Say hello to a classic Monday-trying-to-be-healthy recipe.
Like many Mondays, this one promises vegetables and balance — and then by Friday you might be eating buttered things and sipping tequila. But for now: quinoa, vegetables and a bright, saucy bowl.
This bowl isn’t strictly virtuous — I enjoy sneaking in the things I love and calling the whole dish “health food.” Still, quinoa is a satisfying base and an easy vehicle for bold Thai-inspired flavors. The sauce used here is one I reach for all the time: sticky, tangy, slightly sweet and perfect for tossing with chicken and crunchy vegetables.
I first used this sauce on sticky Thai chicken wings and a Thai crunch chicken salad, and it’s become a weekly staple. It turns up on nachos, burgers, noodles — or straight from a spoon if you’re not careful.
Thai Chicken Quinoa Bowl
Yield:
2
30
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
- 1 chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1/3 cup chopped carrots
- 1/3 cup shelled edamame
- 1/3 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
sauce
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon canned coconut milk
- 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon creamy peanut butter (mixes easier if melted)
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 lime, juice
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
-
Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Most packages call for 1 cup of liquid for this amount; low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock adds extra flavor if you have it.
-
While the quinoa cooks, whisk together all sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Once the quinoa has absorbed the liquid, stir in the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Add shredded chicken, carrots, edamame and green onions; toss to combine. Taste and adjust with a little salt and pepper if needed. Stir in half of the peanuts and cilantro, then plate the bowls and top with the remaining peanuts and cilantro. This pairs nicely with a simple salad, soup or a small sandwich.
Main Course
Thai
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So many veggies — and a bright, flavorful sauce that keeps this bowl from feeling boring.