This Pizza Protein Bowl is a tasty twist on your favorite pizza! It’s packed with yummy ingredients like chicken, cheese, and fresh veggies all mixed together.
It’s like pizza and salad had a delicious baby! I love how quick it comes together. Just toss everything in a bowl, and you’re ready to eat—how easy is that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a great base with a nice crunch. You can swap it out for kale or arugula if you prefer a different green or if spinach isn’t on hand.
Brown Rice or Quinoa: Both are great options for a hearty base. If you want a lower-carb choice, try using cauliflower rice or a mix of sautéed mushrooms.
Cooked Chicken: I go for rotisserie chicken for speed. You can use grilled chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Mozzarella Cheese: Low-moisture mozzarella melts really well. If you want to cut calories, use a lighter cheese or skip it altogether. Vegan cheese is another option!
Pepperoni: Classic choice! You can use turkey pepperoni, or for a vegetarian spin, try sliced mushrooms or roasted red peppers instead.
Olives: I love the added brininess from olives. If olives aren’t your thing, pickles or banana peppers can offer a nice kick instead!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Chicken for This Bowl?
Cooking chicken can seem tricky, but it’s about keeping it juicy and flavorful. Here’s a simple method:
- Cube your chicken breast for quick cooking.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Add the cubed chicken, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and optional Italian herbs.
- Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
- Let it rest for a couple of minutes before adding it to your bowl.
This ensures your chicken is super tasty and goes perfectly with the other ingredients!
How to Make a Delicious Pizza Protein Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
Protein and Toppings:
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, cubed
- 1/4 cup low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 6-8 slices pepperoni
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup mixed olives (black and green), sliced
- 1/4 cup halloumi cheese or similar firm cheese, cubed and seasoned
Extras:
- 1/4 avocado, mashed (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Italian seasoning or dried oregano (optional)
- Olive oil for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Pizza Protein Bowl takes approximately 25 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick meal that’s full of flavor and healthy ingredients. Perfect for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by placing the fresh spinach leaves at the bottom of a bowl. This gives your bowl a nice green base that’s full of nutrients.
2. Add Your Grains:
Next, add the cooked brown rice or quinoa on top of the spinach. This will make your bowl hearty and filling, perfect for a satisfying meal.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a small skillet over medium heat and drizzle in some olive oil. Add your cubed chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning or dried oregano. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the Halloumi Cheese:
In the same skillet, lightly pan-fry the halloumi cheese cubes. Cook them until they’re golden on all sides, then take them out and set aside.
5. Warm the Sauce:
In the skillet, warm the pizza sauce briefly until heated through. This step adds extra flavor to your chicken.
6. Mix Chicken and Sauce:
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the warmed pizza sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
7. Assemble the Bowl:
Over the spinach and grain base, add the chicken mixture with sauce and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Add Pepperoni:
Arrange your pepperoni slices on one side of the bowl for a classic pizza touch.
9. Include Veggies:
Scatter sliced olives and halved cherry tomatoes in sections across the bowl for tasty pops of flavor.
10. Finish with Halloumi and Optional Avocado:
Add the pan-fried halloumi cubes to the bowl and, if you like, a spoonful of mashed avocado for added creaminess.
11. Garnish:
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a bright and fresh finish to your bowl.
12. Broil (Optional):
If you want to melt the cheese a little more, you can place the bowl under a broiler for 1-2 minutes—but it’s also delicious enjoyed as is!
Enjoy your savory and protein-packed Pizza Protein Bowl, perfect for a quick meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with shredded turkey, cooked ground beef, or even a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Can I Make This Bowl in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the components ahead of time. Just store the rice or quinoa and chicken separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble the bowl right before serving for the freshest taste.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Pizza Protein Bowl in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or sauce to maintain moisture.
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to mix and match toppings based on your preference. Try adding bell peppers, onions, or different types of cheese. The possibilities are endless!