Peanut Chicken Protein Bowl (Print Version)

Protein-packed bowls featuring sautéed chicken, coconut rice, fresh vegetables, and creamy peanut sauce

# What You'll Need:

→ Coconut Rice

01 - 1 cup jasmine rice
02 - 1 cup unsweetened canned coconut milk, well-shaken
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, optional

→ 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, optional
23 - Lime wedges for serving

# How to Make It:

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, 1 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.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The peanut sauce is so good you'll find yourself making extra just to have on hand for other meals.
  • It comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknight cooking or meal prep Sunday.
  • High in protein and satisfying enough that you won't be raiding the pantry two hours later.
  • Every element can be customized to what you have in your kitchen without losing the soul of the dish.
02 -
  • Don't skip the rinsing step for rice—it's the difference between fluffy grains and a sticky blob that nobody wants to eat.
  • Taste your peanut sauce before assembling and adjust the lime or honey to your preference, because peanut butter brands vary wildly in saltiness.
  • The chicken only needs a few minutes rest after cooking; if you wait too long it starts to cool down and tastes less luxurious.
03 -
  • If your peanut sauce breaks or looks separated, whisk in a touch more warm water and it will come back together smoothly.
  • Cook your chicken in smaller batches if your skillet feels crowded, because overcrowding the pan steams it instead of searing it golden.
  • Freeze extra peanut sauce in ice cube trays for quick portions that thaw fast on busy weeknights.
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