Tropical Chicken Bowl 🍍 Air Fryer Recipes

brown rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: white rice

Quinoa is higher in protein and fiber, while white rice is often less expensive.

chicken breast

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Tofu is plant-based and lower in calories, while chicken thighs are usually more affordable.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point, while canola oil is generally cheaper.

black beans

🥗Healthier: pinto beans

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Pinto beans are nutritious and canned beans save time.

Make the marinade by adding 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2.5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 cloves grated garlic, 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon sriracha in a bowl. Whisk together and set aside.

In another bowl, add 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs and coat them with just enough marinade to cover. Massage the marinade into the chicken and cover to set aside.

Peel and dice 1 mango into small pieces, dice about 1/3 cup of fresh pineapple, and dice 2 small jalapeno peppers. Optionally seed the peppers for less heat.

Dice 1/2 red onion and add it to the bowl with the mango and pineapple. Add the juice of 1 lime and stir well. Finally, add chopped fresh cilantro and cover to let the flavors intensify.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Line the bottom of the basket with parchment paper if desired. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

In a large pot, add 1 cup of washed white rice, 1 cup of water, and 1/2 cup of light coconut milk. Add a pinch of salt, cover, and cook according to the rice package's directions.

In a small pot over medium-high heat, add the leftover marinade and cook until it reduces to a thick glaze. If it reduces too much, thin it out with lime juice, warm water, or orange juice.

Once the rice is done, stir in some chopped fresh cilantro and the juice of 1 lime.

Slice the cooked chicken and assemble the Tropical Chicken Bowl by adding a pile of cilantro lime rice, 1 to 1.5 sliced chicken thighs, a scoop of spicy mango and pineapple salsa, and garnish with sliced avocado. Drizzle with the glaze and add more cilantro if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens