There’s something comforting about cozy, nourishing meals when the weather turns crisp. 200-Calorie Chicken and Veggie Bowl is more than just a recipe, it’s a story from my kitchen to yours. This bowl is inspired by my days cooking simple street food in Istanbul, where meals were wholesome, vibrant, and made with what was fresh. I still remember that first bite of grilled chicken paired with tender vegetables tossed in light olive oil and fresh herbs. No heavy sauces. No fuss. Just goodness in a bowl.
That memory sparked what’s now one of my go-to fall lunches. It’s warm, hearty, and somehow feels like a hug in a bowl. And with just around 200 calories per serving, it’s perfect if you’re looking for a light yet satisfying meal. This dish is a favorite in our Fresh Leaf Rezepte community because it’s flexible, beginner-friendly, and naturally healthy.
In this post, you’ll find everything you need: ingredients, step-by-step instructions, useful tips, and even variations like gluten-free and meal prep versions. Plus, we’ll explore how to keep it fresh all week.
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200 Calorie Chicken and Veggie Bowl
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls
Description
This 200-Calorie Chicken and Veggie Bowl is a wholesome, cozy meal inspired by simple street food, grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, herbs, and a hint of lemon in every bite. Perfect for light lunches, meal prep, or when you need something warm and nourishing.
Ingredients
- 2 skinless chicken breasts (grilled or roasted, sliced thin)
- 1 large zucchini, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 small carrot, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika or chili flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro to garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Grill or roast until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F). Let rest, then slice thin.
- In a nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, then broccoli and carrots. Cook for 3 minutes. Add zucchini and bell pepper, cook until just tender.
- Divide veggies into bowls. Top with sliced chicken, a squeeze of lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
- Serve warm or cool for meal prep. Optional: add grains or top with your favorite light dressing.
Notes
Cut vegetables evenly for consistent cooking. Add cumin or curry for depth. Use a grill pan indoors for smoky flavor. Store lemon juice and herbs separately if prepping ahead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grill + Sauté
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients List
Before we jump in, here’s what you’ll need to make a basic 200-Calorie Chicken and Veggie Bowl:
For the Bowl (serves 4):
- 2 skinless chicken breasts (grilled or roasted, sliced thin)
- 1 large zucchini, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 small carrot, shredded
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika or chili flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro to garnish
Each serving is approximately 200 calories, depending on portioning and your oil use. You can also check out our low-calorie salads guide for more ideas on pairing sides or dressings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Grill or roast them until fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F). Once done, let them rest before slicing into thin strips.
2. Sauté the Veggies
In a nonstick skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, then broccoli and carrots. Cook for 3 minutes. Add zucchini and bell peppers, cooking until tender but not mushy.
3. Assemble Your Bowl
Place a generous scoop of veggies into each bowl, top with sliced chicken, a splash of lemon juice, and finish with herbs.
4. Serve
Serve warm, or cool for a meal-prep option. You can pair this with quick chicken wrap recipes for a larger meal plan.
Tips for Success
Cut Evenly for Even Cooking
To keep everything done at the same time, cut vegetables in similar sizes. Overcooked broccoli can ruin the crunch.
Flavor Boosters
Add a pinch of cumin or curry powder for a warm depth, or top with a spoonful of Green Goddess chicken salad dressing if you want creaminess without many calories.
Use a Grill Pan
If you’re indoors, a grill pan gives your chicken a smoky flavor without needing an outdoor grill.
Variations to Try
This 200-Calorie Chicken and Veggie Bowl is a blueprint. Let’s make it yours.
Gluten-Free Option
It’s naturally gluten-free! But if you’re adding sauces, make sure they’re certified gluten-free. Our chicken tortellini soup variations also include gluten-free options for chilly nights.
Vegan Swap
Skip the chicken and add roasted chickpeas, similar to this roasted chickpea und veggie bowl.
Add Grains (Optional)
Quinoa or brown rice will increase the calories but add staying power. Stick to ¼ cup cooked grains if you’re watching calorie count.
Spicy Version
Top with hot sauce or red pepper flakes, or try a spoonful of Mexican street corn chicken pasta salad on the side for a spicy twist.
Storage and Meal Prep
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keep the lemon and herbs separate and add them just before eating.
Freezing: While the chicken freezes well, vegetables may lose texture. Instead, freeze only the cooked chicken and sauté veggies fresh when serving.
Meal Prep Hack: Use divided containers to keep components separate. This maintains texture and flavor. Pair with juicy baked chicken bites for easy protein swaps all week long.
FAQs
What’s in a 200-Calorie Chicken and Veggie Bowl?
It includes lean grilled chicken and a variety of sautéed or roasted vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and broccoli—all seasoned simply with garlic, lemon, and olive oil.
Is this bowl good for weight loss?
Absolutely. It’s low in calories, high in nutrients, and very filling. It fits perfectly into a calorie-conscious plan.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It’s great for meal prep. Just store the components separately for the freshest texture.
What can I use instead of chicken?
Try roasted tofu, chickpeas, or even lentils for a plant-based alternative that keeps you full.
Conclusion
The 200-Calorie Chicken and Veggie Bowl is everything we love about fall food, warm, nourishing, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it fresh for lunch or meal prepping a week’s worth, it’s a reliable go-to that fits any lifestyle. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, quick to make, and endlessly adaptable.
If you’re looking for more cozy meals like this, try our chicken broccoli cheese soup recipe or our low-calorie salads guide to mix things up.
At Fresh Leaf Rezepte, we believe recipes should be simple, flexible, and full of joy, just like this one.