Pin it Bring the viral flavors of social media to your dinner table with these TikTok Chili-Crisp Cucumber Chicken Bowls. This vibrant, flavor-packed dish features a refreshing creamy Asian-style cucumber salad paired with juicy seared chicken and a bold kick of spicy chili crisp. It is the perfect easy, crave-worthy weeknight meal that balances cooling textures with savory heat.
Pin it Whether you choose chicken breasts or thighs, the simple marinade of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic ensures every bite is tender and savory. The real star, however, is the cucumber salad, which provides a crisp and creamy base that anchors the entire bowl. It's a high-protein, dairy-free friendly meal that feels light yet incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- For the Creamy Cucumber Salad
- 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (use dairy-free yogurt for dairy-free option)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- For the Seared Chicken
- 1 1/4 lbs (about 550 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or hoisin for vegetarian option)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (e.g., canola or avocado)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For Serving
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice or short-grain rice (optional, for a heartier bowl)
- 4 tablespoons chili crisp (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- Extra green onions, sliced
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the cucumbers
- Place sliced cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and toss. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse briefly and pat dry with paper towels.
- 2. Make the creamy cucumber salad
- In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Add the cucumbers, green onions, and sesame seeds. Toss to coat. Chill until ready to serve.
- 3. Marinate the chicken
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, oil, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
- 4. Cook the chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden, cooked through, and juices run clear. Let rest for 3 minutes, then slice.
- 5. Assemble the bowls
- Divide creamy cucumber salad among four bowls. Add a scoop of rice (if using). Top with sliced chicken. Drizzle each bowl with 1 tablespoon chili crisp.
- 6. Garnish and serve
- Garnish with cilantro and extra green onions. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure your salad stays creamy rather than watery, do not skip the 10-minute salting period for the cucumbers. Additionally, letting your seared chicken rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a much more tender protein for your bowl.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken with pan-seared tofu or tempeh, and using hoisin sauce instead of oyster sauce. For extra crunch and color, you can also add thinly sliced radishes or shredded carrots to the cucumber salad mixture.
Serviervorschläge
While excellent on its own, this dish is traditionally served over fluffy jasmine or short-grain rice for a complete meal. To complement the bold spices, pair your bowl with a crisp, cold lager or a soothing cup of hot green tea.
Pin it These TikTok-inspired bowls are a testament to how simple ingredients can create complex, delicious results. With their bright colors and explosive flavors, they are sure to become a recurring favorite for anyone seeking a fresh and exciting dinner option.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make the cucumber salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the creamy cucumber salad up to 4 hours in advance and store it refrigerated. The flavors actually improve as it sits.
- → What cut of chicken works best?
Both boneless breasts and thighs work beautifully. Thighs stay juicier while breasts cook slightly faster—choose based on your preference.
- → Is there a substitute for chili crisp?
Try crushed red pepper flakes mixed with crispy fried shallots, or use sambal oelek topped with toasted garlic chips.
- → Can I grill the chicken instead?
Absolutely. Grill over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side, basting with leftover marinade for extra flavor.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep components separate in airtight containers. Reheat chicken gently and add fresh chili crisp just before serving for best texture.
- → What other vegetables can I add?
Shredded carrots, radishes, or bell peppers work wonderfully. Just keep them crunchy to contrast with the tender chicken.