If you’re on the lookout for a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, my General Tso’s Grilled Chicken Bowls are a game-changer! With succulent chicken marinated in a rich, spicy sauce, plus the vibrant crunch of fresh veggies, each bite is an exhilarating mix of tastes and textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt this dish with your favorite veggies or grains to suit your mood or dietary needs.
- Quick Cook Time: This delightful dish comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of spices and sauce means every bite is an explosion of taste.
- Healthy Option: Integrate wholesome ingredients like broccoli and jasmine rice to keep it nutritious yet satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these General Tso’s Grilled Chicken Bowls doesn’t require a long list of ingredients, but each one plays a pivotal role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
- Boneless Chicken Breast: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken for the juiciest results.
- General Tso’s Sauce: A convenient jar or make it from scratch for more control over spice and sweetness.
- Jasmine Rice: Provides a fragrant, fluffy base that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- Shredded Carrots: Adds a pop of color and natural sweetness.
- Steamed Broccoli: Offers a healthy, crunchy, and refreshing contrast to the tender chicken.
Variations
One of the best things about General Tso’s Grilled Chicken Bowls is their flexibility. Whether you’re looking to tweak the heat or adjust for dietary preferences, there’s room to play and make it your own!
- Low Carb: Swap jasmine rice for cauliflower rice to lighten up the carbs.
- Vegan Option: Substitute chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth in the sauce for a delicious plant-based version.
- Extra Heat: Increase the amount of red chili flakes in the sauce to add an extra kick of spice.
How to Make General Tso’s Grilled Chicken Bowls
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining your chicken breasts with a generous ½ cup of General Tso’s sauce in a large bowl. Allow them to marinate. This step infuses the chicken with that essential zesty flavor. Let it soak for at least 15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the marinated chicken for about 4-7 minutes per side, or until it’s fully cooked through and slightly golden. Remember to let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thick strips—this helps keep it juicy!
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
Divide your fluffy jasmine rice, vibrant carrots, and steamed broccoli into four bowls. Top each with the sliced grilled chicken, and drizzle an additional helping of General Tso’s sauce over everything for that irresistible finish.
Pro Tips for Making General Tso’s Grilled Chicken Bowls
- Perfect Marination: To deepen flavors, marinate the chicken overnight if time allows.
- Grilling Temperature: Use a grill pan for beautiful char marks and a smoky taste.
- Efficiency in Cooking: Steam the broccoli while you grill the chicken to save on prep time.
- Choosing the Right Sweetener: Balance the sauce with honey or agave for a naturally sweet hint.
How to Serve General Tso’s Grilled Chicken Bowls
Garnishes
Top off your bowls with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty touch, thinly sliced green onions for a burst of freshness, and maybe even a boiled egg for added richness and texture.
Side Dishes
These bowls are a meal on their own, but pairing them with a light cucumber salad or edamame can add an extra layer of freshness and color to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful dining experience, arrange the bowls with each ingredient separated in sections before drizzling the sauce. This visually stunning presentation invites everyone to mix at their leisure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
For any leftovers, store each component separately in airtight containers. The chicken and sauce will keep well in the fridge for up to three days, retaining their delicious flavors.
Freezing
You can freeze any extra chicken, sauce, and rice for later use. Simply cool everything completely, then pack into freezer-safe bags or containers, keeping for up to a month.
Reheating
Gently reheat your chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed, to bring back its just-cooked succulence.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-cooked chicken for the bowls?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken! Simply warm it through with a bit of sauce to infuse it with flavor.
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Is there a gluten-free alternative to hoisin sauce?
Absolutely! Coconut aminos can be a fantastic gluten-free substitute for hoisin sauce.
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How can I reduce the spice level?
To tone down the spice, simply adjust the amount of red chili flakes and opt for a milder sweetener.
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What can I use for a low-carb bowl?
To keep it low-carb, use cauliflower rice in place of jasmine rice and ensure the sauce is homemade without added sugars.
Final Thoughts
My General Tso’s Grilled Chicken Bowls are truly a delightful and satisfying meal that can be tailored to just about any craving or diet. I hope you give them a try and fall in love with each savory and flavorful bite. Feel free to share your variations—I’d love to know how you make it your own!
Print
General Tso’s Grilled Chicken Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This flavorful grilled chicken bowl features tender, marinated chicken glazed with homemade General Tso’s sauce, served over jasmine rice and colorful vegetables. Perfect for a satisfying and balanced meal, it combines smoky grilled chicken with spicy, savory sauce and fresh toppings for an addictive dining experience.
Ingredients
Marinated Chicken
- 8 ounces boneless chicken breast
General Tso’s Sauce
- 2 tsp fresh minced ginger
- 2 cloves fresh minced garlic
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust spice level)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp sweetener of choice (honey, maple syrup, etc.)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch or xanthan gum
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cups steamed broccoli
Garnishes
- sesame seeds
- green onion, sliced
- boiled egg (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, add the chicken breasts and ½ cup of General Tso’s sauce to coat them evenly. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Sauce: If making homemade sauce, combine ginger, garlic, chili flakes, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, water, sweetener, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Transfer to a small saucepan, bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 4-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear. Once done, transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Prepare Bowls: Divide cooked jasmine rice, shredded carrots, and steamed broccoli into four bowls. Slice the rested chicken into thick slices.
- Assemble and Serve: Top each bowl with sliced chicken, drizzle additional General Tso’s sauce over the bowls, and garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and optional boiled egg for extra richness.
Notes
- Calories and nutritional value vary depending on ingredient choices and portion sizes.
- For a low-carb option, substitute cauliflower rice or omit the rice altogether.
- Adjust spice level by modifying the amount of chili flakes in the sauce.
- Using homemade sauce allows control over sugar content, especially if avoiding store-bought versions which may contain added sugars.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 400g)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
