HomeAll My Recipes
Chicken Buddha Bowl with Peanut Sauce

Chicken Buddha Bowl with Peanut Sauce

Approx. Time:
40 min
Servings:
4 servings

🥗 Chicken Buddha Bowl with Peanut Sauce Blog 

A colorful, nourishing bowl that’s as satisfying as it looks 🌿

There’s something about a Buddha Bowl that never gets old. Maybe it’s the colors, the textures, or how every bite feels balanced and nourishing — but this Chicken Buddha Bowl with Peanut Sauce has become one of my go-to meals lately. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and exactly the kind of lunch or dinner that keeps you fueled and happy without feeling heavy.

When I cook, I always aim for meals that taste as good as they look — and this one checks all the boxes. The sweet potatoes and bell peppers roast together on one sheet pan until caramelized and tender. That’s where the magic starts — the natural sweetness of the veggies pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken, crisp sugar snap peas, and fresh spinach that get layered on top.

And then there’s that sauce. The creamy, nutty, slightly tangy peanut sauce is blended in seconds and takes everything to the next level. It’s made with simple ingredients — peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and lime juice — but the flavor is so rich and balanced that you’ll want to drizzle it on everything. (Honestly, I always make extra!)

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can prep the components ahead of time and have them ready for quick lunches through the week. It reheats beautifully, and the sauce even tastes better the next day. If you’re into meal prep or just trying to eat more balanced meals, this one’s a total keeper.

For me, this bowl represents exactly what I aim for in my cooking — real, fresh ingredients that make you feel good. It’s not about restriction or perfection, it’s about food that’s simple, colorful, and full of flavor. And when you sit down with a bowl like this — warm rice, caramelized veggies, juicy chicken, and that creamy peanut drizzle — it just feels right.

If you’re a busy parent like me or someone who loves quick but beautiful meals, this is the kind of dish that fits right into your week. You can swap the protein for tofu or shrimp, use quinoa instead of brown rice, or toss in any veggies you have in the fridge. The peanut sauce ties it all together every single time.

I hope you give it a try — and if you do, let me know how you liked it! 💛You can grab the full ingredient list below or shop everything in one click through my Instacart link right on my website.

For the Bowl

  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 cups)
  • 2 red bell peppers, sliced
  • 4 cups cooked brown rice (1 cup per serving)
  • 1½ lbs (24 oz / 680 g) chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips (6 oz per serving)
  • 4 cups sugar snap peas, trimmed (1 cup per serving)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach (1 cup per serving)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Peanut Sauce

  • ½ cup natural peanut butter
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
  • 1½ tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1- inch fresh ginger 
  • 2 tbsp lime juice (or rice vinegar)
  • 3–4 tbsp warm water, too thin as needed
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Get gluten free soy sauce for the gluten free version.

Instructions

  1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes and Bell Peppers
    • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • On a large baking sheet, toss sweet potatoes and bell peppers with 1½ tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
    • Spread evenly and roast for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until sweet potatoes are tender and lightly caramelized and peppers are softened.
  2. Cook the Chicken
    • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
    • Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6–8 minutes, until golden and cooked through to165F
    • Remove from the pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Sugar Snap Peas
    • Add ½ tbsp olive oil to the same skillet.
    • Toss in the sugar snap peas and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until bright green and crisp-tender.
  4. Blend the Peanut Sauce
    • Add peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, garlic, lime juice, ginger and warm water to a small blender.
    • Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting water as needed for your desired thickness.
  5. Assemble the Bowls
    • Add 1 cup brown rice to each bowl.
    • Top with the roasted sweet potatoes and bell peppers, 1 cup spinach, sugar snap peas, and 6 oz chicken.
    • Drizzle with peanut sauce and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top.
    • Optional: garnish with chopped peanuts or sliced green onions.

Estimated Nutrition

💪 Per serving, approx.

  • Calories: 680
  • Protein: 46g
  • Carbs: 61g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Sugar: 9g

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.