Close-up shot of a vibrant General Tso's Chicken Buddha Bowl with glistening chicken, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice.

Buddha bowls

general tso's chicken buddha bowl

By Julian Bellweather

Published: 10 Mar 2025

This General Tso's Chicken Buddha Bowl is a flavor explosion! It's a lighter, healthier take on the classic General Tso's chicken, packed with protein and vibrant veggies. The sweet, spicy, and savory sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken and fluffy rice, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch. I even made extra one time to bring to a potluck, everyone loved it.
A visually appealing image showing the finished General Tso's Chicken Buddha Bowl with all its components arranged attractively.
I first discovered Buddha bowls when a friend shared one with me during a picnic. I was immediately hooked by the beautiful colours, the mix of textures, and the ease of customization. This recipe takes the core concept of a Buddha bowl—a balanced meal with rice, protein, and vegetables—and elevates it with the incredible flavour of General Tso's chicken. It's surprisingly easy to make, and it's a meal that’s sure to please even picky eaters. You'll wonder why you never tried it before!
A step-by-step image showing the preparation of General Tso's chicken, highlighting the sauce and cooking process.

Required Equipments

  • Large skillet
  • Medium bowl
  • Whisk
  • Rice cooker or pot
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Chopping board
  • Sharp knife

General-Tso's-Chicken-Buddha-Bowl

A healthy and delicious twist on the classic General Tso’s chicken, served in a vibrant and nutritious Buddha bowl. Easy to make and full of flavor!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 1 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First, let's tackle the rice. Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch. Then, cook the rice according to package directions—usually a 1:2 ratio of rice to water. If using a rice cooker, this is super easy. If using a pot on the stove, bring the water and rice to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
  2. Next up, the chicken! Cut 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 1 clove minced garlic. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes—longer is better, even up to an hour in the fridge!
  3. Now for the star of the show: the General Tso's sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan), 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (or less, to taste), 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Whisk until smooth. Set aside.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and nicely browned (about 6-8 minutes). Don't overcrowd the pan—you might need to do this in batches.
  5. Push the cooked chicken to one side of the skillet. Add the General Tso's sauce to the empty space. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens—about a minute. Then, stir in the chicken to coat everything evenly in that delicious, sticky sauce.
  6. While the chicken's sizzling, chop your veggies! I like using a mix of broccoli florets, sliced carrots, and shredded red cabbage. About 1 1/2 cups total should be perfect. You can steam, stir-fry, or even roast them—whatever you prefer!
  7. Once the chicken is coated and the veggies are ready, it's assembly time! Serve the cooked rice in bowls. Top with the General Tso's chicken and your chosen veggies. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds (optional, but highly recommended!), chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of extra chili flakes if you're feeling adventurous. Enjoy your amazing Buddha bowl!

📝 Notes

  • Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to control the spiciness. Feel free to substitute other vegetables as desired. Make sure to fully cook the chicken through. Dont' forget to taste and adjust seasoning as needed

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 600 kcal

Protein: 45g

Fat: 20g

Carbohydrates: 75g

Fiber: 5g

Calcium: 50mg

Frequently Asked Questions

“The joy of cooking lies in the creation of something delicious and nourishing, bringing happiness to yourself and others.”

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