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Keto Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Bowl (Meal Prep Friendly) - A Simple, Satisfying Low-Carb Lunch

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-size pieces
  • Cauliflower rice: 6 cups riced cauliflower (store-bought or homemade)
  • Fat for cooking: 3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, divided
  • Butter (optional but great): 1–2 tablespoons for finishing the cauliflower rice
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Green onions: 3, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
  • Bell pepper: 1 medium red or yellow, diced
  • Broccoli florets: 2 cups, chopped small
  • Seasonings for chicken: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional), 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Seasonings for cauliflower rice: 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Sauce (optional but recommended): 2 tablespoons coconut aminos or tamari (low-carb), 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Toppings: Sliced avocado, sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or a drizzle of spicy mayo (mayo mixed with a little sriracha)

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry. Toss with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Set aside while you prep the veggies.
  2. Chop the vegetables: Dice the bell pepper, chop the broccoli into small florets, and slice the green onions. Keep the white parts separate from the green tops.
  3. Make the quick sauce (optional): In a small bowl, stir together coconut aminos, vinegar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
  4. Sear the chicken: Heat 1.5 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook 6–8 minutes, stirring once or twice, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  5. Sauté the veggies: In the same pan, add 1/2 tablespoon oil if needed. Add broccoli and bell pepper with a pinch of salt. Cook 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. Add the white parts of the green onions and 1 clove minced garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove to the plate with the chicken.
  6. Cook the cauliflower rice: Add the remaining oil and 2 cloves minced garlic to the pan. Stir 15–20 seconds. Add the cauliflower rice, salt, and pepper. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender with a bit of bite. Stir in butter and lemon juice for richness and brightness.
  7. Combine and season: Return chicken and veggies to the pan. Stir in the optional sauce or season to taste with extra salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon or lime. Toss until warmed through, about 1–2 minutes.
  8. Assemble bowls: Divide into 4 meal prep containers or bowls. Top with the green onion tops, avocado slices, sesame seeds, and cilantro. Add lime wedges on the side.