and zestful seasonings.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cauliflower Rice:

1 medium head of cauliflower (or 4 cups pre-riced cauliflower)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp ground turmeric (optional, for colour)

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bowl:

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 avocado, sliced

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

1 lime, cut into wedges

Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta or shredded cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower Rice:

For this process, take off the leaves and the core if it’s a whole cauliflower and grate the floret pieces using a box grater or food processor to resemble rice grains.

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and leave it to heat in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the ingredients’ aroma develops.

Cauliflower rice should be added along with turmeric (if used). For 5-7 minutes while stirring from time to time, cook until it gets tender. Add seasoning with salt and pepper, then set aside.

Cook the Chicken:

Pour the chicken pieces in with a little bit of seasoning, such as olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Heat a skillet or grill pan on medium-high heat. For 5 to 7 minutes on the first side, the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74 °C) before it is flipped and cooked for the same amount of time on the other side.

Allow for resting for 5 minutes, and then slice or cube.

Put Together the Bowl:

Spoon cauliflower rice into four bowls.

Top with cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, cucumber, and fresh herbs.

Add feta or cheese (if desired) on top and serve with lime wedges for zest.

Tips for the Best Chicken Cauliflower Rice Bowl

Use Fresh Cauliflower: Freshly riced cauliflower will have a better texture than the frozen, but the store-bought kind will work when you are really up against it.

Don’t overcook the cauliflower: Leave it still a little crunchy on the bite so that it retains its texture.

Marinate the chicken: For flavour, allow 30 minutes of marination for the chicken before cooking.

Add some heat: Throw in some red pepper flakes or some hot sauce for a nice kick.

Batch Prep: Make a double batch to have plenty for easy lunches or dinners during the week.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Swap: Use tofu, shrimp or ground turkey instead of chicken for a variety of choices.

Vegetarian Option: Try grilled mushrooms or roasted chickpeas instead of chicken for a vegetarian option.

Flavour Twists:

Mexican-Inspired: Add black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning for a Mexican flavour.

Mediterranean Twist: Try tzatziki sauce, olives, and feta for a Mediterranean twist.

Asian-Inspired: You can drizzle with soy sauce, sesame oil, and use scallions and sesame seeds as a topping.

Grain Swap: Combine with quinoa or brown rice for a heartier bowl option.

Dietary Needs:

• Keto: Eliminate high-carb toppings such as beans or corn.

• Gluten-Free: It is naturally gluten-free, but ensure to double-check the seasonings.

• Dairy-Free: Don’t go for cheese instead; use a dairy-free alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings: Try serving green salad or roasted vegetables as a refreshing side for a complete meal.

Beverages: Try with iced green tea or sparkling water with lemon.

Presentation: Try serving in wide, shallow bowls to highlight the bright colours of the ingredients.

Garnishes: Add chopped jalapeños, microgreens or a dollop of Greek yogurt for an additional boost of flavour.

Make-Ahead, Storing, and Freezing Instructions

Make Ahead

Prepare your cauliflower rice and chop your veggies up to two days in advance, making sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Marinate your chicken the night before for a quick cooking process.

Storage

Store assembled bowls (without avocado or lime) in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days.

Keep the avocado and lime separate to sustain their freshness.

Freezing

Freeze individually the cooked chicken and cauliflower rice in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Note: Fresh toppings like avocado and cucumber don’t freeze well.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen cauliflower rice?

A: Yes, frozen cauliflower rice goes well and saves time. Cook it straight from the freezer, but reduce the cooking time a little to keep it from going mushy.

Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?

A: Absolutely! You can keep cauliflower rice keto by adding toppings devoid of carbs, high in carbohydrates, such as beans or corn.

Q: How can I make this recipe spicier?

A: You can spice up chicken or just use it as a dressing for the bowl by putting red pepper flakes and cayenne or a drizzle of sriracha or hot sauce.

Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-cooking?

A: Yes, grilling adds a smoky flavour. Grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.

Q: What’s the best way to rice cauliflower?

A: Use a food processor for quick results, or a box grater for a manual option. Do not put more than one portion inside the pusher, but pulse in small batches to achieve an even texture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the chicken cauliflower rice bowl recipe is the ideal example for someone looking to put together a healthy, delicious, and versatile dish for any day of the week.

If you’re looking for a quick dinner or meal prepping for lunch next week, this bowl above all has the merits of flavour and nutrition.

You have to try it today to take your meals a notch higher with this quick and easy recipe!

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