Garlic Sesame Chicken Zucchini Bowls

A quick and healthy weeknight meal packed with flavor and nutrients. It features garlic sesame chicken with zucchini, perfect for hitting your protein goals.

By @kalejunkie

Original recipe source

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups jasmine rice
• 3 zucchini diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0 salt pinch
• 0.333 cup maple syrup
• 0.333 cup soy sauce low sodium or tamari
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 6 cloves garlic mashed
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 lb ground chicken preferably thigh meat
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 8 green onions finely chopped
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare rice according to package instructions and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F. Dice zucchini into bite-sized pieces. Transfer to a large baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, toss, and add a pinch of salt.
3. Bake zucchini for 15-20 minutes, mixing at the halfway point. Broil for 2 minutes at the end for slightly crispy edges. Remove from oven and let cool.
4. In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, tomato paste, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil. Once hot, add ground chicken, breaking it down into tiny pieces. Cook until chicken is cooked through.
6. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Continue to cook until most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir in green onions and sesame seeds. Remove from heat.
7. Assemble bowls with rice on the bottom, roasted zucchini on one side, and chicken on the other. Garnish with additional green onion and enjoy!