Peanut Chicken Protein Bowl

Experience a burst of tropical and savory flavors with this Peanut Chicken Protein Bowl. This vibrant dish pairs succulent sautéed chicken with the rich, aromatic creaminess of coconut-infused jasmine rice. Drizzled with a velvety Thai-inspired peanut sauce and garnished with fresh, crunchy vegetables, it’s a wholesome meal that satisfies your cravings while providing a high-protein boost perfect for any day of the week.

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The beauty of this bowl lies in the contrast of textures. Every spoonful offers the softness of the coconut rice, the tenderness of the garlic-sautéed chicken, and the refreshing crunch of thinly sliced red cabbage and julienned carrots. It is a harmonious blend that brings the essence of Southeast Asian cuisine directly to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• For the Coconut Rice: 1 cup jasmine rice, 1 cup canned coconut milk (unsweetened, well-shaken), 1 cup water, ½ tsp salt.
• For the Chicken: 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp soy sauce, ½ tsp ground black pepper, 1 clove garlic, minced.
• For the 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 (to thin as needed), ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional).
• For the Toppings: 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced, 1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded, ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped, 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, chopped (optional), lime wedges.

Instructions

Step 1: 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.

Step 2: 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.

Step 3: 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.

Step 4: 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

To ensure the best texture for your coconut rice, don't skip the rinsing step, as it removes excess starch. If your peanut sauce thickens too much while sitting, simply whisk in an extra teaspoon of warm water just before serving to restore its creamy consistency.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian alternative, replace the chicken with firm tofu cubes or tempeh. You can also boost the nutrient profile by adding extra vegetables such as sliced cucumbers, edamame, or thinly sliced bell peppers for even more crunch.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these bowls warm for the best experience. They pair wonderfully with a crisp, chilled Riesling or a traditional Thai iced tea to complement the nutty and slightly spicy notes of the peanut sauce.

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Whether you're looking for a reliable meal-prep solution or a fresh dinner that feels like a treat, this Peanut Chicken Protein Bowl delivers every time. Enjoy the perfect harmony of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates in one beautiful, satisfying bowl.

Common Questions

→ Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the peanut sauce keeps refrigerated for up to 5 days. Store in an airtight container and whisk in a splash of warm water before serving to restore consistency.

→ What protein alternatives work well?

Firm tofu or tempeh make excellent vegetarian substitutes. Slice and pan-fry them similarly to the chicken. Shrimp also pairs beautifully with the Thai flavors.

→ Is this bowl freezer-friendly?

Freeze the cooked chicken and rice separately for up to 3 months. Add fresh vegetables and sauce after reheating for best texture and flavor.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Increase chili flakes in the sauce or add sriracha for more heat. For a milder version, omit the chili flakes entirely—the sauce remains delicious without them.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Sliced cucumber, bell peppers, edamame, or snap peas work wonderfully. The bowl is highly adaptable to whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand.