Save to Pinterest Savor the vibrant flavors of a Thai-inspired meal with this Peanut Chicken Protein Bowl. This dish combines succulent, savory sautéed chicken with the rich, aromatic creaminess of coconut-infused jasmine rice. It's a complete, high-protein meal that brings together crisp vegetables and a luscious peanut sauce for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Save to Pinterest Perfect for meal prep enthusiasts, this bowl is designed to keep you fueled and focused throughout the day. With 540 calories and a balanced macro profile of 22g fat and 48g carbohydrates, it's a wholesome choice that doesn't compromise on taste.
Ingredients
- Coconut Rice: 1 cup jasmine rice, 1 cup canned coconut milk (unsweetened), 1 cup water, ½ tsp salt.
- Chicken: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (diced), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp soy sauce, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 clove garlic (minced).
- Peanut Sauce: ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1–2 tbsp warm water, ¼ tsp chili flakes.
- Toppings: 1 cup sliced red cabbage, 1 cup julienned carrots, ¼ cup fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp chopped roasted peanuts, lime wedges.
Instructions
- Prepare the coconut rice
- Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, stir once, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let steam, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- Cook the chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, soy sauce, black pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Make the peanut sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, garlic, and chili flakes. Add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Assemble the bowls
- Divide coconut rice among four bowls. Top each with sautéed chicken, red cabbage, carrots, and cilantro. Drizzle generously with peanut sauce. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and serve with lime wedges.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
The peanut sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it easy to assemble these bowls throughout the week.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian alternative, replace the chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh. You can also boost the vegetable content by adding sliced cucumber, edamame, or colorful bell peppers.
Serviervorschläge
Enhance the dining experience by pairing this protein bowl with a glass of crisp Riesling or a traditional Thai iced tea.
Save to Pinterest Whether you're looking for a fresh lunch option or a high-protein dinner, this Peanut Chicken Protein Bowl delivers an explosion of authentic, satisfying flavor in every single bite. Enjoy the perfect blend of easy preparation and gourmet taste.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this bowl ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely. The components store beautifully for up to four days. Keep the rice, chicken, and vegetables in separate containers, and reheat gently before assembling. The peanut sauce can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for up to five days.
- → What's the best way to reheat the coconut rice?
Sprinkle a tablespoon of water over cold rice, then microwave in 30-second intervals, fluffing between each. Alternatively, reheat in a small saucepan over low heat with a splash of water, covered, until warmed through.
- → Can I substitute the peanut butter?
Almond butter or cashew butter work well as substitutes, though the flavor profile will shift slightly. For a nut-free version, try sunflower seed butter or tahini, adjusting sweetness with additional honey or maple syrup to taste.
- → How can I add more vegetables?
Sliced cucumber, bell peppers, edamame, or snap peas make excellent additions. You can also mix shredded broccoli slaw or baby spinach into the base for extra nutrition without compromising the bowl's structural integrity.
- → Is the peanut sauce spicy?
The base sauce is mild, with warmth coming from garlic and a touch of chili flakes. Adjust heat to your preference by increasing the chili flakes or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. Sriracha can also be whisked in for additional complexity.
- → Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine?
Yes, though brown rice requires longer cooking time and more liquid. Increase water to 1.25 cups and extend simmering to 40-45 minutes. The nuttier flavor complements the peanut sauce beautifully.