High-Protein Thai Crunch Chicken Bowls: The Meal Prep MVP You Didn’t Know You Needed
If your lunch game has been looking a little meh lately, consider this your official wake-up call. Say hello to High-Protein Thai Crunch Chicken Bowls—a meal prep dream that slaps harder than your favorite guilty pleasure reality TV show. Packed with bold flavors, sky-high protein, and the perfect amount of crunch, this bowl is here to rescue your taste buds from the sad desk lunch slump.
Whether you’re a fan of crispy tofu, juicy cilantro-lime chicken, or drowning your salads in a peanut dressing so good it deserves its own fan club, this bowl delivers. Let’s break it down.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Customizable AF – Pick your protein, switch up your grains, or go extra heavy on the toppings—because you’re in charge here.
- Protein-packed powerhouse 💪 – Each serving boasts around 50g of protein to keep you full and fueled .
- Flavor explosion – Think zesty cilantro-lime dressing, crunchy slaw, and creamy peanut ginger sauce. Your taste buds won’t know what hit ‘em.
- Meal-prep magic – Prep everything in advance, then assemble when hunger strikes like an unexpected plot twist.
- Gluten-free & dairy-free friendly – Plus, easy vegan swaps.
The Power of Protein in Your Diet
If you’re looking to improve your nutrition, build muscle, or simply stay full for longer, protein is your best friend. Why is protein so important?
💪 Muscle Maintenance & Growth – Whether you’re lifting weights or just want to maintain strength, protein fuels muscle repair and growth.
🙌 Keeps You Satisfied – Unlike carbs that can lead to energy crashes, protein keeps hunger in check for longer.
🔥 Boosts Metabolism – Digesting protein burns more calories compared to fats or carbs, making it an essential part of any balanced diet.
🏃🏻♀️ Aids in Recovery – If you’re active, getting enough protein helps speed up recovery and reduces muscle soreness.
How does this bowl fit into a high-protein lifestyle? Each serving of this Thai Crunch Chicken Bowl provides around 50 grams of protein, making it a powerhouse meal that supports your health goals. Plus, the variety of protein options—from chicken to tofu—ensures everyone can enjoy it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cilantro-Lime Dressing & Marinade
- A fistful of fresh cilantro
- 1 red bell pepper
- Juice of 2 limes
- Toasted sesame oil
- Maple syrup or honey
- Rice vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- Fish sauce
- Freshly grated ginger & garlic
- Olive oil or avocado oil
High-Protein Peanut Ginger Dressing
- Peanut butter powder
- Juice of 2 limes
- Rice vinegar
- Coconut aminos
- Fresh ginger & garlic
- Chili paste
Thai Crunch Slaw
- A mix of savoy & red cabbage
- Carrots, julienned
- Bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Scallions, chopped
- Fresh herbs: cilantro, mint, Thai basil
- Roasted peanuts & edamame
Cilantro-Lime Chicken
- 6 chicken breasts
- 1 cup Cilantro-Lime Dressing
For Serving
- Cooked rice or grain of choice
- Crushed peanuts, chopped cilantro, bean sprouts .
How to Make It
1. Make the Cilantro-Lime Dressing & Marinade
- Blend all ingredients until smooth. Half goes into the Thai Crunch Slaw, half marinates the chicken.
2. Prep the Cilantro-Lime Chicken
- Pound chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness .
- Marinate in half of the Cilantro-Lime Dressing for at least 30 minutes, but overnight = max flavor.
- Bake at 450°F for 15-18 minutes, broil for the last 3-5 mins for that golden, crispy finish.
3. Make the Peanut Ginger Dressing
- Whisk together all ingredients, adding water until it reaches that drizzle-worthy consistency. Pro tip: This adds an extra 8g of protein per serving, so don’t skimp!
4. Assemble the Thai Crunch Slaw
- Toss together shredded veggies, edamame, and peanuts with the Cilantro-Lime Dressing. Pro tip: Let it sit for 10 minutes to soak up all the flavor.
5. Build Your Bowls
- Garnish with crushed peanuts, cilantro, and bean sprouts
- Start with a rice/grain base
- Pile on Thai Crunch Slaw
- Top with sliced chicken or tofu
- Drizzle generously with Peanut Ginger Dressing
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
✔ Make ahead: Store components separately for up to 3 days. Dress the slaw right before serving for max crunch.
✔ Dressing fix: Peanut dressing thickened up? Stir in a splash of water before using.
✔ Time-saving hacks: Use bagged coleslaw mix, rotisserie chicken, or pre-cooked rice.
Customizations & Swaps
- Extra crunch? Double the peanuts.
- Protein swaps: Shrimp, crispy tofu, or chickpeas—because options are everything.
- Low-carb? Sub cauliflower rice.
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FAQ: Your Questions, Answered!
- Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or chickpeas and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce in the dressing. - How long does this keep in the fridge?
The components will stay fresh for up to 3 days if stored separately. Keep the slaw undressed until serving for max crunch. - Can I use store-bought dressings?
Of course! A quality peanut sauce and a lime vinaigrette can save time while still keeping the flavors on point. - What’s the best way to reheat this?
Reheat the chicken and rice separately, then assemble fresh with the slaw and dressing. - Is this good for weight loss?
Yes! Packed with protein and fiber, this meal keeps you full and satisfied without feeling heavy.
The Secret to Making This Bowl Even Better
Want to take this already delicious bowl to the next level? Here are some extra tricks to make it even more irresistible:
🔥 Roast the peanuts – Toasting your peanuts in a dry pan for a couple of minutes enhances their flavor and adds an extra crunch factor.
🥑 Add avocado – A few slices of creamy avocado balance the crunch and add healthy fats to keep you satisfied longer.
🥭 Throw in mango – If you love a little sweet contrast, diced mango pairs beautifully with the spicy peanut dressing.
🌶️ Spice it up – Craving extra heat? Add sliced Thai chilis or a drizzle of sriracha on top.
🍳 Fry an egg – For a breakfast twist, top your bowl with a crispy fried egg and let that yolk coat everything in deliciousness.
Taking that extra step to personalize your bowl makes it not just a meal, but an experience. Go ahead, play around with flavors and textures—this recipe is endlessly adaptable, and the best part? You can’t go wrong! 😋
Let’s Keep It Real… and Delicious
These Thai Crunch Chicken Bowls aren’t just a recipe—they’re a meal prep power move. Bold flavors? Check. High protein? Check. Total lunchtime flex? CHECK. Try them out and bask in the glory of your new favorite meal. 😎
Try These Meal for Next Time:
Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Wraps
Asparagus & Goat Cheese Frittata
High Protein Thai Crunch Chicken Bowl
Honey Chipotle Vinaigrette
Cucumber Chipotle Salad
Chicken Chopped Salad
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High Protein Thai Crunch Chicken Bowl
Print Recipe
Ingredients
Thai Inspired Cilanro-Lime Dressing & Marinade
- ½ Small Red Bell Pepper Cored and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 2 Cilantro bunches Coarsely chopped
- 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup or Honey
- 2 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 2 Limes Juiced
- 2 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 2 tsp Toasted Sesame Oil
- 2 Tbsp Fish Sauce
- ½ tsp Fresh ginger Minced
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Ground
- 2 tsp Ground coriander
- ¼ C Extra Virgin Olive Oil Or Avocado Oil
- Kosher Salt To taste
High Protein Peanut Ginger Dressing
- ¾ C Peanut Butter Powder
- 2 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup or Honey
- 1 Tbsp Liquid Aminos, Coconut Aminos, or Tamari
- 1 tsp Ginger Grated or Minced
- ½ tsp Fish Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Lime juice
- 1 tsp Chili Paste
- Sea Salt To taste
- 2-4 Tbsp Water For preferred consistency
Thai Crunch Slaw
- 1 Small Head Savoy or Napa Cabbage Cored and shredded
- 1 Small Head Red Cabbage Core and shredded
- 2 Large Carrots Peeled and shredded
- 1 Red Bell Pepper Cored and thinly sliced
- 2 Scallions, bunches Thinly sliced
- 1 Cilantro, large bunch Thinly sliced
- 2 Mint, sprigs Thinly sliced
- 1 Thai Basil, small bunch Thinly sliced
- 1 C Frozen cooked & shelled edamame (mukimame) thawed
- 1 C Roasted Peanuts
- 1 C Cilantro Lime Dressing
Cilantro Lime Chicken
- 6 Chicken breast Boneless, skinless
- 1 C Cilantro Lime Dressing
- Sea Salt To taste
For Serving:
- 3 C Cooked Rice or Preferred Grain
- Crushed Peanuts
- Cilantro Chopped
- Bean Sprouts
Instructions
Cilantro Lime Dressing & Marinade
- 1. Add all the dressing ingredients to a jar or food processor.
- 2. Blend with an immersion blender (or process) until smooth, about 30-60 seconds. Adjust salt level to your liking.
- 3.Divide the dressing in half—half for the Thai Crunch Slaw and half to marinate the chicken.
Cilantro-Lime Chicken
- 1. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper and gently pound to ½-inch thickness using a rolling pin – this ensures even cooking.
- 2. Combine the chicken and half of the Cilantro-Lime Dressing in a bowl. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
- 3. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- 4. Transfer the marinated chicken to a baking dish in a single layer. Sprinkle with sea salt.
- 5. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). For a golden, crispy finish, broil on high for the last 3-5 minutes of the cooking time, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
High-Protein Peanut Ginger Dressing
- 1. Mix the ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter powder, 2 tablespoons water, rice vinegar, maple syrup or honey, aminos or tamari, fish sauce, lime juice, and chili paste until smooth and creamy.
- 2. Adjust the consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency (it should be smooth and pourable).
- 3. Taste and season: Taste the dressing and add sea salt as needed. Keep in mind that the saltiness will depend on whether you used aminos, tamari, or coconut aminos.
Thai Crunch Slaw
- 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbages, carrots, scallions, cilantro, mint, Thai basil, edamame, and peanuts.
- 2. Pour the reserved Cilantro-Lime Dressing over the vegetables. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
Assemble
- 1. In individual bowls or on a large serving platter, layer ½ cup cooked rice or your grain of choice as the base.
- 2. Add a generous scoop of the Thai Crunch Slaw on top.
- 3. Slice the baked Cilantro-Lime Chicken and arrange it over the slaw and rice.
- 4. Garnish with crushed peanuts, chopped cilantro, and a handful of fresh bean sprouts.
- 5. Drizzle with Ginger Peanut Dressing for an extra burst of flavor, and enjoy!
Notes
- Cilantro-Lime Dressing & Marinade: Bright, tangy, and fresh, this ties the whole dish together and doubles as a marinade for the chicken.
- High Protein Peanut Ginger Dressing: Creamy, nutty, and slightly spicy, perfect for drizzling over this dish. This tasty dressing adds an extra 8g of protein per serving to this meal.
- Chicken: Juicy and flavorful thanks to the Cilantro-Lime Dressing marinade (or grab a rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut).
- Rice or Grain of Choice: The perfect base to soak up all the delicious flavors of these Thai Crunch Bowls while adding some healthy carbohydrates to your meal
- Store-bought Peanut Sauce: Skip making the Ginger Peanut Dressing and use a store-bought peanut sauce! We like San-J brand, which uses tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Bagged Coleslaw: Use bagged coleslaw mix instead of shredding the cabbage and carrots yourself.
- Rotisserie Chicken: Swap the chicken breasts for rotisserie chicken! If you’re using rotisserie chicken, cut the Cilantro-Lime Dressing ingredients in half since you won’t need it for a marinade.
- Frozen Rice: Instead of cooking rice to pair with this recipe, use frozen rice – it’s one of our favorite time-saving hacks!
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