Are you ready to elevate your meal prep game with a burst of vibrant Vietnamese flavors? These Vietnamese Chicken Meal Prep Bowls are not just a feast for the eyes but also a deliciously healthy way to kickstart your week! With tender, marinated chicken nestled atop fluffy jasmine rice and a colorful medley of fresh veggies, this recipe is a surefire way to keep your taste buds dancing and your meal prep efficient. Plus, it takes just 45 minutes from start to finish! Dive in and discover how easy it is to create a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delightful!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, and honey to create a marinade for the chicken.
- Add sliced chicken breast to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature to absorb flavors.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from marinade and cook in the hot skillet, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- While chicken is cooking, prepare the vegetable components by shredding carrots and red cabbage using a grater or food processor.
- If rice is not already prepared, cook jasmine rice according to package instructions. For meal prep, ensure rice is fluffy and not sticky.
- Divide cooked rice evenly among four meal prep containers, creating a base layer.
- Top each rice portion with the cooked marinated chicken, distributing evenly.
- Add shredded carrots and red cabbage alongside the chicken in each container.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for added flavor and color.
- Allow meals to cool completely before sealing containers and refrigerating. These meal prep bowls will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored properly.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for the full 15 minutes. This step is crucial for infusing the meat with the rich umami flavors of soy and fish sauce.
- Use High Heat: When cooking the chicken, ensure your skillet is hot enough to achieve a nice sear. This not only enhances the flavor but also gives the chicken a pleasing texture.
- Prep Your Veggies Ahead: To save time, shred the carrots and red cabbage in advance. You can even do this the night before and store them in the fridge for quick assembly.
- Perfectly Cooked Rice: For fluffy jasmine rice, rinse it under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch. This prevents the rice from becoming sticky and ensures a light texture.
- Customize Your Bowls: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas to your meal prep bowls for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Store Properly: Let the meal prep bowls cool completely before sealing them. This helps maintain freshness and prevents condensation inside the containers.
- Reheat with Care: When you're ready to enjoy your meal, reheat gently in the microwave to keep the chicken tender and the veggies crisp.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 329kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 39g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 94mg
