Thai Peanut Chicken Buddha Bowl
Thai Peanut Chicken Buddha Bowl layers skillet-cooked chicken, crisp vegetables, edamame, and a creamy peanut sauce with savory-sweet flavor. It is a prep-friendly lunch or healthy dinner bowl that stores well when the sauce is kept separate.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast sliced into 1/2-inch strips
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking chicken
- 1 cup carrots julienned or shredded
- 1/2 cup English cucumber sliced thin
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup edamame shelled and cooked
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp warm water to thin sauce
- 2 green onions chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Slice the chicken into 1/2-inch strips and pat the pieces dry so they sear better.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until browned and 165°F inside.
- Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and warm water until the sauce is smooth.
- Divide carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, and cooked edamame among four bowls.
- Add the warm chicken to the bowls and drizzle with peanut sauce.
- Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Storage: Store cooked chicken, fresh vegetables, and peanut sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or skillet, then add it to the vegetables with sauce after warming.
Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months, but keep the vegetables and peanut sauce fresh for best texture.
Expert Tips: Cut the chicken into even strips and avoid crowding the skillet so the pieces cook evenly.
Sauce Tips: If the peanut sauce thickens after chilling, whisk in warm water one teaspoon at a time until it drizzles smoothly.
Meal Prep: Portion the vegetables and chicken ahead, then keep the sauce separate until serving so the bowl stays crisp.
Variations: Add shredded cabbage, chopped peanuts, sriracha, rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to adjust the texture and fullness.