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Peanut Chicken Protein Bowl with coconut jasmine rice, sauteed chicken, red cabbage, shredded carrots, and creamy Thai peanut sauce drizzled on top with lime wedge

Peanut Chicken Protein Bowl

Tender sauteed chicken and fluffy coconut jasmine rice topped with crisp red cabbage, shredded carrots, and a creamy Thai-inspired peanut sauce with honey, lime, and sesame. A high-protein healthy dinner ready in 50 minutes.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Thai-Inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup jasmine rice rinsed thoroughly under cold water until water runs clear
  • 1 cup unsweetened canned coconut milk full-fat, well-shaken
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast diced into roughly 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce use gluten-free tamari if needed
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 clove garlic minced, for chicken
  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter natural no-stir recommended
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce for peanut sauce, use tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic minced, for peanut sauce
  • 1-2 tbsp warm water added gradually to thin peanut sauce to drizzling consistency
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes optional, adjust to heat preference
  • 1 cup red cabbage thinly sliced
  • 1 cup carrots julienned or shredded
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 2 tbsp roasted peanuts roughly chopped
  • lime wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan with lid
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Chef's knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Rinse jasmine rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until water runs completely clear, about 60 to 90 seconds. Combine rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stir once, reduce to low, and cover tightly. Simmer for exactly 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  2. Remove saucepan from heat entirely. Keep covered and let rice steam undisturbed for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork just before serving.
  3. While rice rests, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add diced chicken in a single layer. Add soy sauce, black pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is golden and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Remove from heat.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, and minced garlic until smooth. Add warm water one tablespoon at a time until sauce reaches an easy drizzling consistency. Stir in chili flakes if using.
  5. Divide coconut rice evenly among four bowls. Top each with sauteed chicken, sliced red cabbage, and shredded carrots. Drizzle generously with peanut sauce. Finish with fresh cilantro, chopped roasted peanuts, and a lime wedge on the side.

Notes

Start the rice first so it cooks and rests while you prepare the chicken and sauce. Do not lift the lid during the 15-minute simmer or 10-minute steam. Use full-fat canned coconut milk, not refrigerated drinking coconut milk. Store all components separately for up to 4 days. Peanut sauce keeps refrigerated for up to 5 days. Whisk in 1 tablespoon warm water to restore chilled peanut sauce before serving. Use tamari throughout for a gluten-free version.