How to Make the Perfect Chicken and Rice Bowl for Kids
American · Easy · 25 min · 4 servings
This simple and nourishing chicken and rice bowl is made with tender shredded chicken, fluffy white rice, and a mild buttery seasoning that kids absolutely love. It is a wholesome filling lunch that comes together quickly and can be customized with whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Why this recipe works
This Chicken and Rice Bowl for Kids recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 360 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots thawed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Warm the Rice
If using pre-cooked rice, heat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out, stirring occasionally until it is hot and fluffy throughout.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Place the thawed peas and carrots in a skillet over medium heat with one tablespoon of butter and saute for two to three minutes until they are heated through and slightly tender.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Season
Add the shredded chicken to the skillet with the vegetables, add the remaining tablespoon of butter, sprinkle in the garlic powder, and drizzle the soy sauce over everything, then stir and cook for two more minutes until everything is hot and coated in the seasoning.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Divide the hot rice evenly between four bowls, then top each bowl with a generous scoop of the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture and serve immediately while hot.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- white rice → brown rice or cauliflower rice for extra nutrition
- low sodium soy sauce → coconut aminos for a soy-free option
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using dry rice that has not been properly reheated which results in a disappointing texture in the bowl
- Adding too much soy sauce which makes the dish too salty for young children
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 360 calories, 28g protein, 42g carbs, 8g fat, 2g fiber.
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