Dietitian Spotlight: 4 Minute Chicken Taco Rice Bowls

Packing lunches can be difficult, even for the most seasoned and organized home chefs. However, if you or someone you know suffers from food allergies, packing allergy friendly lunches can add one more thing to an already long list of to-dos in the morning.

This chicken taco rice bowl provides a delicious, quick and easy solution to your lunchtime woes. It can be easily tweaked to accommodate anyone dealing with the top 8 allergens. For example, if you’re allergic to dairy, simply replace the shredded cheese with your favorite dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.

Not only is the recipe allergy-friendly, it also comes together in less than 5 minutes, and requires very little preparation in the mornings. Whether you’re packing lunch for yourself, a significant other or kids, these bowls can be packed within minutes. During the busy back-to-school season, enjoy hitting the snooze button and enjoy 10 more minutes of sleep knowing that a healthy lunch can be packed quickly.

Our favorite thing about this recipe is that it is easily changed depending on what you’re craving that day! You can add any topping to make your tastebuds sing. Just add things like pico de gallo, Hatch green chiles, shredded lettuce, and more.

When designing your ideal bowl, there are a few things to keep in mind to help ensure you get a delicious and satisfying meal. First, pick a high-fiber rice like brown, basmati, jasmine or wild rice as a filling base. Next, include a protein to add more staying power with the meal. Shoot for 25 grams of protein through adding lean beef and pork, chicken, shrimp, or for a vegetarian option, beans.

Now that you have the base of your rice bowl created, simply add your choice of toppings to the mix and you’re ready to go! Start this school year off right with a delicious and nutritious lunch idea!

4-Minute Chicken Taco Rice Bowls

Ingredients

1 cup microwaveable rice (We used Minute® Ready to Serve Brown Rice)

¼ cup cooked, shredded chicken breast (or substitute with drained, rinsed beans for a vegetarian option)

¼ cup salsa

¼ cup grated cheddar cheese

Optional:

sliced black olives

sliced green onion

pinto beans

guacamole

Carrot sticks, on the side  

Directions

1. Microwave rice cup according to package instructions. Place rice in a serving bowl. Stir in chicken and salsa. Top with cheese. Microwave for approximately 30 more seconds to warm entire dish, if desired.

2. Top with any additional ingredients of choice!