Indulge in a harmonious blend of flavors with this Savory Chicken Bowl topped with a spicy Sriracha mayo drizzle. Tender, marinated chicken pieces are sautéed to perfection and served over a bed of fluffy white rice, accompanied by fresh vegetables like edamame, carrots, cucumber, and baby spinach.
This bowl not only offers a delightful taste experience but also provides a balanced meal rich in protein and nutrients. The creamy Sriracha mayo adds a zesty kick, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a wholesome yet flavorful dish.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon garlic chili paste
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
For the Bowl:
- 4 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups matchstick-cut carrots
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup shelled edamame, cooked
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Directions:
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Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, whisk together mirin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic chili paste, and sesame oil.
- Add cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
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Cook the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add marinated chicken and cook, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and caramelized. Set aside to cool slightly.
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Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and sriracha sauce until smooth. Adjust the amount of sriracha to achieve desired spiciness.
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Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide cooked rice among four bowls.
- Arrange cooked edamame, carrots, cucumber, and baby spinach over the rice in sections.
- Place cooked chicken on top of the vegetables.
- Drizzle with sriracha mayo dressing and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: Approximately 1,296 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
Savory Chicken Bowl with Sriracha Mayo Drizzle: A Flavor-Packed Meal for Any Occasion
The Savory Chicken Bowl with Sriracha Mayo Drizzle is a well-balanced and satisfying dish that combines tender, marinated chicken with a medley of fresh vegetables, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. Finished with a creamy and spicy Sriracha mayo drizzle, this dish offers the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a meal prep option, or a vibrant dinner idea, this bowl is a must-try.
The Inspiration Behind This Recipe
This recipe draws inspiration from Asian-style rice bowls, which are known for their simplicity, versatility, and well-balanced flavors. In many Asian cuisines, rice serves as a staple, providing the perfect base for protein, vegetables, and sauces that create a delicious and nourishing meal. The soy-mirin marinade infuses the chicken with a savory umami depth, while the Sriracha mayo adds a bold and creamy kick that ties everything together.
With influences from Japanese teriyaki, Korean bibimbap, and Thai spice blends, this dish brings a fusion of flavors that will excite your taste buds. It’s easy to customize, making it an excellent option for family meals, meal prep, or even special gatherings.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This bowl isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with nutritional benefits and is incredibly easy to prepare. Here’s why this dish is a fantastic addition to your recipe collection:
✔ High-Protein Meal: The marinated chicken provides a good amount of protein, helping with muscle repair and keeping you full longer.
✔ Balanced Nutrition: With whole grains (rice), lean protein (chicken), and fiber-rich vegetables, this meal is well-rounded and satisfying.
✔ Quick and Easy: The marinade works in just 15 minutes, and the entire dish comes together in under 40 minutes.
✔ Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to match dietary needs, making it gluten-free, dairy-free, or even vegetarian with a few modifications.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well, making it an excellent choice for preparing meals in advance for busy weeks.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Bowl
To make sure you get the most flavorful and tender chicken, follow these pro tips:
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Marinate for Depth of Flavor
- Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 15-30 minutes, but if you have time, overnight marination will yield even better results.
- Using mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine) and soy sauce enhances the umami richness of the chicken.
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Sear the Chicken for Maximum Taste
- Cooking the chicken over medium-high heat helps caramelize the marinade, giving it a rich and slightly smoky flavor.
- If grilling, brush the grill with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
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Use Fresh and Crunchy Veggies
- The contrast of textures between the cooked chicken and raw veggies (like cucumbers and carrots) adds crunch and freshness.
- You can substitute or add vegetables such as avocado, radishes, or shredded cabbage for variety.
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Make the Sriracha Mayo Extra Creamy
- Use full-fat mayonnaise for a rich texture, or swap it for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Adjust the Sriracha level to your spice preference—start with 1 teaspoon and add more as needed.
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Use the Right Rice
- For authentic Asian flavors, use short-grain sushi rice or jasmine rice.
- If you prefer a low-carb version, swap it with cauliflower rice or quinoa.
Best Ways to Serve This Dish
This Savory Chicken Bowl with Sriracha Mayo Drizzle can be enjoyed in different ways based on how you serve it:
✔ Traditional Bowl: Serve it in a deep bowl with all ingredients neatly arranged and topped with extra sesame seeds and a lime wedge.
✔ Wrap or Burrito: Use a large tortilla and wrap everything inside for a handheld meal.
✔ Lettuce Wraps: Skip the rice and use large romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative.
✔ Bento Box Style: Pack this dish in meal prep containers with individual compartments for a fresh, on-the-go lunch.
Health Benefits of This Dish
This recipe is not just about taste—it’s packed with essential nutrients that make it a healthy choice:
🥩 Protein-Packed: Chicken thighs are rich in lean protein, which promotes muscle growth and keeps you satisfied longer.
🌱 Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Carrots, spinach, and edamame provide vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and fiber, supporting immune health and digestion.
🌾 Balanced Carbs: White rice provides quick energy, but you can substitute brown rice or quinoa for additional fiber and slow-digesting carbohydrates.
🌶 Boosts Metabolism: The Sriracha mayo contains capsaicin, which is known to help increase metabolism and promote fat-burning.
🧄 Gut-Friendly Ingredients: The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar provides natural probiotics that support digestion.
Variations & Substitutions
This bowl is easy to customize based on dietary preferences or available ingredients:
✅ Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with crispy tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms.
✅ Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and swap the mirin for apple cider vinegar with a pinch of honey.
✅ Low-Carb/Keto: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice and replace honey with monk fruit sweetener.
✅ Extra Protein Boost: Add a soft-boiled egg or extra edamame for additional protein.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
📌 Refrigeration: Store the components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
📌 Freezing: The marinated uncooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
📌 Reheating: Gently reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, then top with fresh veggies and sauce before serving.
Why This Recipe is Amazing
✔ Quick and Easy – Ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
✔ Packed with Protein – Chicken and edamame ensure you stay full and satisfied.
✔ Well-Balanced Meal – Includes carbs, protein, healthy fats, and fiber for a complete dish.
✔ Customizable – Easily swap ingredients based on dietary needs or personal preferences.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Store components separately for fresh, ready-to-go meals during the week.
A Breakdown of the Ingredients
Every ingredient in this bowl is chosen for maximum flavor and nutrition:
- Chicken Thighs – Juicy, tender, and full of flavor when marinated and seared. You can also use chicken breast, tofu, or shrimp for variations.
- Mirin & Soy Sauce – Adds sweetness and umami depth to the marinade. If you’re avoiding soy, use tamari or coconut aminos.
- Rice Vinegar – Brightens up the marinade and adds a tangy balance to the dish.
- Honey – A touch of sweetness helps caramelize the chicken beautifully.
- Garlic Chili Paste – Adds a bit of heat to the chicken marinade, complementing the sriracha drizzle.
- Sriracha Mayo – A creamy, spicy sauce that brings everything together. Adjust the sriracha level based on your spice preference.
- Vegetables (Carrots, Cucumber, Spinach, Edamame) – Provides crunch, freshness, and nutrients to balance out the richness of the chicken.
- White Rice – Serves as a neutral base that absorbs all the delicious flavors. Swap for brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa for a healthier version.
- Sesame Seeds – Adds a nutty crunch for extra texture and flavor.
Conclusion
The Savory Chicken Bowl with Sriracha Mayo Drizzle is the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a fantastic addition to your weekly meal plan. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious weeknight dinner, a meal prep-friendly dish, or a vibrant lunch option, this bowl has it all.
With its bold, savory flavors, customizable ingredients, and effortless preparation, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!