Description

These Meal Prep Firecracker Chicken and Rice Bowls are the perfect combination of crispy, spicy, sweet, and satisfying. Packed with high-protein air-fried chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh broccoli, they’re ideal for make-ahead lunches or dinners with bold flavor that lasts all week.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 ½ cups crushed cornflakes

¾ cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon cornstarch

4 eggs, whisked

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons honey

1 ¼ cups brown sugar

3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

½ cup hot buffalo sauce

1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Bowls:

4 cups cooked white rice

4 cups steamed broccoli florets

2 green onions, chopped

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Extra red pepper flakes for topping (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F.

2. Place crushed cornflakes in one bowl. In another, combine flour, cornstarch, pepper, and optional chili flakes. Pour the whisked eggs into a third bowl.

3. Coat chicken pieces in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg, and finally coat in the cornflakes. Set aside on a plate.

4. Air fry the chicken in a single layer for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Repeat until all chicken is cooked.

5. While the chicken is cooking, prepare white rice and steam broccoli.

6. To make the sauce, combine honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, and optional red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Bring to a low simmer, stirring occasionally.

7. Once chicken is cooked, toss with most of the warm sauce until coated.

8. Assemble bowls: place 1 cup of rice, add chicken, and steamed broccoli. Drizzle remaining sauce on top.

9. Finish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes.

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free cornflakes. Adjust the spice level by using a milder buffalo sauce or omitting red pepper flakes. These bowls store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be reheated in the microwave or under the broiler for added crisp.

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Category: Meal Prep Recipes
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American