Craving a fresh and satisfying meal that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor? This California Roll Chicken Bowl brings all the beloved tastes of your favorite sushi roll into an easy-to-make, protein-packed healthy chicken bowl. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful meal prep option.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken works great.
- Sushi Rice: Brown rice or quinoa are excellent healthy chicken bowl alternatives.
- Cucumber: English cucumber offers the best crunch.
- Avocado: Choose a ripe but firm avocado.
- Nori (Seaweed Sheets): Essential for that sushi flavor.
- Crab Sticks (Surimi): You can omit this for a simpler chicken bowl or use imitation crab.
- Spicy Mayo: Make your own with mayo and sriracha, or use store-bought.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced or julienned
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 4-5 sheets nori, cut into thin strips
- 6-8 crab sticks, shredded (optional)
- 1/4 cup pickled ginger (optional, for serving)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Spicy Mayo:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (assuming pre-cooked chicken and rice)
- Servings: 2
- Calories per serving: Approximately 550-650 calories (varies based on ingredients)
- Tools Needed: Large bowl, small whisk, sharp knife
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine your cooked chicken with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Toss gently to coat the chicken evenly. This infuses a delicious umami flavor into your healthy chicken bowl.
2. Make the Spicy Mayo
Whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust the sriracha to your desired level of heat. This creamy, spicy sauce is a highlight of your California Roll Chicken Bowl.
3. Assemble Your Bowls
Divide the cooked sushi rice evenly between two healthy chicken bowls. Arrange the seasoned chicken, cucumber slices, avocado, shredded crab sticks (if using), and nori strips on top of the rice. Create visually appealing sections for each ingredient.
4. Garnish and Serve
Drizzle a generous amount of spicy mayo over your assembled bowls. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and add a side of pickled ginger if desired. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful California Roll Chicken Bowl immediately!
Variation Ideas
- Add shredded carrots or red cabbage for extra color and crunch.
- Incorporate edamame or shelled snap peas for more plant-based protein.
- Swap out sushi rice for brown rice or quinoa to change up the texture.
- Try a drizzle of unagi sauce (sweet eel sauce) for a different flavor profile.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover California Roll Chicken Bowl components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken, rice, and vegetables will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. Reheat the chicken and rice gently, then add fresh avocado and spicy mayo before serving for the best experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this California Roll Chicken Bowl ahead of time?
You can prep most components like the chicken, rice, and spicy mayo 1-2 days in advance. It’s best to slice the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
What kind of rice should I use for healthy chicken bowls?
Sushi rice is traditional, but brown rice, forbidden rice, or even quinoa work wonderfully for a healthy chicken bowl.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your crab sticks (if using) are gluten-free.
How can I make this spicier?
Increase the amount of sriracha in the spicy mayo, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken.
Can I use fresh crab meat instead of crab sticks?
Absolutely! Fresh crab meat will elevate the flavor of your California Roll Chicken Bowl even further.
What if I don’t like nori?
You can omit the nori, or try crumbling it very finely over the bowl for a subtle taste without larger pieces.