Name: Chicken Poke Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp honey or agave syrup; 1 cup brown rice; 1 cucumber, julienned; 2 medium carrots, shredded; 1 ripe avocado, diced; 3 green onions, sliced; 2 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted); 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (optional)

Jump to Recipe·5 from 26 reviews

Welcome to a fresh and vibrant take on dinner: the Chicken Poke Bowl is all about mixing juicy, marinated chicken with crisp vegetables and nutty brown rice for a bowl bursting with color, flavor, and satisfaction. Whether you need a healthy meal for a casual family night or want to impress friends at your next potluck, this dish is endlessly customizable and surprisingly easy to pull together. Dive in and find out why the Chicken Poke Bowl deserves a spot in your weeknight dinner rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Chicken Poke Bowl comes from combining simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring texture, taste, or a pop of color. These staples work together to create a balanced, nourishing meal that’s just as stunning on the table as it is delicious in every bite.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken keeps things lean and absorbs all the delicious marinade for maximum flavor.
Brown rice: Nutty and hearty, brown rice is the perfect grainy base for poke bowls—and it adds fiber and staying power.
Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, cucumber brings a cool crunch to offset the warm chicken and rice.
Carrots: Shredded carrots add vibrant color and a gentle sweetness that brightens every bite.
Avocado: Rich and creamy, diced avocado is the perfect finishing touch for a luxurious bowl.
Green onions: A sprinkle of green onions imparts a subtle oniony kick without overpowering the dish.
Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds enhance the texture and bring an irresistible nuttiness.
Soy sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps the seasoning balanced and not too salty—essential for the marinade!
Sriracha sauce: For those who like a little zip, a drizzle of sriracha adds heat and character (completely optional).
Rice vinegar: This gives the marinade a light, tangy lift and helps tenderize the chicken.
Honey or agave syrup: Just a touch of sweetness mellows the savory flavors and rounds out the umami.

How to Make Chicken Poke Bowl

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start with your flavor foundation: in a medium bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and your choice of honey or agave syrup. Add the chicken breasts, turning them so they’re fully coated, and let them absorb all that delicious marinade for at least 30 minutes. The longer you marinate, the more flavor you’ll get—so feel free to prep early!

Step 2: Cook the Rice

While your chicken marinates, give the brown rice a quick rinse under cold water to remove excess starch—it’ll make the grains fluffier. Cook the rice according to the package directions, then cover and let it steam off the heat until you’re ready to assemble the Chicken Poke Bowl. Fluffy rice makes all the difference!

Step 3: Sear and Cook the Chicken

Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and sear each side for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (the juices should run clear and the internal temp reaches 165°F). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing—this keeps it juicy and tender in your Chicken Poke Bowl.

Step 4: Prep the Veggies and Garnishes

While the chicken is cooking, get your veggies ready: julienne the cucumber for the ideal crunch, shred carrots for a pop of color and sweetness, slice green onions, and dice your avocado just before serving so it stays perfectly green. Laying everything out makes assembly quick and easy.

Step 5: Assemble Your Chicken Poke Bowl

To build your bowl, start with a generous scoop of warm brown rice. Top with chicken slices, then arrange cucumber, shredded carrots, green onions, and avocado in colorful sections. Finish with toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of sriracha if you’re after extra zing. Serve immediately and bask in the rainbow!

How to Serve Chicken Poke Bowl

Garnishes

A well-chosen garnish takes your Chicken Poke Bowl from simple to sensational. Sprinkle with extra toasted sesame seeds, a pinch of crushed nori, or even a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Microgreens, radish slices, or a drizzle of sriracha-mayo add another layer of visual and flavor excitement. Don’t be afraid to play!

Side Dishes

While the Chicken Poke Bowl is absolutely satisfying on its own, pairing it with simple sides can make it a complete feast. Try serving it alongside a miso soup, edamame, or a light seaweed salad. A side of pickled ginger is perfect for cleansing the palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, turn the Chicken Poke Bowl into a fun DIY bar where everyone customizes their own creation. Set up bowls with all the toppings and let guests mix and match. Or, for a playful touch, serve them in mason jars for an utterly Instagrammable, portable meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover components of your Chicken Poke Bowl are best stored separately to keep everything fresh. Place the chicken, rice, and vegetables in individual airtight containers in the refrigerator. This way, you can quickly assemble a fresh bowl whenever hunger strikes.

Freezing

While the chicken and rice freeze beautifully, it’s best to avoid freezing the fresh veggies and avocado, as their textures can suffer. Freeze chicken and rice in sealed containers for up to three months, then add fresh toppings just before serving for the best Chicken Poke Bowl experience.

Reheating

When you’re ready for another bowl, gently reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Keep the veggies and avocado chilled until just before serving to maintain their crispness and color.

FAQs

Can I use a different grain instead of brown rice?

Absolutely! While brown rice is classic for its heartiness and nutrition, feel free to swap in white rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version. The Chicken Poke Bowl is all about what works for you.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

A minimum of 30 minutes is great for busy nights, but if you have more time, letting the chicken soak for up to 2 hours will intensify the flavors. Just don’t leave it too long, as the vinegar can start to affect the texture after several hours.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Chicken Poke Bowl components hold up well in the fridge. Keep everything separated until just before eating, and you’ll have a week’s worth of easy, delicious lunches or dinners ready to go.

Can I make it spicy or mild?

Definitely! Add as much or as little sriracha sauce as you like, or omit it altogether if you prefer things mild. You can also serve the sriracha on the side so everyone can control their own heat level.

What other toppings can I add?

The sky’s the limit! Try sliced radishes, edamame, mango cubes, pickled onions, crispy fried onions, or a sprinkle of furikake for extra umami. The Chicken Poke Bowl is made for creativity.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about serving a Chicken Poke Bowl, watching everyone dive into those beautiful layers and bold flavors. Whether this is your first time or your fiftieth, it’s a dish that never gets old. Give it a try, have fun customizing, and make it your new go-to bowlful of happy!