These popular Honey Sesame Chicken Lunch Bowls have chicken breast, rice and veggies tossed in a delicious sticky sauce. Perfect for healthy meal prep lunches.
Stir fries are such a great choice for meal prep because they store and reheat well. Some of my faves include this Cashew Chicken Stir Fry, this Vegan Ginger Teriyaki Stir Fry, and today's honey sesame stir fry bowls!
This is one of the most popular recipes on the site (it was my first meal prep recipe to go viral!), and I'm pretty sure I know why.
It's delicious, versatile, easy to prep and keeps so well for meal prep!
Reasons you'll โก honey sesame chicken lunch bowls
- they taste great, even on day 4
- you can stash in the fridge or freezer
- you can make a ton of different swaps, and still have a delicious lunch
Recipe Video
Watch the video below to see exactly how I prepped these meal prep bowls. Itโs so easy! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel.
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The sauce
When it comes to stir fry, the sauce the most important thing (if you care about flavor, that is). This honey sesame sauce takes 5 minutes to shake up and uses simple pantry staples:
- honey- well, obviously! But if you find yourself in a pinch, you can swap maple syrup and it will be totally fine.
- reduced sodium soy sauce- I recommend seeking out the low sodium stuff. Regular may end up too salty in this recipe!
- water or chicken stock- or make your own homemade bone broth for a bigger nutrient boost
- sesame oil- toasted or regular is fine
- red pepper flakes- for a little kick; leave it out if you are serving kids
- corn starch- or swap for arrowroot powder
Looking to switch up your flavors? I have SEVEN different stir fry sauces here!
The stir fry
The stir fryTo make cooking go as easily as possible, I recommend having all your veggies and chicken chopped up ahead of time, and your sauce pre-mixed. That way, you can just work through the recipe without distraction.
Here's what we're using in this recipe
- veggies- go for 4-6 cups. I am using broccoli and snap peas, but you can use pretty much any stir fry vegetable in here.
- protein- 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breast (which is roughly 2 large breasts), chopped into 1 inch pieces.
- carbs- I like basmati rice as it has a low glycemic index, meaning it won't digest as quickly as regular white rice and will keep you feeling full for longer.
- check out these 3 Tips for Perfect, Fluffy Rice
- check out How to Cook Brown Rice (stove top & rice cooker)
Let's talk swaps
Just like any stir fry, you can swap out the sauce, the protein, the veggies, the carbs and end up with totally different meals.
Here are some of my fave swaps
- carbs- swap for quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice
- sauce- I'm obsessed with this maple ginger stir fry sauce, or go classic with this teriyaki sauce
- protein- swap the chicken breast for chicken thighs or go vegetarian with tofu
- veggies- swap for carrots, bell peppers, squash, slaw, or whatever is hiding in your fridge that needs to be used. Keep in mind cook times will change with different veggies.
Other popular meal prep Lunch recipes
- Turkey Taco Meal Prep Bowls
- Cold Sesame Noodle Meal Prep Bowls
- Caprese Chicken Salad Meal Prep Bowls
- Fruit on the Bottom Overnight Oats
- Thai Turkey Lettuce Wraps
This post was originally published in 2016. It has been republished with new photos and tips in 2019; same great recipe!
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
Honey Sesame Chicken Lunch Bowls
Ingredients
Honey Sesame Sauce:
- ยผ cup chicken stock or water
- ยผ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- ยผ cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ยฝ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Chicken Lunch Bowls:
- ยพ cup rice (uncooked; or roughly 2 cups cooked)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 3 cups broccoli (chopped into small pieces)
- 3 cups snap peas (ends trimmed)
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut into 1 inch cubes)
- salt & pepper
- sesame seeds (garnish)
Instructions
- Shake together all honey sesame sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Cook rice according to package instructions. Divide between 4 storage containers.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan. Add broccoli and snap peas. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until bright green and tender. Add to the rice in the storage containers.
- Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to pan. Add the chicken to the pan. Season with salt and pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Cook for 7-10 minutes, until cooked through.
- Add the sauce to the pan and simmer for 2 minutes, until thickened.
- Add the chicken to the lunch containers and drizzle with sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat to serve.
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Tips:
Video
Nutrition Information
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Geri says
Going to try this tomorrow !!!
Denise says
Let me know how you like them, Geri ๐
Jessica says
A great alternative for soy sauce is liquid aminos...I made this today and swapped the soy sauce for liquid aminos, which a great, healthier alternative.
Denise says
I definitely want to try this ๐ Thanks Jessica!
Adam says
Just made this tonight. Watch out for salt levels. Used low sodium broth and soy but might have overseasoned a bit. I would say leave it off the chicken since you can always add. Super excited for lunch this week.
Denise says
Thanks Adam! We use low sodium soy sauce but didn't find it too salty. But definitely add the sauce to taste.
Debbie says
Can't wait to try this
Emma says
These look delicious! When having them for lunch, do you reheat everything in the same tub in the microwave? Or eat cold? Thanks!
Denise says
Hi Emma! Yes, I re-heat the whole portion in the microwave.
Miranda says
How long do you microwave it for?
Denise says
Hi Miranda, that's going to depend a lot on the microwave you're using, since they all seem to have different strengths. I put mine on 80% and give it 1:30 (with the lid ajar), and that works well in my microwave.
Lacey says
This was absolutely delicious! Will this same sauce be good with beef? If not, what ingredients would you recommend?
Denise says
Hi Lacey! I bet it would be good with beef as well. I do have 7 stir fry sauce recipes if you want to change up the flavors: https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/7-easy-stir-fry-sauces-can-prep-ahead/
T Johnson says
Where do I find the small glass dishes?
Denise says
These snapware pyrex dishes are my absolute favorites: http://amzn.to/2iUOJ5t I found mine at Canadian Superstore but Amazon carries them too.
Hilary says
Do you use the 2 cup size pyrex dish for this lunch bowl?
Denise says
Hi Hilary, yes I do! These are the ones I love: http://amzn.to/2tWQ1Cs
Judy says
Just saw this! Sounds very good.
Denise says
Thanks Judy!
Marie says
Thankyou, I'm going to try this in the next couple days! I like easy simply recipes for 2 people!
Denise says
I hope you like them, Marie!
Lauren says
Looks delish! Do you think these would be ok to freeze to last over a couple of weeks?
Denise says
Hi Lauren! I've never tried freezing this, actually I've never had much luck at freezing rice. If you try it would you let me know how it turns out?
kristina says
Where can I find the Recipe for this meal ? ?
Denise says
Hi Kristina, you're on the right page, it's just above! ๐
Mk says
More bowl recipes This is nice!
Andrew says
This looks great and cant wait to try it. How much of each item (chicken, rice, vegetables) did you put into the containers? Thank you very much.
Denise says
Hi Andrew, thanks so much! I think it's about 1/2 cup cooked rice per bowl, 1/2 of a large chicken breast was about 1/3 cup? And lots of veggies, 1.5 cups per bowl. This is an estimation ๐ I hope you enjoy it!
Christina M Laney says
How do you reheat the rice without is turning into a hard gritty crunchy mess? I can never reheat rice, even if I pour liquid into it first.. All I have at work to reheat with is a microwave..
Denise says
Hi Christina! My rice never ends up crunchy...maybe because I use a rice cooker? With this recipe you will have some sauce on the rice so hopefully that will help too.
Lanette Perrin says
What kind of rice you use?
Denise says
You can use whichever type of rice or grains you'd like. I use basmati.
Mary Anne says
Use cauliflower rice instead. Far fewer carbs, and no crunchy rice problems.
Mary Anne says
I would use Coco Aminos in place of the soy sauce. Healthier option.
Karen says
Just sprinkle a little water on the rice and have a lid loose over it when you microwave it. I also use a rice cooker which may help to start.
Ellie martin says
Is it safe to microwave rice though?? I heard you can get food poisoning?? That is the only thing that is puttting me off right now!!
Denise says
It's perfectly safe to reheat rice! In fact it's safe to make rice ahead and store for 4-6 days (I never keep mine for longer than 4 days though) http://www.stilltasty.com/articles/view/71
Mary J. says
If I am going to re-heat rice in the microwave, I dampen a paper towel and drape it over the dish. It acts a steamer and the rice comes out perfect! These bowls sound delish and I plan on making them! Thanks!
Sandy says
Have you tried putting a moist paper towel on top of your rice container and heating it that way while adding some water directly on the rice? That should work. Or you may want to put the rice on a plate and push the rice to the edges of the plate and leave the middle of the plate empty and try not to put too much time on the microwave, start with 30 secs and put 15 more secs and so forth to get the desired heat.
Shanna says
Hey. How many calories per serving is this? Thanks ๐
Denise says
Hi Shanna, since I'm not a nutritionist, I'm not comfortable providing nutritional information for my recipes. You could always try a calculator like My Fitness Pal!
Jamie says
I calculated 450 calories per bowl. ๐
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
You're my make-ahead lunch guru, Denise, organised or not.
The best thing about this is how easy it is. I'd love to see the 'lunch envy' you provoke when you take this to work!
Robyn says
I love the look of your grain bowls! Especially this one!!!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
It sounds like you are organized with food though...I mean, these lunch bowls, YUM! I love the flavors of this chicken! Sounds perfect for an easy lunch!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
These are lunch goals!!! I'd happily eat these every day - so many great flavors!
Annie says
I need these lunch bowls in my life! Such a quick and easy way to ensure a healthy lunch on the go! I love it!
Ashley - The Recipe Rebel says
Now this is a lunch bowl I can get into! LOVE the honey sesame flavors (and I'm pretty sure I can convince my kids to eat my veggies...;))!