These garlic chicken rice bowls use Legend Pepper Sauce as the heat at the end, so every bowl can be as bold or as mild as the cook wants.
The base is simple: juicy chicken, sweet peppers, scallions, rice, lime, and a quick cucumber-cabbage crunch. It feels finished without turning dinner into a project.
Why it works
- Chicken thighs stay juicy and take well to garlic and pepper sauce.
- A little honey or brown sugar rounds the heat without making the bowl sweet.
- Keeping fresh cucumber or slaw cold gives contrast to the warm rice and chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 scallions, sliced, whites and greens separated
- 2 tablespoons Legend Pepper Sauce, plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar, optional
- 1 tablespoon lime juice, plus wedges for serving
- 4 cups cooked white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or mixed greens
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced thin
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, optional
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-size pieces and season with salt and black pepper.
- Heat oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Add garlic, bell pepper, and scallion whites. Cook 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and just softened.
- Stir in Legend Pepper Sauce, optional honey, and lime juice. Toss until the chicken is glossy. Add a splash of water if the pan gets too dry.
- Divide rice among bowls. Top with chicken, cabbage or greens, cucumber, scallion greens, and herbs if using.
- Serve with lime wedges and extra Pepper Sauce on the side.
Cooking tips
- Use less Pepper Sauce in the skillet and put more on the table for heat control.
- Chicken breast works best when cut evenly and not overcooked.
- Make the rice ahead; cold leftover rice reheats well for bowls.
Serving ideas
- Add avocado, fried plantain, roasted sweet potato, or pickled red onion.
- For meal prep, pack the cucumber and greens separately from the hot rice and chicken.
FAQ
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes. Start with 1 tablespoon Pepper Sauce in the pan and serve extra on the side.
Can I use chicken breast?
Yes. Cut it evenly and cook just until done so it stays tender.
What rice works best?
White rice, jasmine rice, brown rice, or coconut rice all work.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Store chicken and rice separately from fresh toppings, then assemble after reheating.
