The Ultimate Chicken Poke Bowl Recipe – Fresh, Healthy & Ready in 30 Minutes

Last summer, I found myself craving the fresh, vibrant flavors of poke but wanted something I could easily make at home on busy weeknights.

That’s when I discovered the magic of chicken poke bowls – all the satisfying elements of traditional poke but with tender, marinated chicken that’s perfect for anyone looking for quick chicken recipes that don’t compromise on flavor.

This chicken poke bowl recipe has become my go-to solution for busy parents, meal prep enthusiasts, and anyone seeking healthy dinner ideas that take less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

The combination of protein-packed chicken, crisp vegetables, and that irresistible umami-rich sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to master.

Whether you’re new to Asian-inspired cooking or searching for easy chicken dinner recipes, this bowl delivers incredible taste with minimal effort.

Recipe Summary

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	12 minutes
Total Time	27 minutes
Servings	4 bowls
Difficulty Level	Easy
Calories	420 per serving
Cuisine	Asian Fusion
Course	Main Dish
Description	Fresh, healthy chicken poke bowls with marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy avocado served over rice with a savory sesame-soy sauce

chicken poke bowl recipe Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey

For the Poke Bowl Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Bowls:

• 2 cups (400g) cooked sushi rice or brown rice
• 1 large cucumber, diced
• 2 medium carrots, julienned
• 1 cup (150g) shredded red cabbage
• 2 ripe avocados, sliced
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (white and black mixed)
• 1 sheet nori, cut into thin strips (available in Asian grocery stores)
• 1 cup (140g) edamame, shelled (frozen works perfectly)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced ginger, garlic, and honey in a medium bowl. Add cubed chicken and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare other ingredients. Pro tip: For deeper flavor, marinate up to 2 hours in the refrigerator Photo suggestion: Show colorful marinated chicken cubes in the bowl

Step 2: Prepare the Bowl Components

Cook rice according to package directions and set aside to cool slightly. Dice cucumber, julienne carrots, and shred cabbage. Slice avocados just before serving to prevent browning. Pro tip: Keep avocado slices fresh by lightly brushing with lime juice

Step 3: Make the Poke Bowl Sauce

Whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth. Adjust spice level to your preference. Pro tip: Start with less sriracha and add more – you can always make it spicier

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if necessary for better browning Photo suggestion: Show perfectly golden chicken pieces in the skillet

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls

Divide rice among four bowls. Arrange chicken, cucumber, carrots, cabbage, avocado, and edamame in separate sections over the rice. Drizzle with poke bowl sauce, sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, and nori strips. Photo suggestion: Show the final assembled bowl with colorful toppings arranged beautifully

Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Poke Bowl Recipe

• Choose chicken thighs over breasts – they stay more tender and flavorful, making them ideal for quick chicken cooking methods • Don’t skip the marinade time – even 10 minutes makes a significant difference in flavor penetration • Keep ingredients at different temperatures – warm chicken over cool rice with cold vegetables creates the perfect textural contrast • Prep vegetables while chicken marinates – this timing trick ensures everything finishes simultaneously • Toast sesame seeds lightly – 2-3 minutes in a dry pan intensifies their nutty flavor and adds extra crunch

Variations & Dietary Adaptations

Vegan Poke Bowl

Replace chicken with cubed extra-firm tofu or seasoned tempeh. Use the same marinade and cooking method, reducing cook time to 4-5 minutes per side.

Low-Carb Version

Substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice, or serve over mixed greens for a lighter option that’s still satisfying.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Use tamari instead of soy sauce in both the marinade and sauce. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Ingredient Substitution Guide:

• Rice vinegar → Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
• Sriracha → Chili garlic sauce or hot sauce of choice
• Sesame oil → Olive oil (though flavor will differ)
• Edamame → Sugar snap peas or green beans
• Nori → Thinly sliced cucumber for crunch

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this chicken poke bowl?

The cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months, but the assembled bowls don’t freeze well due to the fresh vegetables and avocado. Freeze just the cooked chicken and assemble fresh bowls when ready to eat.

What’s the best rice substitute for poke bowls?

Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or mixed greens work excellently. For grain-free options, try spiralized zucchini noodles or shirataki rice for fewer carbs.

How long does the marinated chicken keep?

Raw marinated chicken should be cooked within 24 hours. Cooked chicken stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The poke bowl sauce keeps in the refrigerator for up to one week. Give it a quick stir before using as ingredients may separate slightly.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

Simply omit the sriracha from the sauce and add extra mayonnaise. You can also substitute sweet chili sauce for a milder, slightly sweet alternative.

Final Thoughts

This chicken poke bowl recipe proves that healthy chicken meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. The beauty lies in its flexibility – adjust ingredients based on what you have available, and don’t be afraid to make it your own. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables creates a balanced meal that satisfies without leaving you feeling heavy.

I’d love to hear how your poke bowls turned out! Please rate this recipe below and share your photos on social media – tag me so I can see your beautiful creations. Your feedback helps me create even better recipes for fellow home cooks.

Try next: If you enjoyed this Asian-inspired dish, you’ll love my Savory & Tender Beef Liver Recipe with Caramelized Onions – another 30-minute meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!