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Packed with whole grains, fresh veggies, and a crave-worthy peanut sauce — so healthy, hearty and full of flavor!
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We’ve been making this recipe for years. This is by far my favorite dish to make and enjoy. It’s incredibly versatile—if you don’t have chicken, you can easily substitute with shrimp or tofu. No farro on hand? Brown or white rice works just as well. The peanut sauce is absolutely amazing, and I always make a double batch because we love the leftovers. We finish it off with diced jalapeños as a topping for a little kick. While there’s a bit of prep work involved, it is so worth it.
why i love this recipe
Great for meal prep. Buddha bowls is a nutritious recipe where you can conveniently meal prep and assemble everything ahead of time to get you through the week.
So customizable. This recipe is a great starting point, and you can easily substitute your favorite grains, protein and veggies to what you have on hand, and based on seasonality + personal preference.
what exactly is a buddha bowl
Buddha bowls, sometimes referred to as glory or hippie bowls, are hearty, filling dishes made of various greens, raw or roasted veggies, beans and a healthy grain like quinoa or brown rice. It’s essentially a hearty bowl filled with nutrients and vitamins that aid in weight loss and/or overall health.
power ingredients for thai chicken buddha bowl
Whole grains. Farro is a far superior whole grain with more protein and fiber than other grains such as brown rice or white rice.
Protein. Chicken thighs (or breasts) get cooked in a saucy, umami-garlicky-gingery mixture until perfectly golden brown, adding protein and bulk to your buddha bowl.
Vegetables. We have leafy greens, purple cabbage, bean sprouts and carrots, a rainbow of veggies here – the more colors we have, the more nutrients we are getting.
Bonus sauce. This recipe includes the dreamiest peanut sauce that you’ll want to put on anything and everything.
buddha bowl variations
Grains
Farro, quinoa, couscous, brown rice, white rice or even cauliflower rice can be used.
Protein
Use chicken breast or thighs, chicken or turkey meatballs, or substitute tofu, tempeh or hard boiled eggs for a vegetarian option.
Vegetables
Mix up the veggies and swap in different options such as butternut squash, sweet potato, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, green beans and snap peas.
Leafy greens
This is a great opportunity to sneak in some leafy greens for those picky eaters. Spinach, kale, collard greens, swiss chard or arugula are all great options.
Fruits
There are also many fruit options available for a sweeter touch such as strawberries, blueberries, oranges and apples.
tips and tricks for success
Make ahead of time. Save time by prepping the farro, chicken and peanut sauce 1-2 days in advance, and dicing the vegetables 1-2 days prior and storing all the contents in separate airtight containers in the fridge.
Fish sauce is a hero. Fish sauce is a key ingredient here, balancing out the flavors, and adding saltiness and umami without overpowering it. A little bit goes a long way.
Make it mild. Need a toned-down peanut sauce for the littles? Skip the sambal oelek!
Add the sauce right before serving. Drizzle the peanut sauce prior to serving to preserve the texture and prevent sogginess.
Thai Chicken Buddha Bowls: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken breasts can absolutely be used here but chicken thighs have more dark meat and a higher fat content which will yield juicier, more flavorful chicken.
What does fish sauce taste like?
Fish sauce has a strong, pungent “fishy” smell but when cooked, it brings in savory, salty, umami goodness.
What is sambal oelek?
Sambal oelek is a type of chili paste from Indonesia, and can be found in most grocery store chains in the Asian foods section.
How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Thai Chicken Buddha Bowls
Yield: 4servings
Prep: 20 minutesminutes
Cook: 30 minutesminutes
Total: 50 minutesminutes
Packed with whole grains, fresh veggies, and a crave-worthy peanut sauce — so healthy, hearty and full of flavor!
To make the spicy peanut sauce, whisk together peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, sambal oelek and 2-3 tablespoons water in a small bowl; set aside.
Cook farro according to package instructions; set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together chicken stock, sambal oelek, brown sugar and lime juice; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine chicken, cornstarch and fish sauce, tossing to coat and letting the chicken absorb the cornstarch.
Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden, about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic, shallot and ginger, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in the chicken stock mixture until slightly thickened, about 1 minute; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Divide farro into bowls. Top with chicken, kale, cabbage, bean sprouts, carrots, cilantro and peanuts.
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