Peanut Chicken Protein Bowl (Print Version)

Protein-packed bowl with sautéed chicken, coconut rice, fresh vegetables, and rich peanut sauce.

# Components:

→ Coconut Rice

01 - 1 cup jasmine rice
02 - 1 cup unsweetened canned coconut milk
03 - 1 cup water
04 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Chicken

05 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
08 - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - 1 clove garlic, minced

→ Peanut Sauce

10 - ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
11 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
12 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
13 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
15 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
16 - 1 clove garlic, minced
17 - 1 to 2 tablespoons warm water
18 - ¼ teaspoon chili flakes

→ Toppings

19 - 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
20 - 1 cup carrots, julienned or shredded
21 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
22 - 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, chopped
23 - Lime wedges for serving

# Directions:

01 - 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.
02 - In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, soy sauce, black pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from heat.
03 - In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, garlic, and chili flakes. Add warm water one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
04 - 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.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The coconut rice alone is worth making, fragrant and creamy without being heavy.
  • That peanut sauce is dangerously good, you will want to drizzle it on everything.
  • It looks impressive but comes together with simple techniques and everyday ingredients.
  • Perfect for meal prep because everything tastes even better the next day.
02 -
  • If your peanut sauce seizes up and gets clumpy, you added cold water, always use warm water to keep it smooth.
  • Don't walk away from the rice once it boils, stir it once then cover immediately or the bottom will stick and burn.
  • Let the chicken get a little golden before stirring, that caramelization adds so much flavor.
03 -
  • Use day old rice if you have it, it holds its shape better and doesn't get mushy under all the toppings.
  • Add a pinch of sugar to the chicken while it cooks, it helps with caramelization and balances the soy sauce.
  • If your peanut sauce is too thick the next day, just whisk in a splash of warm water to bring it back to life.
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