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Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl: 35 Minutes

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Clara Smith

November 28, 2025

Close-up of a white bowl filled with Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl, featuring grilled chicken chunks, brown rice, peas, and carrots.

Whew! Doesn’t every January feel like you need an immediate, gentle nudge back toward normalcy after all the holiday chaos? I know I do. After weeks of rich food and late nights, my system just craves something totally clean, something simple that doesn’t require a million steps. Thatโ€™s why I always lean on recipes that require minimal fuss but deliver maximum nourishment. This isn’t about restriction; it’s about support. If youโ€™re looking for that perfect framework to ease back into healthy habits, you absolutely have to try my go-to **Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl**. Trust me, it does wonders for shifting my mindset!

Defining Your Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl Audience

So, who exactly needs this simple bowl in their life right now? If youโ€™re anything like me, youโ€™re looking for lighter eating options after a stretch of indulgence. This is for the person wanting real wellness habits without the complexity of a crazy cleanse. Itโ€™s fantastic for meal prep too, giving you quick, wholesome lunches!

But hereโ€™s the secret perk: this recipe is designed to be gentle. Itโ€™s perfect if you have a furry friend who also needs to ease back into simpler meals after all the festive fun. I always keep a batch ready for my own little shadow, because healthy habits should include them too! Check out more tips on diet dog food trends if you want to learn more about that.

Why This Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl Fits Your Routine

When Iโ€™m feeling bogged down by heavy meals, I don’t need complicated recipes; I need clarity in the bowl, you know? This **Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl** gives me that beautiful, light feeling back. Itโ€™s about nourishing my body with exactly what it needs, nothing added just for show. It truly helps me regain that mental clarity after chaos!

  • Ultra-simple ingredients mean less stress during shopping and cooking.
  • It supports a gentle transition back to routine eatingโ€”no shock to the system!
  • Easy to scale, perfect for making a little extra for your furry buddyโ€”we often make a side portion of easy homemade dog food alongside mine.

I remember one year after New Year’s, I felt so sluggish. I made this bowl three nights in a row, and by the third night, I felt my energy lift significantly. It proved that โ€˜resetโ€™ doesn’t mean deprivation; it means intention.

Close-up of a white bowl filled with Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl, featuring diced chicken, rice, bright green peas, and orange carrots.

Quick Prep and Cook Times

You seriously canโ€™t beat the timing here. The whole thing clocks in at just 35 minutes total time. Thatโ€™s less than half an hour of active time to get a complete, balanced meal on the table. When Iโ€™m trying to get back into my routine, every minute counts!

Simple Ingredients for a Clean Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl

We keep the ingredient list short and sweet. Weโ€™re talking lean chicken, brown rice, broth or water, essential parsley, carrots, and peas. Thatโ€™s it! No weird stabilizers, no heavy sauces, just whole foods working together. It makes cleanup a breeze, too!

Gathering Ingredients for Your Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl

Okay, for this **Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl** to perform its magic, we need precision. I always lay everything out before I start cookingโ€”itโ€™s a huge time-saver! We are keeping this super clean and straightforward, so youโ€™ll recognize every single item here. Trust me when I say that laying out your ingredients is half the battle when youโ€™re trying to stay on a simple routine.

Here is exactly what you need for one serving:

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup brown rice (remember to check notes if your dog has an upset stomach!)
  • 1 cup unsalted chicken broth (make sure it has no onion or garlic, or just use water!)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (curly parsley is my favorite here)
  • 1/3 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/3 cup frozen peas, thawed

We keep the process simple, which makes it easy to scale up for a week of meal prepping. If prepping for your pup, you can check out this 5 ingredient chicken rice dog food guide for more minimal options.

Close-up of a Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl featuring seasoned chicken cubes, brown rice, peas, and diced carrots, garnished with parsley.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions (For Upset Stomachs)

This is where we need to pay attention, especially if youโ€™re splitting this bowl with your dog during their own gentle โ€˜reset.โ€™ For the rice, if your pup has an upset stomach, you absolutely want to swap that brown rice out for white rice. White rice is much easier to digest when things are a bit rough.

Also, if your dog is feeling under the weather, forget the skillet sautรฉing for a moment. Boiling the chicken breasts in broth or water until they hit 165 degrees internally, then cubing or shredding, is the blander, kinder route. You can even use that cooking liquid to prepare the rice, locking in extra goodness!

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl

Alright, letโ€™s get cooking! When you need a fast reset, the process needs to be foolproof. I always start by getting my skillet warmed upโ€”thatโ€™s crucial for getting a nice sear on the chicken without steaming it. Grab that large skillet and set it over medium heat. Give that tablespoon of olive oil a minute to warm up properly.

Toss in your cubed, boneless skinless chicken breast. Now, be patient for just a minute; we want it to brown a little, not pale out. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring it around every now and then until you see itโ€™s cooked all the way through. Since weโ€™re keeping things lean, we want to make sure that internal temp hits the mark!

Next up, we combine things! Pour in your chicken broth (remember, no onion or garlic if your pup is eating this), the brown rice, and that fresh parsley right into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Give it a good stir to mix everything up.

Close-up of a Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl with diced chicken, peas, carrots, and herbs mixed into rice.

Bring that mixture up to a boilโ€”watch out for splatters! Once itโ€™s bubbling merrily, immediately reduce the heat way down low. Cover that skillet tightly. Let it simmer peacefully for 15 to 20 minutes. This is where the rice puffs up and gets tender. If you need other simple one-pot chicken dinner ideas for consistency, this method is stellar.

Once the rice looks doneโ€”all the liquid is absorbed and itโ€™s softโ€”itโ€™s time for the fresh veggies! Stir in those shredded carrots and the thawed peas. You only need to cover it briefly until everything is warmed through nicely. Thatโ€™s it! Dinner is served!

Equipment Needed for Your Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl

One of the things I love about this **Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl** is that you don’t need a ton of fancy gadgets gathering dust in your cabinets. Seriously, this supports the whole ‘clean and simple’ philosophy, right? When I worked through my initial food ruts, simplicity in equipment was key for me!

For this recipe, you only need two main players:

  • A large skillet: This is where the chicken gets its quick sautรฉ and where everything comes together for that final simmer.
  • A covered saucepan: Youโ€™ll need this if you decide to boil the chicken separately for a bland diet version, or if you prefer cooking your rice slightly separately from the sautรฉ process. It needs a good, tight-fitting lid!

Thatโ€™s honestly it! No immersion blenders, no stand mixersโ€”just basic cookware to execute this simple, nourishing meal. It makes getting dinner on the table when youโ€™re feeling sluggish so much easier.

Tips for the Perfect Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl

Even though this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a couple of little details can elevate it from *good* to *perfectly supportive* for your reset. When I first started making this, I rushed the chicken a bit, and that always leads to tougher bits. We want tender, lean perfection here!

For amazing results, pay attention to two main areas: the chicken temperature and when you toss in those lovely frozen veggies. If youโ€™re anxious about poultryโ€”and honestly, who isnโ€™t sometimes?โ€”always grab that instant-read thermometer. Make sure the chicken reaches 165ยฐF internally before you stop cooking it. That guarantees safe, tender cubes!

When it comes to those carrots and peas, timing is everything! Don’t add them too early. If you dump them in when you cover the rice to simmer, theyโ€™ll turn mushy and lose their color. We want them slightly bright and tender-crisp, so only stir them in during the very last minute or two, just long enough to warm them through. This keeps the texture fun.

Close-up of a vibrant Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl featuring diced chicken, brown rice, peas, carrots, and herbs.

If you are looking for more ways to build balanced meals around this classic combo for your dog, take a peek at this guide on classic chicken rice dog food. Learning these little tweaks makes meal prepping feel like second nature!

Storage and Make-Ahead for Your Reset

One of the biggest wins for me when Iโ€™m deeply in a reset routine is knowing that I donโ€™t have to cook every single night. Thatโ€™s where make-ahead meals shine! This **Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl** is absolutely fantastic for prepping ahead of time. Knowing I have a healthy, ready-to-eat meal waiting for me is such a stress reliever when my energy is low.

The general rule of thumb I stick to is this: this chicken and rice mixture keeps beautifully fresh in the fridge for about five days. Just make sure you store it in an airtight container. I use clear glass containers because I like seeing exactly what I have, which helps me stay focused on my clean choices!

If you need to stretch it further, freezing is your friend. You can totally portion this out into individual servingsโ€”I use small, freezer-safe containersโ€”and pop them straight into the freezer. They thaw perfectly if you just remember to move them to the fridge the night before. Itโ€™s efficiency meets wellness!

I often make a double batch on Sunday. Half goes into my lunch rotation for Tuesday and Wednesday, and the other half gets frozen for those crazy Thursday nights when cooking feels impossible. If youโ€™re looking for other meal-prep friendly options for your pets, check out this link for some ideas on 3-step turkey rice homemade dog food. It follows a similar easy preservation logic!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Simple Bowl

I always get questions when I post this **Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl** because people are curious about switching gears after big holidays or when they just need a true break from heavy cooking. Itโ€™s designed to be highly adaptable! Here are the few things that pop up most often when readers are trying to nail down their own healthy eating options.

Is the Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl truly dog-friendly?

Absolutely! Because the base is so simpleโ€”lean chicken, rice, and plain veggiesโ€”itโ€™s fantastic for our furry buddies. If you check the notes, youโ€™ll see the modifications for making it a true bland diet meal for upset stomachs. Itโ€™s a great way to get them easing back into simpler meals alongside you. For more general safety tips regarding dog nutrition, you might want to browse these dog food tips.

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, you definitely can! While I love brown rice for the added fiber when Iโ€™m eating it, if you or your dog have a sensitive stomach, white rice is the way to go. It digests much easier. You can use the leftover broth to cook it, just like we do in the recipe notes. It’s all about supporting your bodyโ€”or your dog’s bodyโ€”during this reset time!

How can I make this recipe even faster for meal prep?

Thatโ€™s my favorite kind of question! If you want to speed this up on a Sunday night, cook a huge batch of chicken breasts by boiling (using the bland diet method!), then shred or cube it all at once. You can also cook a big batch of rice separatelyโ€”maybe use a rice cooker if you have one! Then, when you go to assemble your daily **Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl**, you just sautรฉ the veggies quickly and combine everything. It cuts the cook time down to less than 15 minutes per portion!

Next Steps After Your Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl

So there you have it! Honestly, making the **Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl** is just the kickoff to getting that clean, focused energy back. Itโ€™s simple, itโ€™s nourishing, and it completely removes the mental load of deciding whatโ€™s for dinner while youโ€™re trying to establish new, healthier habits.

Now that youโ€™ve got the baseline recipe, I want to hear what tweaks you make! Are you adding a little dash of turmeric for extra anti-inflammatory goodness? Maybe you’re swapping out the parsley for cilantro or adding a splash of low-sodium soy sauce when you serve it human-style? Don’t keep those brilliant ideas to yourself!

Drop a comment below and let me know how you customized your **Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl** to fit your personal fresh start. Even better, snap a picture and tag us! We love seeing how Melt It Clean principles fit into real, busy lives. If youโ€™re looking for more inspiration for simple, wholesome living, venture over to the main blog page and keep building that momentum!

By EMILIA, Founder of MeltItClean.com

Hi, Iโ€™m EMILIA, the founder of MeltItClean.com โ€“ your digital space for natural weight loss, real wellness habits, and clean-living inspiration that actually fits your life.

For years, I struggled with the ups and downs of dieting. I tried everything โ€” juice cleanses, low-carb crazes, fitness challenges โ€” but I always ended up back where I started: tired, bloated, and frustrated. I didnโ€™t just want to โ€œlose weightโ€ โ€” I wanted energy, mental clarity, glowing skin, and confidence without sacrificing my joy or sanity.

After years of experimenting, learning, and unlearning, I discovered a simple truth: your body is already powerful โ€” it just needs support, not restriction. Thatโ€™s when I created Melt It Clean โ€” a site dedicated to real transformation through clean, intentional, and nourishing daily habits that anyone can follow.

My goal was simple: build a place where people could feel informed, supported, and empowered without being overwhelmed by wellness fads.

A close-up of the Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl featuring seasoned chicken pieces, brown rice, bright green peas, and diced carrots.

Lean Chicken Rice Reset Bowl

This recipe provides a simple chicken and rice bowl suitable for a lighter eating routine, especially after busy periods. It is designed to be easy to prepare.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Dog-Friendly
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Bowl
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 0.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup brown rice see notes if your dog has an upset stomach
  • 1 cup unsalted chicken broth recommend using a broth with no onion or garlic added, can also substitute water
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley recommend curly parsley
  • 1/3 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/3 cup frozen peas, thawed

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Covered saucepan

Method
 

  1. Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add cubed chicken.
  2. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is just cooked through.
  3. Stir chicken stock, rice, and parsley into the skillet.
  4. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover skillet and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until rice is cooked and tender.
  5. Stir in chopped carrots and peas until warmed through.

Notes

If you are feeding your dog chicken and rice as part of a bland diet due to an upset stomach, use white rice instead of brown and omit the veggies. I recommend boiling the chicken breasts instead of sautรฉing them if your dog is ill. Simply, put chicken breasts in a saucepan and cover with enough chicken broth or water or a mixture to cover. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Remove and cube or shred chicken. You can reuse chicken broth/water for rice if you want. Once rice is cooked, mix together with cubed/shredded chicken.
This chicken and rice for dogs should keep fresh in your fridge for about 5 days. You can also freeze in individual portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

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