Grilled Chicken Summer Rice Bowls Recipe

If there’s a recipe that screams summer-in-a-bowl, it’s these Grilled Chicken Summer Rice Bowls. Fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor, they bring together juicy grilled chicken, fluffy jasmine rice, tangy pickled onions, sweet summer corn, and creamy avocado—all drizzled with a zippy cilantro-lime dressing. Trust me, you’ll want to make this easy and colorful meal all season long!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of staple ingredients—plus a few fresh add-ins—to create truly showstopping Grilled Chicken Summer Rice Bowls. Each brings its own pop of flavor or texture, and together they’re downright irresistible!

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These cook up juicy on the grill and soak up all that fabulous marinade flavor.
• Freshly squeezed lime juice: Adds tangy brightness and highlights all of the summery flavors.
• Honey: Just a little for sweetness that balances the zingy lime and spicy pepper flakes.
• Fresh cilantro: Boldly green and herby, it makes the marinade bright and aromatic.
• Garlic cloves: Goes in raw for an extra punch; don’t skip it!
• Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings to pull all the flavors together.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Offers a gentle kick without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Extra virgin olive oil: For richness and as the base for the marinade and dressing.
• Jasmine rice: Light, fluffy, and slightly floral—perfect for soaking up the sauce and juices.
• Chopped tomatoes: Give juicy bursts of color and freshness.
• Sweet corn: Use grilled, steamed, or even canned—each option brings a little different charm.
• Avocado: Adds creaminess and a cool contrast to the hot-off-the-grill chicken.
• Quick pickled onions: The tangy crunch lifts every bowl; great for texture and flavor balance.
• Kosher salt and pepper: Sprinkle as needed before serving, for extra seasoning.

Variations

The best part about Grilled Chicken Summer Rice Bowls is how easily you can make them your own—switch up the grains, change the toppings, or even alter the protein for endless fun bowl combinations!

• Salsa Swap: Use mango or pineapple salsa instead of tomatoes and pickled onions for a fruity, tropical twist.
• Protein Twist: Try grilled shrimp, marinated tofu, or even steak for equally tasty upgrades if you’re in the mood for a change.
• Go Green: Substitute half (or all) of the rice with baby spinach or shredded cabbage for a lighter, veggie-packed bowl.
• Hearty Grains: Swap jasmine rice for brown rice, farro, or quinoa to boost the fiber and keep things interesting.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Summer Rice Bowls

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken breasts in a bowl, baking dish, or zip-top bag. Whiz the lime juice, honey, cilantro, garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and olive oil together in a blender until everything’s emulsified and vivid green. Pour half the marinade over the chicken and turn to coat. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours if you have the time)—this infusion is what makes the chicken so flavorful!

Step 2: Prep the Rice & Toppings

While the chicken soaks up big flavor, get your rice going if you haven’t already cooked it. Chop the tomatoes, slice or cube the avocado, and prep your sweet corn (grilled, steamed, or simply thawed if frozen). Don’t forget to set out those quick pickled onions—they add tang and color in every bite.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken (and the Corn!)

Crank your grill to high and let it preheat for about 10 minutes (aim for 500–550°F if you have a thermometer). Take the marinated chicken out, letting the excess drip off before placing it on the hot grates. Grill for 5–6 minutes per side until the chicken is juicy, beautifully charred, and cooked through (it should reach 165°F inside). If using fresh corn on the cob, toss it on the grill alongside—turning occasionally until perfectly tender and golden.

Step 4: Rest & Slice the Chicken

Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This little pause keeps all its juices locked in for maximum tenderness. Slice or chop into bite-sized pieces once slightly cooled.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

Spoon a generous scoop of jasmine rice into each bowl. Top with grilled chicken, sweet corn, tomatoes, avocado, and those addictive pickled onions. Drizzle with the reserved cilantro-lime dressing, add a pinch of kosher salt and pepper if you like, and dig in to your spectacular Grilled Chicken Summer Rice Bowls!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Summer Rice Bowls

Garnishes

Sprinkle on extra fresh cilantro for a burst of green, add lime wedges for squeezing at the table, or toss a handful of toasted pepitas or crumbled queso fresco on top. Each little flourish gives your Grilled Chicken Summer Rice Bowls a fresh pop and restaurant-worthy finish.

Side Dishes

Keep it summery and simple with sides like grilled veggies (zucchini, peppers, or asparagus are fantastic), a light green salad, or even a crunchy slaw. If you want something extra, warm tortillas or a bowl of tortilla chips complete the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer everything in a large family-style platter for a colorful, help-yourself dinner party display. Or, set up a build-your-own bar so everyone can make the perfect Grilled Chicken Summer Rice Bowl. For a picnic, assemble everything in wide-mouth jars for grab-and-go sunshine in a jar!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the different components of your Grilled Chicken Summer Rice Bowls in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This way, the rice stays fluffy, the veggies stay crisp, and the dressing stays zesty. Everything will keep well for up to four days.

Freezing

You can freeze the grilled chicken and cooked rice for up to three months! Let them cool, then wrap tightly or seal in freezer-safe containers. For the best texture, wait to add fresh toppings and dressing until after reheating.

Reheating

Warm the chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep the rice moist. Add your fresh veggies, pickled onions, and dressing after reheating for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing better than digging into a fresh, colorful bowl that just tastes like summer. I hope you fall in love with these Grilled Chicken Summer Rice Bowls as much as I have—don’t be surprised if they become your new favorite sunshine dinner!

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