Name: Epic Chili Garlic Chicken Bowl with Veggie Crunch & Steamed Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon honey; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium carrot, julienned; 1 small cucumber, julienned; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup purple cabbage, shredded; 1/2 cup green onions, chopped; 2 cups steamed jasmine rice (or any rice of choice); Salt and pepper to taste; Sesame seeds, for garnish; Fresh cilantro, for garnish

This Epic Chili Garlic Chicken Bowl with Veggie Crunch & Steamed Rice combines bold flavors with fresh, crunchy vegetables and a hearty base of steamed rice, making it the perfect meal for any time of day. The chili garlic chicken is packed with savory and spicy flavors, while the veggie crunch adds a refreshing contrast. The steamed rice brings everything together for a well-balanced and satisfying dish that’s both wholesome and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish strikes the perfect balance between flavors and textures. The chili garlic chicken is rich and savory, with a hint of sweetness from the honey, while the fresh veggie crunch adds a nice contrast in texture and freshness. It’s the perfect quick and healthy meal to satisfy my hunger while keeping things light. Plus, the ingredients are simple and easy to find, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner. It’s also versatile, so you can swap in different veggies or proteins if you like. This recipe is a winner for anyone who enjoys bold, Asian-inspired flavors and wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon honey

2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium carrot, julienned

1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 small cucumber, julienned

1/2 cup purple cabbage, shredded

1/2 cup green onions, chopped

2 cups steamed jasmine rice (or any rice of choice)

Salt and pepper to taste

Sesame seeds, for garnish

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together the chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic.

Cut the chicken breasts into thin strips and season with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

Pour the chili garlic sauce mixture over the chicken and stir to coat evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and caramelize slightly.

While the chicken cooks, prepare the veggie crunch. In a bowl, combine the carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, purple cabbage, and green onions. Toss gently to mix.

To assemble, place a serving of steamed rice in each bowl. Top with the chili garlic chicken and a generous portion of veggie crunch.

Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Protein: Swap the chicken for tofu, shrimp, or beef for a different flavor profile.

Rice: You can use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a different base.

Veggies: Feel free to swap in other crunchy veggies like radishes, snow peas, or shredded lettuce for variety.

Spice level: Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce based on how spicy you prefer the dish.

Sauce: Add a splash of rice vinegar or a drizzle of sesame oil for a tangy twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

Reheating: Reheat the chicken and rice in a microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth to help maintain moisture if needed.

Related Recipes:

Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chili garlic chicken and veggie crunch in advance, but I recommend assembling it fresh with the rice just before serving to maintain the best texture.

Can I use a different type of rice for this bowl?

Absolutely! Jasmine rice is my favorite for its fragrance, but you can use brown rice, basmati, or even quinoa for a different base.

How can I make the dish spicier?

If you like more heat, you can add extra chili garlic sauce or some chopped fresh chili peppers when cooking the chicken. Adjust to your spice tolerance!

Can I use a different protein?

Yes, this recipe is versatile. You can easily substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, tofu, or even tempeh for a plant-based option.

What can I use instead of honey if I want a vegan version?

You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup to keep the dish vegan-friendly.

Conclusion

This Epic Chili Garlic Chicken Bowl with Veggie Crunch & Steamed Rice is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings together spicy, savory chicken with fresh, crunchy veggies and perfectly steamed rice. It’s a perfect balance of taste and nutrition, and it’s so easy to customize based on your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, this dish will become a favorite in no time.

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