Peanut Yum Yum Chicken & Rice Bowls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a perfect combination of texture, flavor, and nutrition. The crispy, air-fried chicken provides a savory crunch, while the creamy peanut sauce adds a burst of rich, nutty flavor. Paired with fresh, crisp vegetables and a side of creamy Yum Yum sauce, these bowls are not only satisfying but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Plus, the air-fried chicken keeps the meal lighter, making it a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. It’s a great option for meal prep too, as it stores well and can be reheated easily throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 2 cups colored shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 4 tbsp cilantro
• 2 limes
• Green onions (to taste)
• 1 tbsp crushed peanuts

Peanut Sauce

• 2/3 cup PBfit powdered peanut butter
• 1/2 cup GHughes sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 4 tbsp lite soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha

Yum Yum Sauce

• 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp GHughes ketchup
• 1/8 tsp paprika
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp Swerve granulated sugar
• 1/2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 1 tsp unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Start by preparing the peanut sauce. Mix together the PBfit powdered peanut butter, sweet chili sauce, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, and sriracha in a bowl. Set aside.

2. Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.

3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Coat the chicken pieces with half of the peanut sauce, ensuring an even coat.

4. Air fry the chicken in a single layer for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.

5. While the chicken is cooking, microwave your rice according to package instructions. If using frozen jasmine rice, two packages will yield about 2 cups of rice.

6. Slice the green onions and cut the lime into wedges. Set these aside with the cilantro and shredded carrots.

7. Prepare the Yum Yum sauce by whisking together the Greek yogurt, ketchup, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, Swerve sugar, rice wine vinegar, almond milk, and olive oil. Pour into condiment containers and store any leftovers in the fridge.

8. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a clean bowl and coat it with the remaining peanut sauce. Mix well to ensure each piece is covered.

9. To assemble the bowls, layer the rice at the bottom of each container. Add the cooked chicken, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, cilantro, and crushed peanuts on top. Serve with lime wedges and Yum Yum sauce on the side or mixed in.

Servings and Timing

• Prep time: 25 minutes

• Cook time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 4

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. Air-fry the tofu or tempeh just like the chicken for a crispy texture.

• Extra Veggies: Add other veggies such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or avocado to boost the nutrient content and flavor.

• Peanut-Free Version: For a peanut-free alternative, use almond butter or sunbutter instead of peanut butter in the sauce.

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the peanut sauce and Yum Yum sauce to increase or decrease the spice level according to your preferences.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or in a pan over low heat until warmed through. You can also store the Yum Yum sauce separately in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to a week.

FAQs

1. How can I make this dish spicier?

You can increase the amount of sriracha in both the peanut sauce and Yum Yum sauce to add more heat. You can also garnish the dish with extra chili flakes or fresh chopped jalapeños.

2. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, while jasmine rice works wonderfully in this recipe, you can also use brown rice, basmati rice, or even cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a lower-carb option.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, this recipe can be made gluten-free. Be sure to check the labels of the sauces to ensure they’re gluten-free.

4. Can I meal prep this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe stores well in airtight containers for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep. Just keep the Yum Yum sauce on the side so it doesn’t get soggy.

5. Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of the air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and crispy. Be sure to flip it halfway through cooking.

6. Can I use frozen chicken?

You can use frozen chicken, but it will need to be thawed and possibly cooked for a bit longer to ensure it’s fully cooked through. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

7. How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

For extra crispy chicken, you can lightly coat the chicken in a small amount of cornstarch before air-frying or baking. This will help create a crispy exterior.

8. Can I freeze this recipe?

While the chicken and rice can be frozen for up to 2-3 months, the texture of the cabbage and the Yum Yum sauce may not hold up as well once frozen. It’s best to freeze the chicken and rice separately from the veggies and sauces.

9. Can I substitute the PBfit peanut butter powder?

If you don’t have PBfit, you can use regular peanut butter in the sauce, but the consistency and flavor will be a little different. You might need to adjust the amount of liquid to achieve the right consistency.

10. Can I add more veggies to this recipe?

Yes, feel free to add any veggies you like! Bell peppers, snap peas, or even edamame would be delicious additions to this dish.

Conclusion

These Peanut Yum Yum Chicken & Rice Bowls are a fantastic, healthy option for anyone craving a flavorful and filling meal. With air-fried chicken, savory peanut sauce, and fresh veggies, it’s a dish that is both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a meal prep idea, this recipe has you covered! Enjoy experimenting with different variations to make it your own.