Far more filling than a salad, but equally customizable, hearty whole grain bowls are a great way to kick off a New Year’s healthy eating resolution. Easy-to-find microwaveable whole grain pouches make the meal quick and easy, reducing the typical 30- to 45-minute cook time of many whole grains down to only 90 seconds.
This recipe tops the whole grains with hoisin sauce-slicked boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which cook quickly under the broiler until caramelized. Placing the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet prevents the meat from simmering in its juices while cooking, ensuring a browned exterior. Thinly sliced cucumber (lots of it!) and fresh cilantro add greenery and crunch to the bowl.
Stir together a little more hoisin sauce with toasted sesame oil and a bit of water to make a punchy drizzle. If you (or your family) can’t do without a little heat, bring a bottle of hot sauce, such as Sriracha, to the table.
Hoisin Chicken Grain Bowls
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds total)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (optional)
- 1/2 cup hoisin sauce, divided
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons water
- 4 (8.5-ounce) whole grain microwave pouches, such as Seeds of Change Organic Seven Whole Grains
- 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- Hot sauce, such as Sriracha, for serving (optional)
- Heat the broiler to high with an oven rack in the position nearest to the heating element. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil and place an oven-safe cooling rack on the foil. Spray the cooling rack with nonstick cooking spray.
- While the broiler is heating, place 1/4 cup hoisin sauce in a small bowl to brush over the chicken and remaining 1/4 cup hoisin sauce in a medium bowl to use for drizzling. Set both bowls aside.
- With a sharp knife held parallel to the cutting board, cut chicken breasts horizontally in half to form thin breast cutlets. Pat very dry with paper towels. Place on the prepared cooling rack and season lightly with salt, if using. Brush about 2 tablespoons of the hoisin sauce from the small bowl over the top of the chicken. Broil until caramelized, 3 to 5 minutes. Flip and brush the second side with the remaining hoisin sauce in the small bowl. Broil until caramelized and the chicken is cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the whole grain pouches according to package directions. Add the sesame oil and water to the hoisin sauce in the medium bowl and whisk to combine.
- Slice the chicken into bite-size pieces. Divide the whole grains between bowls. Top with even amounts of chicken, cucumber and cilantro. Drizzle with the hoisin mixture from the medium bowl and serve.
Serves 4.
Per serving (without kosher salt): 778 calories (percent of calories from fat, 23), 50 grams protein, 99 grams carbohydrates, 12 grams total sugars, 9 grams fiber, 19 grams total fat (3 grams saturated), 125 milligrams cholesterol, 1,107 milligrams sodium.
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