Sesame Ginger Chicken Bowl

Name: Sesame Ginger Chicken Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced; 1 cup carrots, julienned; 1 cup snap peas; 4 green onions, chopped; Sesame seeds for garnish; 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice

Highlighted under: International Taste Journey

Whenever I'm craving a delicious and fulfilling meal, I turn to this Sesame Ginger Chicken Bowl. It's not only packed with flavor but also easy to prepare, making it a go-to in my kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty sesame-ginger dressing creates a satisfying dish that feels both indulgent and healthy. I particularly love how it brings together different textures and tastes, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether it's for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, this recipe never disappoints.

Created by

Noah

Last updated on 2026-02-23T15:10:19.559Z

This Sesame Ginger Chicken Bowl quickly became a staple in my home. The first time I made it, I was amazed at how simple yet flavorful it was. The marinade infuses the chicken with a delicious depth, and I love the vibrant colors of the bell peppers and carrots. A tip I picked up is to let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes for an even richer flavor.

I also enjoy customizing it by adding whatever seasonal veggies I have on hand. It’s a versatile recipe that I can adapt, ensuring it never feels repetitive. Pairing the chicken with quinoa or brown rice enhances the meal's nutritional profile while keeping it satisfying and wholesome.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Irresistible tangy and savory flavors that excite your palate
Nutritious and colorful, perfect to brighten any meal
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights

Mastering the Chicken Marinade

The marinade is key to elevating this Sesame Ginger Chicken Bowl. Combining the soy sauce, sesame oil, fresh ginger, garlic, honey, and rice vinegar creates a balanced blend of savory and sweet. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes; however, marinating for up to two hours enhances the flavor even more. To ensure that the chicken absorbs the marinade effectively, consider using a zip-top bag for even coverage, making it easier to incorporate all the ingredients.

Pay attention to the balance of flavors in your marinade. If you prefer a sweeter dish, feel free to add an extra half tablespoon of honey. Conversely, you could increase the soy sauce if you like more umami as it enhances the overall depth of flavor in the chicken. Every bite should deliver a harmonious taste, so don’t hesitate to adjust to your palate!

Cooking Techniques for Perfectly Browned Chicken

When cooking the marinated chicken, preheat your skillet over medium-high heat. This temperature is crucial for achieving that lovely brown crust on the outside, which adds flavor and texture. If you find the chicken is sticking to the skillet, it may not have reached the right temperature yet; give it another minute before attempting to turn it. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.

After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for around 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps retain the juices within the chicken, keeping it tender when you serve it. Slice against the grain for the best texture; it makes each piece more tender and enjoyable to eat. If sliced properly, the chicken will maintain its juicy character and blend beautifully with the vegetables and grains.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

This Sesame Ginger Chicken Bowl is highly adaptable! If you're looking to incorporate more greens, consider adding bok choy or broccoli to the sauté. Not only do these add color, but they also boost the nutritional value of the dish. You could also replace the quinoa or brown rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that still satisfies without compromising on flavor.

For additional texture and crunch, try topping your bowl with sliced almonds or a handful of crispy onions. These contrasts make each bite exciting! I enjoy adding a drizzle of spicy chili oil for an extra kick, but adjust based on your spice preference. You can also meal prep this bowl by keeping the chicken, vegetables, and base stored separately in the fridge, then combine when ready to serve, which helps maintain their individual textures.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before you start cooking.

For the Chicken

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar

For the Vegetables

2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
1 cup carrots, julienned
1 cup snap peas
4 green onions, chopped
Sesame seeds for garnish

For Serving

2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready.

Instructions

Follow these instructions to make your dish come together.

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, honey, and rice vinegar. Add the chicken thighs and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove and let rest before slicing.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. Sauté for about 5 minutes until tender-crisp.

Assemble the Bowl

In bowls, layer the quinoa or rice, sautéed vegetables, and sliced chicken. Top with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Enjoy your delicious Sesame Ginger Chicken Bowl!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade. Feel free to mix up the vegetables based on what's in season.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator, where they can last up to 3 days. To keep the textures intact, especially for the vegetables, consider reheating them separately in a non-stick skillet or microwave, rather than combining the entire bowl. This will prevent the vegetables from becoming mushy and ensure the chicken remains juicy.

When reheating, do so slowly over low to medium heat to maintain moisture. If you find the chicken appears dry, a splash of water or broth can help rejuvenate it, and cover the skillet to keep the moisture in. For meal prep, consider separating components into individual containers to make reheating them smoother and more efficient.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter issues with the chicken sticking to the skillet, make sure your skillet is well-oiled and properly preheated. Non-stick pans are also a great option to prevent sticking. Should your chicken cook too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside, lower the heat a bit and cover the skillet for part of the cooking process. This allows the chicken to cook through while still developing a nice brown crust.

To avoid overcooking your vegetables, monitor them closely while sautéing. You want them to be tender but still maintain a slight crunch. If they begin to soften too quickly, remove them from the skillet immediately to prevent sogginess. If you find yourself with overcooked veggies, integrating them into a stir-fry or soup can salvage your meal!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may require a slightly shorter cooking time.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by substituting soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! The chicken can be marinated a day ahead, and you can store the cooked dish in the fridge for up to three days.

→ What can I substitute for honey?

Agave syrup or maple syrup are great substitutes for honey in this recipe.