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Garlic Sesame Chicken Bowls

Garlic Sesame Chicken Bowls

The ultimate comfort food, these Garlic Sesame Chicken Bowls are a blend of juicy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners, this recipe will satisfy your cravings while keeping mealtime simple and delicious. Try making it tonight!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 to 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs
  • ⅓ cup coconut aminos
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • Quick Pickled Vegetables
  • 4 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 large ripe avocado
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Equipment

  • Large 12-inch Skillet

Method
 

  1. Begin by preparing a batch of quick pickled vegetables. This can be done 3 to 4 days ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld as they sit in the refrigerator. Select your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, cucumbers, and radishes, and slice them thinly.
  2. In a small bowl, stir together the marinade ingredients. Combine coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Make sure everything is mixed well.
  3. Chop the boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Transfer the chicken to a large zip-lock bag, and pour the marinade over the top. Seal the bag and gently massage the chicken to ensure every piece is well-coated with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes; for best results, let it marinate for several hours or even overnight.
  4. While the chicken is marinating, cook the brown rice according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes, so start this step early to ensure everything is ready at the same time.
  5. When you’re ready to cook the chicken, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes. Make sure the pan is hot enough to sear the chicken.
  6. Transfer the marinated chicken to the skillet, including all the marinade, and let it cook. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. You’ll want to keep an eye on the chicken as it turns golden brown and begins to caramelize. This should take about 5 to 8 minutes.
  7. As the chicken cooks, the marinade will evaporate and thicken into a sauce. Look for the chicken to be cooked through and tender, with a nice golden color. Ensure there’s enough sauce left for drizzling over the finished bowls.
  8. Once the chicken is done, assemble your bowls. Start with a base of the cooked brown rice. Load the bowls with the sticky chicken, add your quick pickled vegetables, and finish with slices of creamy avocado.
  9. If you’d like, sprinkle everything with sesame seeds and/or chopped green onions for an extra touch. Enjoy your delicious and colorful meal!
  10. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This dish makes for excellent meal prep as the flavors only get better with time.

Notes

When storing leftovers, keep rice and chicken separated to maintain texture. Freezing is possible but for best quality, consume within 3 months. You can also mix up the veggies for variety!