Korean Inspired Chicken Meal Prep Bowls

These Korean Inspired Chicken Meal Prep Bowls are a healthy make ahead lunch idea with chicken thighs, sesame coleslaw and jasmine rice!

I stole this chicken recipe from my mom several years ago, and whenever I come home to visit my parents it’s still my most requested meal since I don’t make it often enough for myself. It’s been in our family rotation since I was a child!

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Meal prep friendly: Batch cook your meals for the week then store them in the fridge.
• Super easy: Everything comes together in about 30 mins for an easy (but tasty) meal.

Ingredients and substitutions

Chicken marinade

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs – chicken breast will work, but cooking time will vary.
• Soy sauce – tamari or coconut aminos are the best substitutes.
• Honey – sweeten the marinade with maple syrup or brown sugar instead.
• Sesame oil – you can use avocado oil, but it’ll have a milder flavour.
• Garlic – freshly minced garlic is best but jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
• Fresh ginger – use 1 tsp. ground ginger powder instead.
• Sesame seeds – black or white sesame seeds would both work here.

Sesame slaw

• Coleslaw mix – chop up some red and/or green cabbage instead.
• Soy sauce – use tamari or coconut aminos.
• Rice vinegar – apple cider vinegar will provide a similar flavour.
• Honey – maple syrup or agave would also work.
• Sesame oil – or a neutral cooking oil like avocado oil.
• Powdered ginger – try ginger paste instead.

Rice

• Jasmine rice – use any rice of your choice like brown rice.
• Butter ­– or a butter substitute like margarine.

If you love the flavours of this recipe, then you’re going to want to try my Korean beef bowls too!

How to make this recipe

Step 1: Cook the rice.

Cook the rice, and make the marinade and sesame slaw dressing.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken.

Marinate for at least 10-15 mins.

Step 3: Make the sesame slaw.

Toss the coleslaw mix with the dressing. 

Step 4: Cook the chicken.

Cook in the oven, on the stovetop or on the grill, then serve with slaw and rice.

Frequently asked questions

Do you eat these bowls hot or cold?

You can eat your bowls hot or cold! It’s really a matter of preference. I usually take the coleslaw out or store it separately then reheat the chicken and rice together.

What are the best containers to use?

I like using these glass meal prep bowls. For more inspo, check out my top containers post.

How long does it last for meal prep?

This recipe will last in the fridge for 5 days, so it’s a great option for your weekly meal prep.

More serving ideas

I like to serve my chicken with a rice or grain, and a veggie or salad. Here are some options to choose from:

• Rice and grains: Brown rice, cauliflower rice, fried rice, rice noodles, soba noodles or quinoa.
• Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, brussels sprouts or baby potatoes.
• Salads: Shaved brussels sprouts salad, cucumber salad or quinoa salad.

How to store and reheat

To store: Store your bowls in the fridge for 5 days. You can eat them cold or heat them up.

To reheat: Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel, then microwave for 1-2 mins.

To freeze: Freeze the raw marinated chicken for 3 months. Thaw in the fridge, then cook as normal.

Meal prep tools

• Get your glass meal prep bowls here!
• Get a rice cooker for hands-off cooking.
• Get a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken is cooked through.
• This is the brand of tamari I like, and I love this low-sodium soy sauce!
• If you’re looking for delicious grass-fed meat and poultry, then look no further than Butcher Box!