Thai Peanut Chicken Buddha Bowl

If you love meals that are fast, colorful, and seriously satisfying, this Thai Peanut Chicken Buddha Bowl is about to earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation. It’s the kind of dish that saves busy lunches and makes weeknight dinners feel exciting again. Tender, seasoned chicken, fluffy grains, crisp vegetables, and a creamy peanut sauce come together in one nourishing bowl that’s inspired by the bold, balanced flavors of Thailand—sweet, savory, tangy, and just a little nutty. It’s wholesome comfort food that still feels fresh and energizing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in protein and balanced with fiber-rich grains and veggies
• Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
• Perfect for meal prep or quick lunches
• Creamy homemade peanut sauce that beats store-bought
• Easy to customize with different proteins or vegetables

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breast – Lean protein that stays juicy when cooked quickly
• Garlic powder – Adds savory depth without overpowering
• Ground ginger – Brings warm, aromatic flavor
• Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken evenly
• Olive oil – Helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken
• Cooked brown rice or quinoa – Hearty, filling base for the bowl
• Carrots – Add crunch and natural sweetness
• English cucumber – Fresh and cooling contrast
• Red bell pepper – Slightly sweet with vibrant color
• Edamame – Boosts plant-based protein and texture
• Creamy peanut butter – The rich foundation of the sauce
• Low-sodium soy sauce – Salty umami balance
• Rice vinegar – Adds brightness and acidity
• Honey – Soft sweetness that rounds out the sauce
• Sesame oil – Nutty aroma that ties everything together
• Warm water – Helps thin the sauce to the perfect drizzle
• Green onions – Fresh garnish with mild bite
• Sesame seeds – Add crunch and visual appeal

How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken Buddha Bowl

Season and Cook the Chicken

Place the sliced chicken breast in a bowl and season with garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and black pepper. Let it sit for about 5 minutes at room temperature so the flavors absorb evenly.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips in a single layer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning.

Make the Creamy Peanut Sauce

While the chicken cooks, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Add warm water one tablespoon at a time until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and easily drizzleable. Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.

Assemble the Buddha Bowls

Divide the cooked brown rice or quinoa evenly among four bowls. Arrange the carrots, cucumber, red bell pepper, and edamame in sections to create a vibrant base.

Top each bowl with sliced chicken, then drizzle generously with peanut sauce. Finish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.

Tips for Success

• Slice the chicken evenly so it cooks quickly and stays tender
• Warm the peanut butter slightly if it’s thick to make whisking easier
• Prep vegetables ahead of time for faster assembly
• Taste the sauce before serving and adjust to your preference

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Knife and cutting board

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian version: Swap chicken for crispy baked tofu or tempeh
• Spicy twist: Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the peanut sauce
• Low-carb option: Use cauliflower rice instead of grains
• Seafood swap: Replace chicken with shrimp for a lighter bowl

Serving Suggestions

This bowl is satisfying on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad, miso-style soup, or extra steamed edamame. For entertaining, set everything out buffet-style and let everyone build their own bowl.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, store the components separately in airtight containers for up to two days and assemble just before eating.

Is the peanut sauce very sweet?
It’s balanced, not overly sweet. You can reduce or increase the honey to taste.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. It’s a great shortcut for even faster meals.

What’s the best grain for this bowl?
Brown rice and quinoa both work well, but jasmine rice is also delicious.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it fully gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Thai Peanut Chicken Buddha Bowl is proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. It’s creamy, crunchy, hearty, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or throwing together a quick dinner, this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Try it out, customize it, and share how you made it your own.

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