Name: Sesame Ginger Chicken Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional); 1 1/4 cups jasmine or short-grain white rice, rinsed; 2 cups water; 1 medium carrot, julienned; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 3.5 oz sugar snap peas or snow peas, halved; 2 spring onions, sliced; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds; Fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves; Lime wedges

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Sesame Ginger Chicken Bowl is a delightful and savory dish that’s sure to brighten your dinner table. This easy-to-make recipe brings together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fragrant jasmine rice, all beautifully drizzled with a zesty sesame ginger sauce. It’s a nod to Asian-inspired cuisine, providing a perfect balance of flavors in every bite. Let’s dive into this scrumptious meal that’s not only delicious but also simple enough for a weeknight feast!

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: 410
Protein: 32 grams
Carbohydrates: 50 grams
Fat: 12 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Sugar: 5 grams
Sodium: 720 mg

Why Make This Sesame Ginger Chicken Bowl

This Sesame Ginger Chicken Bowl delivers a wholesome meal that’s not only packed with flavor but also provides essential nutrients. The combination of ginger and garlic brings warmth and depth, while the fresh vegetables add texture and color. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal after a long day or a satisfying dish to impress guests, this bowl checks all the boxes: it’s healthy, filling, and brimming with bold flavors. Plus, it only takes about 35 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

How to Make Sesame Ginger Chicken Bowl

Making this Sesame Ginger Chicken Bowl is straightforward and streamlines well into your dinner prep. Follow these steps to create a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
1 1/4 cups jasmine or short-grain white rice, rinsed
2 cups water
1 medium carrot, julienned
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
3.5 oz sugar snap peas or snow peas, halved
2 spring onions, sliced
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves
Lime wedges

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha. Reserve half of this mixture for drizzling later. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken pieces, mixing well. Let the chicken marinate for about 15 minutes for the flavors to infuse.

Step 2: Cooking the Rice

While the chicken is marinating, rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until the rice is tender. Once cooked, remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and set aside.

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken

Next, heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces (discard the marinade) and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm.

Step 4: Stir-Frying the Vegetables

In the same skillet or wok, add the julienned carrot, sliced bell pepper, and halved sugar snap peas. Stir-fry the vegetables for 2 to 3 minutes until they are just tender yet still crisp.

Step 5: Assembling the Dish

Divide the fluffy rice evenly among four serving bowls. Top each bowl with the cooked chicken and the stir-fried vegetables. Drizzle the reserved sauce over the top, sprinkle with sliced spring onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh coriander leaves. Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Serve Sesame Ginger Chicken Bowl

This dish is perfect served warm as a complete meal. You can serve it in individual bowls for a beautiful presentation or family-style on a large platter for sharing. It pairs wonderfully with a side of crispy spring rolls or a simple cucumber salad to add a refreshing crunch.

How to Store Sesame Ginger Chicken Bowl

If you have leftovers, store the chicken bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a microwave or on the stovetop. If you’d like to keep everything fresh, store the rice, chicken, and vegetables separately before they are combined.

Expert Tips for Perfect Sesame Ginger Chicken Bowl

Marinate for Longer: For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken for up to an hour.
Vegetable Choices: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability. Broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini would also work beautifully.
Spicy Option: Adjust the heat by varying the amount of sriracha or omitting it entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
Freshness Matters: Use fresh ginger for the best flavor, as it adds a lovely warmth and depth to the dish.

Delicious Variations

Add Nuts: Toss in some cashews or peanuts for a delightful crunch and additional protein.
Vegan Twist: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and use a plant-based sauce like tamari for a vegan-friendly option.
Different Grains: Swap jasmine rice for quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken a few hours in advance or even the night before; just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to cook.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken and vegetable mixture. To maintain taste and texture, consume within 2-3 months.

4. What can I substitute for rice?
You can use quinoa, farro, or any favorite grain in place of rice for a different texture and flavor.

5. How do I reduce the sodium content?
Choose low-sodium soy sauce and limit extra salt during cooking to manage sodium levels.

Conclusion

The Sesame Ginger Chicken Bowl is a wonderful blend of taste and texture that’s not only satisfying but also healthy and quick to prepare. With its delicious combination of tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and fragrant sauce, this recipe is bound to be a hit at your dining table. We encourage you to give it a try, add your favorite touches, and enjoy the sensational flavors that this dish offers! Happy cooking!