These Korean Chicken Meal Prep Bowls combine bold and exciting flavors with nutritious ingredients, making them perfect for a balanced and satisfying meal. The spicy, slightly sweet gochujang-marinated chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy garlic rice and crisp, stir-fried vegetables, offering a mix of textures and flavors in every bite.
Perfect for meal prep, these bowls ensure you have a delicious, protein-packed meal ready for busy days. Whether you’re a fan of Korean cuisine or looking to try something new, this dish will quickly become a favorite. The rich umami flavors, paired with a touch of heat and sweetness, make it a truly comforting yet exciting meal choice.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp salt
For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ cup carrots, julienned
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions:
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Prepare the rice: Rinse jasmine rice under cold water. In a medium pot, bring water to a boil, add butter and salt, then stir in rice. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
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Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar. Add chicken pieces, toss to coat, and let marinate for 15 minutes.
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Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
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Prepare the vegetables: Heat sesame oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrots. Stir-fry for 5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drizzle with soy sauce and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using.
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Assemble the bowls: Divide rice into meal prep containers. Top with cooked chicken and vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Origin of Korean Chicken Meal Prep Bowls
Korean cuisine is known for its bold flavors, a balance of spicy, sweet, and savory elements, and an emphasis on fresh ingredients. One of the key components of this dish is gochujang, a fermented red chili paste that adds depth and heat to the chicken marinade. Traditionally, Korean chicken dishes such as dak galbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) and dak bulgogi (Korean BBQ chicken) incorporate gochujang for its umami-rich, slightly sweet, and smoky taste.
Meal prep bowls are a modern adaptation of Korean flavors, combining the traditional seasonings with a convenient, healthy approach. This dish merges the boldness of Korean food with a balanced meal format, including lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and comforting rice.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
✅ Easy Meal Prep – Perfect for making ahead of time and storing in meal prep containers.
✅ Bold, Authentic Korean Flavors – The gochujang marinade provides a spicy, savory, and slightly sweet kick.
✅ Healthy & Balanced – Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
✅ Customizable – Swap vegetables or change the spice level to suit your taste.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
✔️ Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used for a leaner meal, but you can swap them with chicken thighs for a juicier result.
✔️ Gochujang (Korean Red Chili Paste): The star ingredient that gives the dish its signature heat and umami depth. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
✔️ Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and umami. Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option or substitute with tamari for a gluten-free version.
✔️ Sesame Oil: Brings a nutty aroma and richness. Toasted sesame oil works best.
✔️ Rice Vinegar: Provides mild acidity to balance the flavors. You can substitute it with apple cider vinegar if needed.
✔️ Honey: Balances the heat with natural sweetness. Swap it for maple syrup or brown sugar if desired.
✔️ Garlic & Ginger: Essential aromatics for depth of flavor. Use freshly minced or pre-minced versions for convenience.
✔️ Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots add color, crunch, and nutrients. Feel free to substitute with zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms.
✔️ Jasmine Rice: A fragrant, fluffy rice that pairs well with the spicy chicken. Brown rice or quinoa can be used for a higher-fiber, low-GI option.
Step-by-Step Cooking Tips
✔️ Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor – Letting the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes ensures that it soaks up all the delicious gochujang flavors. If you have extra time, marinate it overnight for even better taste.
✔️ Use High Heat for Stir-Frying – Cooking the chicken over medium-high heat allows it to caramelize and develop that delicious sticky glaze from the marinade.
✔️ Blanch or Stir-Fry the Vegetables Lightly – This keeps them vibrant, slightly crisp, and full of nutrients. Avoid overcooking to maintain texture.
✔️ Cook the Rice Properly – Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps achieve a fluffy texture instead of a gummy consistency.
✔️ Store for Meal Prep – Pack the chicken, rice, and veggies into airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, making it a perfect meal prep solution.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽 Pair with a Fried Egg: A sunny-side-up or soft-boiled egg on top adds richness and extra protein.
🥢 Add More Heat: If you love extra spice, drizzle with sriracha or Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) before serving.
🥬 Make It Low-Carb: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or a bed of fresh greens for a lighter meal.
🧂 Enhance with Pickles: Serve with kimchi or pickled radish (danmuji) for an authentic Korean touch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
✔️ Refrigeration: Store in an airtight meal prep container for up to 4 days.
✔️ Freezing: The cooked chicken can be frozen separately for up to 2 months. Store rice and veggies fresh for best texture.
✔️ Reheating: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. Add a splash of water to the rice to prevent it from drying out.
FAQs About This Recipe
❓ Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and marinate it in the same sauce before pan-frying.
❓ Is gochujang very spicy?
Gochujang has a mild heat level with a savory, slightly sweet, and deep umami taste. You can control the spice by using less or adding extra honey to balance the heat.
❓ What’s the best rice to use?
Jasmine rice is ideal for its fluffy texture, but you can substitute it with short-grain rice, brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
This Korean Chicken Meal Prep Bowl is a fantastic balance of flavor, nutrition, and convenience, making it a go-to meal for busy days. Whether you’re a fan of meal prepping or just love trying Korean-inspired dishes, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite! 😍🥢
Conclusion
This Korean Chicken Meal Prep Bowl is perfect for busy individuals who want to eat healthy, flavorful meals without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of spicy-sweet chicken, fragrant rice, and crisp veggies makes every bite exciting.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a nutritious meal-prep option, or just a fun way to enjoy Korean flavors at home, this dish has everything you need.