Ingredients
8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1.2 pounds or approximately 545 grams), cut in half
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 ½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 ½ cups white jasmine or brown rice
2 ½ cups water (more if using brown rice)
½ teaspoon salt for rice
Sweet corn (amount as desired, typically ¼ to ½ cup)
Sliced radishes (about ¼ cup)
Grated carrot (about ¼ cup)
Diced cucumber (about ¼ cup)
Sliced red onion (about ¼ cup)
Avocado (1 whole, sliced)
Cherry tomatoes (about ½ cup)
Cooked peas (about ¼ cup)
Grilled red peppers (about ¼ cup)
1 garlic clove for Cilantro Lime Sauce
3 pickled jalapeño slices for Cilantro Lime Sauce
a handful of cilantro for Cilantro Lime Sauce
1 tablespoon chives for Cilantro Lime Sauce
juice of ½ lime for Cilantro Lime Sauce
2 tablespoons mayonnaise for Cilantro Lime Sauce
3 tablespoons yogurt for Cilantro Lime Sauce
2 tablespoons water for Cilantro Lime Sauce
¼ teaspoon salt for Cilantro Lime Sauce
¼ cup peanut butter for Peanut Butter Honey Soy Sauce
2 tablespoons honey for Peanut Butter Honey Soy Sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce for Peanut Butter Honey Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar for Peanut Butter Honey Soy Sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil for Peanut Butter Honey Soy Sauce
½ teaspoon garlic for Peanut Butter Honey Soy Sauce
½ teaspoon ginger for Peanut Butter Honey Soy Sauce
1 teaspoon chili flakes for Peanut Butter Honey Soy Sauce
warm water to thin (as needed) for Peanut Butter Honey Soy Sauce
3 tablespoons mild Peri Peri sauce for Creamy Peri Peri Sauce
½ tablespoon tomato paste for Creamy Peri Peri Sauce
1 teaspoon honey for Creamy Peri Peri Sauce
1 garlic clove for Creamy Peri Peri Sauce
½ teaspoon smoked paprika for Creamy Peri Peri Sauce
¼ cup light cream for Creamy Peri Peri Sauce
Instructions
1-First, trim excess fat and cut the chicken thighs in half. Then, season them thoroughly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne for a kick. This step sets the foundation for juicy, flavorful chicken that pairs perfectly with the rice and veggies.
2-Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until it’s golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you’re short on time, air fry it at 400°F (204°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway, to keep things light and fast.
3-While the chicken rests, rinse the rice under cold water until clear. Boil 2 ½ cups of water with ½ teaspoon salt, add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook white rice for 15-20 minutes or brown rice for up to 40 minutes. Let it rest covered off the heat for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork for that light texture.
4-Now, prepare your chosen sauce. For cilantro lime, blend all ingredients until smooth. For peanut butter honey soy, whisk the peanut butter with warm water first, then add the rest. For creamy Peri Peri, mix and warm the ingredients gently on the stove. These sauces add that wow factor to your bowl.
5-Chop your fresh vegetables for toppings, and quickly boil or soak frozen peas or corn. Slice avocado and cucumber right before serving to keep them crisp. Finally, assemble each bowl with about 1 cup rice, 5 oz (approximately 140 grams) sliced chicken, ¼ to ½ cup of 4 or more vegetable toppings, and drizzle with 2-3 tablespoons of sauce. This step-by-step makes meal prep fun and efficient.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🍳 Pan-frying yields richer flavor and juicier chicken; air-frying is quicker and lighter.
🕒 Use store-bought rice or frozen vegetables to save time.
🥜 Sauces are versatile: yogurt can replace mayonnaise; almond butter can substitute peanut butter.
🌰 Add toasted nuts, seeds, or feta cheese for extra texture and flavor.
🧊 Store chicken, rice, and sauces separately for up to 4 days; freeze chicken and sauces for longer storage.
🗓️ Prepare components ahead for easy assembly; chop delicate veggies fresh.
🔥 Serve bowls warm or at room temperature for easy meals.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying, boiling, assembling
- Cuisine: Various
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
