Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage and carrot mix
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the base. Prepare the 1 cup of brown rice according to package directions (typically 1 part rice to 2 parts water) and let it simmer until tender, usually about 40 minutes. Set the cooked rice aside while preparing the other components.
- Step 2: Prepare the peanut sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and 1/4 cup of hot water until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust consistency if necessary, adding more water if the sauce is too thick. Reserve half of the finished sauce for drizzling later.
- Step 3: Cook the chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are cooked through and lightly browned. Pour the non-reserved half of the peanut sauce over the chicken and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously until the chicken is fully coated and the sauce is heated through.
- Step 4: Assemble the bowls. Divide the cooked brown rice evenly among 4 large serving bowls. Place a generous portion of the sauced peanut chicken on one side of the rice and arrange a portion of the shredded cabbage and carrot mixture on the other side.
- Step 5: Finish and serve. Drizzle the remaining reserved peanut sauce over the chicken and vegetables in each bowl. Garnish the bowls with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro (optional) before serving immediately.
Notes
- For best texture, store the sauced chicken and rice base in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the crunchy shredded vegetables separate until you are ready to assemble and serve.
- When reheating the chicken and rice, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out, then drizzle with the reserved fresh peanut sauce once plated.
- Elevate the bowl's texture and flavor profile by adding a generous sprinkle of chopped dry-roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro right before serving for essential crunch and brightness.
- When preparing the peanut sauce, if your peanut butter is very stiff or refrigerated, use truly hot water initially to help emulsify it quickly and achieve the perfect drizzle consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American