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How to make Peanut Lime Chicken Lunch Bowls

Peanut Lime Chicken Lunch Bowls

When you’re putting together a tasty lunch bowl like peanut lime chicken, think about the sides that can complement the dish. Here are some ideas that can elevate your meal
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: lunch
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Rice:
  • ¾ cup long-grain uncooked rice
Vegetables:
  • 6 cups mixed vegetables cut into bite-sized pieces I used broccoli and carrots, but feel free to use bell peppers or snap peas
  • Oil: 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
Chicken:
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (12–16 oz total)
Marinade:
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Peanut Lime Sauce:
  • ¼ cup natural creamy peanut butter
  • 1.5 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or honey/brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • ½ tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 tablespoons water adjust as needed to thin
  • ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes optional
  • Additional: ¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts optional, about 1 tablespoon per serving

Equipment

  • Whisk
  • skillet

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
  1. Start by gathering all the ingredients. Wash and chop your mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces. I like to use colorful veggies like broccoli, carrots, and snap peas for a vibrant look.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
  1. In a medium pot, bring 1.5 cups of water to a boil. Add the ¾ cup of rice and a pinch of salt. Lower the heat and cover, letting it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water has absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 3: Marinade the Chicken
  1. While the rice cooks, prepare the chicken. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, low-sodium soy sauce, and smoked paprika. Coat the chicken breasts in this mix and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and once hot, place the marinated chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to verify that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 5: Make the Peanut Lime Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, seasoned rice vinegar, maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, lime juice, grated ginger, and chili flakes (if using). Adjust the consistency with water until it’s pourable. Taste and tweak as necessary; add more lime or sweetness to your liking.
Step 6: Sauté the Vegetables
  1. In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a tablespoon of oil and toss in the vegetables. Sauté them over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp. Season lightly with salt during cooking.
Step 7: Assemble Your Bowl
  1. Now, it’s time for the fun part! In a large bowl or container, place a generous serving of rice. Top with the sautéed vegetables and sliced chicken. Drizzle the peanut lime sauce generously over everything. If you like some crunch, sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts on top.
Step 8: Enjoy or Store
  1. Dig in immediately or store it in the refrigerator for an easy grab-and-go lunch option!

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 38gFat: 18gFiber: 6gSugar: 8g

Notes

  • Marinate Longer: For an extra flavor punch, try marinating the chicken for a few hours or overnight if you can.
  • Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or snow peas. Get creative!
  • Adjust Sauce to Taste: Want it sweeter? Add more maple syrup. Prefer it spicier? Increase the chili flakes!
  • Use Different Proteins: Swap chicken for tofu, shrimp, or even grilled beef for a different protein option.
  • Keep it Fresh: To store leftovers, keep the peanut sauce separate until serving to maintain the best texture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!