Stir-fries are an excellent choice when it comes to meal prepping, mainly because they are known to store and reheat exceptionally well. If you’re on the hunt for Easy Food Ideas For Lunch, look no further! Some popular stir-fry recipes include Cashew Chicken Stir Fry, and Vegan Ginger Teriyaki Stir Fry. Today, we’re diving into honey sesame stir fry bowls, a recipe that’s become a go-to for many seeking delicious and convenient lunches.
This recipe stands out as one of the most loved on the site, becoming a viral sensation as my first meal prep recipe. It’s not hard to see why it’s so popular!
It’s incredibly tasty, super versatile, a breeze to prepare, and holds up beautifully for meal prepping throughout the week. For anyone looking for easy food ideas for lunch that don’t compromise on flavor or quality, this honey sesame chicken recipe is a winner.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love These Honey Sesame Chicken Lunch Bowls
- Taste Great, Even Days Later: These bowls are just as delicious on day four as they are fresh off the stove. Say goodbye to sad desk lunches!
- Perfect for Fridge or Freezer: Whether you need lunches for the week or want to stock up for future meals, these bowls store wonderfully in both the refrigerator and freezer.
- Incredibly Versatile: Easily customize these bowls with a variety of ingredient swaps to keep your lunches exciting and cater to your dietary preferences. This recipe is a fantastic base for countless easy food ideas for lunch.
Recipe Video
Watch the video below to see exactly how simple it is to prepare these meal prep bowls. It’s truly that easy! For more recipe inspiration and easy food ideas, be sure to check out my YouTube channel.
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The Secret is in the Sauce
When it comes to stir-fries, the sauce is undeniably the star of the show, especially if you’re all about flavor. This honey sesame sauce takes just about 5 minutes to whisk together and relies on simple pantry staples that you likely already have. It’s the perfect flavor boost for easy food ideas for lunch.
- Honey: The obvious star! But if you’re out, maple syrup works as a fantastic substitute without compromising the flavor profile.
- Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce: Opting for low sodium soy sauce is highly recommended. Regular soy sauce might make the dish too salty.
- Water or Chicken Stock: For an enhanced depth of flavor, chicken stock is a great choice. You could even use homemade bone broth for an extra nutrient boost.
- Sesame Oil: Toasted or regular sesame oil will work perfectly, adding that signature sesame flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Omit if you’re serving to kids or prefer a milder flavor.
- Corn Starch: Corn starch is the thickening agent, but arrowroot powder can be used as a great alternative.
Looking to explore more flavor options? Discover SEVEN different stir fry sauces for even more easy food ideas for lunch!
The Stir Fry Prep: Keep it Simple
To ensure the cooking process is as smooth and quick as possible, it’s best to have all your vegetables and chicken pre-chopped, and your sauce pre-mixed. This prep-ahead approach streamlines the cooking, making it perfect for creating easy food ideas for lunch during a busy week.
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- Veggies: Aim for 4-6 cups of your favorite stir-fry vegetables. Broccoli and snap peas are used here, but feel free to mix and match with your preferred veggies.
- Protein: 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast (approximately 2 large breasts), cut into 1-inch pieces. Chicken provides a lean and satisfying protein source, essential for a balanced lunch.
- Carbs: Basmati rice is a great choice due to its lower glycemic index. It digests slower than white rice, helping you feel full and energized for longer, making it ideal for lunchtime meals.
Easy Swaps for Endless Variety
Just like any good stir-fry, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can easily swap out the sauce, protein, veggies, and carbs to create a variety of different meals based on your preferences or what you have on hand. This flexibility is key for easy food ideas for lunch that you can enjoy day after day without monotony.
Here are some easy swap suggestions:
- Carbs: Swap rice for quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Sauce: Try this flavorful maple ginger stir fry sauce or keep it classic with teriyaki sauce.
- Protein: Chicken thighs can replace chicken breast for a richer flavor, or go vegetarian by using tofu for a plant-based protein option.
- Veggies: Carrots, bell peppers, squash, or even a bag of slaw mix can be used. Get creative and use up whatever vegetables you have in your refrigerator. Remember that cook times may vary with different vegetables, so adjust accordingly.
More Meal Prep Lunch Inspiration
This recipe was originally shared in 2016 and updated in 2019 with new photos and helpful tips, ensuring you always have the best version for your easy food ideas for lunch!
Made this recipe? Tag me on social media @sweetpeasandsaffron and don’t forget to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
These Honey Sesame Chicken Lunch Bowls, featuring tender chicken breast, broccoli, and snap peas, all coated in a sweet and savory honey sesame stir fry sauce, are the ultimate solution for healthy and easy meal prep lunches!
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Ingredients
Honey Sesame Sauce:
- ¼ cup chicken stock or water
- ¼ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Chicken Lunch Bowls:
- ¾ cup uncooked rice (yields 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 to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk together all honey sesame sauce ingredients in a small bowl or jar and set aside.
- Cook rice according to package directions. Divide cooked rice evenly among 4 meal prep containers.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and snap peas. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until vegetables are bright green and tender-crisp. Divide the cooked vegetables among the lunch containers, placing them over the rice.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 7-10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Simmer for 2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and nicely coats the chicken.
- Divide the honey sesame chicken among the lunch containers, placing it on top of the vegetables and rice. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the bowls. Garnish with sesame seeds, if desired.
- Allow the bowls to cool slightly before covering and storing in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
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Quick Tips:
* To lighten up these lunch bowls, consider halving the amount of sauce used or substituting part of the rice with cauliflower rice for fewer carbs.
Recipe Video
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1 bowl, Calories: 483kcal, Carbohydrates: 58g, Protein: 32g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 73mg, Sodium: 716mg, Potassium: 881mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 22g, Vitamin A: 1333IU, Vitamin C: 106mg, Calcium: 84mg, Iron: 3mg
Author: Denise Bustard
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Chinese
© Sweet Peas & Saffron – Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
