Thai Chicken Buddha Bowls are a vibrant, healthy, and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Combining hearty farro, tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a bold spicy peanut sauce, this dish is flavorful, nutritious, and endlessly customizable. It’s a balanced bowl packed with textures and tastes inspired by Thai cuisine.
Ingredients
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup farro
- ¼ cup chicken stock
- 1 ½ tablespoons sambal oelek (ground fresh chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded kale
- 1 ½ cups shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 carrots, peeled and grated
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts
For the Spicy Peanut Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons sambal oelek (ground fresh chili paste)
Directions
- Make the Peanut Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, sambal oelek, and 2–3 tablespoons of water until smooth. Set aside. - Cook the Farro:
Cook farro according to package instructions. Set aside. - Prepare the Chicken:
In a small bowl, whisk together chicken stock, sambal oelek, brown sugar, and lime juice. Set aside.
In a large bowl, toss chicken chunks with cornstarch and fish sauce until evenly coated. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 3–5 minutes.
Add garlic, shallot, and ginger. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Pour in the chicken stock mixture and cook until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the cooked farro into bowls. Top with chicken, kale, cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots, cilantro, and peanuts. - Serve:
Drizzle with the spicy peanut sauce and enjoy immediately!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 10g
Enjoy a nutritious and flavorful meal with this customizable and colorful Thai Chicken Buddha Bowl!
Exploring the Allure of Thai Chicken Buddha Bowls
Thai Chicken Buddha Bowls are a feast for the senses, combining bright colors, bold flavors, and nourishing ingredients into one harmonious dish. Rooted in the concept of balance and inspired by Thai cuisine, this dish offers a satisfying and customizable meal that is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep for the week. With a perfect medley of hearty farro, juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a spicy peanut sauce, this bowl exemplifies the idea of healthy eating without sacrificing flavor.
The Art of the Buddha Bowl
The term “Buddha bowl” refers to a bowl overflowing with nutritious ingredients, often symbolizing a “rounded” meal full of balance and abundance. Each bowl typically features a blend of grains, protein, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful dressing or sauce. Thai Chicken Buddha Bowls take this concept to the next level by incorporating the bold, aromatic flavors of Thai cuisine. These bowls are a symphony of textures and tastes, where every bite offers a unique experience—crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, nutty farro, and the creamy kick of peanut sauce.
A Nutritional Powerhouse
One of the most appealing aspects of Thai Chicken Buddha Bowls is their nutritional profile. Packed with protein, fiber, healthy fats, and a variety of vitamins and minerals, this dish is both nourishing and energizing. Farro, the base of the bowl, is a nutrient-dense ancient grain that is high in fiber, protein, and antioxidants. It provides a satisfying chew and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the other components.
The chicken, coated in a flavorful mixture of sambal oelek, lime juice, and fish sauce, is not only delicious but also a lean source of protein. Fresh vegetables like kale, cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts add an abundance of vitamins and minerals while contributing to the bowl’s vibrant presentation. Topping it off, the spicy peanut sauce brings a dose of healthy fats and an irresistible combination of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors.
Customization and Versatility
One of the greatest strengths of Thai Chicken Buddha Bowls is their adaptability. These bowls can easily be tailored to suit dietary preferences or the ingredients you have on hand. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Swap farro for quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice if you prefer a gluten-free option. The fresh vegetables can also be adjusted to suit personal taste or seasonal availability—think spinach, bell peppers, or snap peas.
The spicy peanut sauce is the star of the show, but it can be modified as well. For a less spicy version, reduce the amount of sambal oelek, or add a splash of coconut milk for a milder and creamier finish. If you’re a fan of extra heat, consider topping your bowl with sliced chili peppers or a drizzle of sriracha.
A Celebration of Thai Flavors
Thai cuisine is celebrated for its intricate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, and this Buddha bowl delivers on all fronts. The peanut sauce, with its creamy peanut butter, zesty lime juice, savory soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, captures the essence of Thai culinary traditions. The marinated chicken brings layers of flavor with its tangy lime juice and umami-packed fish sauce, while the vegetables and fresh herbs contribute refreshing crunch and fragrance.
Perfect for Meal Prep
For those who lead busy lives, Thai Chicken Buddha Bowls are a fantastic option for meal prep. Each component can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately. Cook a batch of farro, grill or sauté the chicken, chop the vegetables, and whisk up the peanut sauce in advance. When it’s time to eat, simply assemble the bowls and drizzle with the sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love Thai Chicken Buddha Bowls
- Balanced Nutrition: Each bowl is a balanced meal containing carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and fiber, ensuring sustained energy and satiety.
- Flavor Explosion: With the combination of spicy, tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, every bite is a culinary adventure.
- Visual Appeal: The vibrant colors of the fresh vegetables make this dish as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.
- Adaptability: Perfect for accommodating dietary preferences and utilizing ingredients you already have.
- Ease of Preparation: While the dish might seem complex, the straightforward steps make it approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
A Feast for All Occasions
Whether you’re serving this dish as a casual family dinner, a vibrant addition to a potluck, or a stylish meal for guests, Thai Chicken Buddha Bowls are sure to impress. Their versatility and appeal make them an excellent choice for any occasion.
Conclusion
Thai Chicken Buddha Bowls are much more than just a meal; they are an experience of flavor, texture, and nourishment. Rooted in Thai culinary traditions and the concept of balance, these bowls are a testament to how healthy eating can be both enjoyable and satisfying. Their vibrant presentation, bold flavors, and adaptability make them a standout dish for anyone looking to elevate their meal repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or loved ones, these bowls promise a delightful culinary journey with every bite. So grab your favorite bowl, gather your ingredients, and savor the harmony of flavors in this colorful, wholesome dish.
Thai Chicken Buddha Bowls are a vibrant, healthy, and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Combining hearty farro, tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a bold spicy peanut sauce, this dish is flavorful, nutritious, and endlessly customizable. It’s a balanced bowl packed with textures and tastes inspired by Thai cuisine.
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Thai Chicken Buddha Bowls
Description
Thai Chicken Buddha Bowls are a vibrant, healthy, and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Combining hearty farro, tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a bold spicy peanut sauce, this dish is flavorful, nutritious, and endlessly customizable. It’s a balanced bowl packed with textures and tastes inspired by Thai cuisine.
Ingredients
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup farro
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sambal oelek (ground fresh chili paste)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded kale
- 1 1/2 cups shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 2 carrots, peeled and grated
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
For the Spicy Peanut Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons sambal oelek (ground fresh chili paste)
Instructions
- Make the Peanut Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, sambal oelek, and 2–3 tablespoons of water until smooth. Set aside. - Cook the Farro:
Cook farro according to package instructions. Set aside. - Prepare the Chicken:
In a small bowl, whisk together chicken stock, sambal oelek, brown sugar, and lime juice. Set aside.
In a large bowl, toss chicken chunks with cornstarch and fish sauce until evenly coated. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 3–5 minutes.
Add garlic, shallot, and ginger. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Pour in the chicken stock mixture and cook until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the cooked farro into bowls. Top with chicken, kale, cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots, cilantro, and peanuts. - Serve:
Drizzle with the spicy peanut sauce and enjoy immediately!
- Category: Lunch