Chili Crisp Cucumber Chicken Bowls (Print Version)

Juicy chicken meets cool cucumbers and spicy chili crisp in these satisfying Asian-style bowls.

# Components:

→ Creamy Cucumber Salad

01 - 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
02 - 1 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
04 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
06 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
07 - 1 teaspoon sugar
08 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
09 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

→ Seared Chicken

10 - 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
11 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
12 - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
13 - 1 tablespoon honey
14 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil
15 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
16 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
17 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ For Serving

18 - 4 cups cooked jasmine rice or short-grain rice
19 - 4 tablespoons chili crisp
20 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
21 - Extra green onions, sliced

# Directions:

01 - Place sliced cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and toss. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse briefly and pat dry with paper towels.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Add the cucumbers, green onions, and sesame seeds. Toss to coat. Chill until ready to serve.
03 - In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
04 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden, cooked through, and juices run clear. Let rest for 3 minutes, then slice.
05 - Divide creamy cucumber salad among four bowls. Add a scoop of rice. Top with sliced chicken. Drizzle each bowl with 1 tablespoon chili crisp.
06 - Garnish with cilantro and extra green onions. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes, which means you're not standing around wondering if dinner will ever happen.
  • The creamy cucumber salad is refreshing and tangy without being heavy, so you won't feel weighed down afterward.
  • Chili crisp adds this addictive spicy kick that keeps you coming back for another bite, no matter how full you are.
  • It's flexible enough to swap chicken for tofu or throw in extra vegetables without derailing the whole thing.
02 -
  • Don't skip salting and drying the cucumbers or you'll end up with a watery salad that falls apart by the time you're halfway through eating.
  • Chili crisp is spicy, so start with less than you think you want, because its heat builds and sneaks up on you in the best way.
03 -
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes if you have time; they bloom and smell incredible, and the flavor difference is worth those three minutes.
  • Slice your chicken against the grain so each bite is tender rather than stringy, and pay attention to which direction the fibers run.
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