Description
Perfectly seasoned Thai grilled chicken rice bowl brings together zesty flavors from Southeast Asia. Fresh herbs, tender chicken, and aromatic jasmine rice create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup (200 g) uncooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- 2 cups (480 ml) water or chicken broth
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tbsps soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup sliced cucumbers
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp grated ginger
Instructions
- Marinade Preparation: Whisk olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper into a robust blend. Submerge chicken completely, ensuring thorough coverage, and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to intensify flavor absorption.
- Rice and Protein Cooking: Rinse rice thoroughly, combine with water or chicken broth in a saucepan, and add a pinch of salt. Simmer covered on low heat until liquid evaporates and rice becomes tender, approximately 18 minutes. Simultaneously, preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill marinated chicken, rotating every 5 minutes to achieve caramelized exterior and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest chicken for 3-4 minutes before slicing.
- Sauce Crafting: Blend soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger into a harmonious dressing. Taste and adjust seasonings for optimal flavor balance.
- Bowl Assembly: Layer rice as a foundational base, strategically arrange sliced grilled chicken. Artfully distribute shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, julienned carrots, and cucumber. Drizzle generously with prepared sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds for textural complexity and visual enhancement.
Notes
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow chicken to soak in marinade for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to enhance depth and tenderness of meat.
- Prevent Rice Clumping: Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking and use a fork to fluff grains, ensuring light and separated texture after cooking.
- Temperature Control for Perfect Chicken: Use meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature, preventing dryness while ensuring complete food safety.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Easily adapt recipe by substituting proteins (tofu for vegetarians), using gluten-free soy sauce, or swapping rice with quinoa for low-carb alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 64 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg