Ultimate Garlic Soy Chicken Bowl with Rice & Cucumber!

Ultimate Garlic Soy Chicken Bowl with Rice and Cucumber

If you’re searching for a quick, delicious, and wholesome dinner recipe, the Garlic Soy Chicken Bowl with Rice and Cucumber is your answer! Perfect for busy weeknights or a simple weekend meal, this recipe delivers a savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds. It’s a complete one-bowl meal packed with protein, carbs, and refreshing veggies—balanced and satisfying.

This recipe is inspired by Asian-style flavors, combining soy sauce, honey, and garlic to create a sticky glaze that perfectly coats the chicken. Paired with fluffy jasmine rice and crisp cucumber slices, it’s a harmonious combination of texture and taste.

So, let’s dive in and learn how to whip up this ultimate garlic soy chicken bowl in less than 30 minutes!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy lifestyles.
• One-Bowl Wonder: Everything you need is packed into a single bowl for easy serving and cleanup.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences.
• Healthy & Balanced: With lean chicken, rice, and vegetables, it’s a nutritious choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Garlic Soy Chicken:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh basil or cilantro, chopped

For the Bowl:

• 1 cup cooked jasmine rice
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced thinly
• 1 tbsp green onions, chopped

Optional Topping:

• A drizzle of sesame oil for an extra nutty, aromatic flavor

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How to Make Garlic Soy Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken breasts in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns golden and is fully cooked through.

Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the chicken browns nicely instead of steaming.

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Step 2: Add the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the cooked chicken and stir well to coat every piece. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 2 minutes, allowing it to thicken into a delicious glaze.

Stir in the freshly chopped basil or cilantro at the very end for a burst of fresh, herby flavor.

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Step 3: Assemble the Bowl

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Start by placing the cooked jasmine rice as the base in your serving bowls. Arrange the sliced cucumbers on one side and spoon the glazed garlic soy chicken over the rice.

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Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for an added touch of color and crunch. If you’d like, drizzle a small amount of sesame oil over the bowl for an extra layer of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade garlic soy chicken bowl!

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Tips for Success

1. Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and cucumbers elevate the flavors in this simple dish.
2. Perfect Rice Every Time: Rinse your jasmine rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch for light and fluffy results.
3. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey to 1/2 tablespoon or swap it with a sugar-free alternative.
4. Amp Up the Veggies: Add steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, or edamame to the bowl for more nutrients and color.

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Serving Suggestions

This garlic soy chicken bowl is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:

• Soup: A light miso soup or hot-and-sour soup complements the flavors.
• Salad: Try a side of Asian-style slaw with sesame dressing for added crunch.
• Beverage: Green tea or a refreshing cucumber mint water makes for the perfect drink.

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Make It Your Own

This recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to tweak it according to your preferences:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Follow the same steps to coat it in the garlic soy glaze.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap the jasmine rice with cauliflower rice or zoodles.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or drizzle some sriracha over the bowl for heat.

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the glaze. Alternatively, microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
• Freezing: While the chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months, the fresh cucumber is best added right before serving.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~500 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and measurements.

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Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of this garlic soy chicken bowl lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The savory soy sauce and honey glaze perfectly complement the tender chicken, while the jasmine rice provides a fragrant and fluffy base. Adding fresh cucumber slices and green onions introduces a refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness of the glaze.

It’s a dish that’s easy enough for weeknight cooking but impressive enough to serve to guests. Plus, the minimal prep and cook time mean you can enjoy a delicious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Try This Recipe Today!

Craving something flavorful, healthy, and incredibly easy to make? This Garlic Soy Chicken Bowl is the answer. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy.

Gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and fresh in every bite. Don’t forget to share your experience and variations in the comments below!

Happy cooking!

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