Microwave Chicken Rice Bowl

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbChicken breast$7.20
• 4 cupscooked rice$2.40
• 1 packFrozen peas & carrots$2.50
• 3 tbspTamari (wheat-free soy sauce)$0.60
• 2 clovesGarlic$0.09
• Total for 4 servings$12.79

Most of the cost is chicken breast ($7.20) and frozen peas & carrots ($2.50). With oil, spices and staples already at home, the shop drops to about $9.79. Prices are estimated for the amount used, at average US grocery prices (November 2026).

Steps

1. Slice the chicken breast into thin, bite-sized strips. In a large 2- to 3-quart microwave-safe dish, toss the chicken with the minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of the tamari until evenly coated, then spread in a flat layer across the dish.
2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or vented cover and microwave on HIGH for 4 to 5 minutes, until the chicken strips are mostly opaque on the outside.
3. Carefully uncover the dish, stir the chicken, and add the cooked rice, frozen peas & carrots, 2 tablespoons of water to create steam, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of tamari. Cover and microwave on HIGH for 3 to 4 minutes, until the rice is steaming hot and the chicken registers an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) with no pink remaining.
4. Allow the dish to rest covered in the microwave for 2 minutes so the trapped steam finishes heating the vegetables and the chicken juices settle.
5. Carefully remove the lid, toss all the ingredients thoroughly to distribute the chicken and vegetables evenly, and divide into four bowls.