Are you ready to elevate your meal prep game with a dish that bursts with flavor and nutrition? Introducing the Meal Prep Thai Chicken Grain Bowl with Peanut Dressing—a vibrant, wholesome recipe that will tantalize your taste buds and keep your weeknight dinners exciting! Packed with protein, colorful veggies, and a creamy peanut dressing that ties it all together, this grain bowl is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that you won't want to miss. With just 50 minutes of your time, you can prepare four delicious servings that are perfect for busy days ahead. Dive into this delightful recipe and discover how easy it is to enjoy the flavors of Thailand in the comfort of your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients and kitchen tools. You will need a cutting board, knife, medium saucepan, mixing bowl, whisk, and meal prep containers.
- Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This helps to remove any bitterness from the quinoa.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed all the water and is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and set aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- In a mixing bowl, prepare the peanut dressing. Combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and minced ginger. Whisk together until smooth and well combined. If the dressing is too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the quinoa has finished resting, fluff it with a fork and divide it evenly among your meal prep containers as the base of the grain bowl.
- Top the quinoa with the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, and chopped green onions, distributing them evenly among the containers.
- Drizzle the peanut dressing over each bowl, ensuring that each serving gets a generous amount.
- Allow the meal prep bowls to cool to room temperature before sealing them with lids and storing them in the refrigerator. These bowls can be enjoyed cold or reheated in the microwave when ready to eat.
- Enjoy your Meal Prep Thai Chicken Grain Bowl with Peanut Dressing throughout the week!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time during the week, consider chopping your vegetables and marinating the chicken the night before. This way, all you have to do is cook and assemble when you're ready to eat!
- Quinoa Rinse: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This step removes the saponins, which can give quinoa a bitter taste, ensuring your grain bowl is perfectly flavorful.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Broccoli, snap peas, or even spinach can add a delightful crunch and extra nutrients.
- Peanut Dressing Consistency: If your peanut dressing is too thick, thin it out with a splash of water or additional lime juice until it reaches your desired consistency. This will help it drizzle beautifully over your grain bowl.
- Storage Solutions: Invest in good-quality meal prep containers that keep your bowls fresh. Glass containers are a great option as they are microwave and dishwasher safe, making reheating and cleaning a breeze.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or chopped peanuts on top before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a satisfying crunch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 85mg
