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Thai Peanut Chicken Buddha Bowl with vibrant vegetables and creamy peanut sauce

Thai Peanut Chicken Buddha Bowl

A comforting and colorful bowl filled with tender chicken, creamy peanut sauce, and vibrant seasonal veggies, perfect for a balanced meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Asian, Thai
Servings 4 servings
Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (sliced into 1/2-inch strips)
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa (prepared according to package directions)
  • ½ cup English cucumber (sliced thin)
  • 1 cup carrots (julienned or shredded)
  • ¼ cup red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
  • ¼ cup edamame (shelled and cooked)

For the peanut sauce

  • cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp warm water to thin sauce

For cooking

  • 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking chicken

Garnishes

  • 2 green onions (chopped for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Spices

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

Prep and seasoning

  • Pat the chicken breasts dry and slice into 1/2-inch strips across the grain for tenderness.
  • In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken with garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Let marinate for 5 minutes at room temperature.
  • Tip: For deeper flavor, marinate for 30 minutes in the fridge when you have time, or add a splash of soy sauce for extra umami.

Cook the chicken

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • Add the seasoned chicken strips in a single layer. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Check with an instant-read thermometer — chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).
  • Tip: If strips are very thin, reduce the time slightly. Don’t overcook; remove chicken to a resting plate.

Make the peanut sauce

  • While the chicken cooks, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
  • Add warm water one tablespoon at a time, whisking until the sauce coats the back of a spoon but drizzles easily.
  • Tip: For a silkier sauce, pulse the ingredients in a blender or food processor.

Assemble the bowls

  • Divide the cooked brown rice or quinoa among four bowls.
  • Create colorful sections with carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, and edamame.
  • Top each bowl with sliced chicken and drizzle peanut sauce over everything.
  • Tip: Keep vegetables in neat sections for a classic Buddha bowl look.

Garnish and serve

  • Garnish each bowl with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
  • Serve with lime wedges and extra sauce on the side.

Notes

Store cooked components separately and assemble the day you plan to eat for best texture. Freezing recommended for chicken and rice but not for assembled bowls due to fresh veggies.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 35gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 6g
Keyword Buddha Bowl, Chicken Bowl, Healthy Dinner, Meal Prep, peanut sauce
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