The Chinese Five Spice Chicken Bowl is a vibrant and flavor-packed meal that brings together tender chicken, a sweet and savory glaze, and an array of fresh toppings all in one satisfying bowl. This dish makes dinner feel downright special without demanding hours in the kitchen—every bite hits you with zesty orange, aromatic five spice, and the comforting warmth of homemade food. Whether you’re gluten-free or just craving big, bold flavors, this bowl is your invitation to dig in fork-first and savor the magic of five spice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes the Chinese Five Spice Chicken Bowl so irresistible is how effortlessly simple ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and color. Each component has a meaningful role, whether it’s boosting taste, adding visual pop, or infusing that extra bit of comfort.
- Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Go with thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a leaner option—either way, they soak up all the gorgeous marinade.
- Olive oil: A silky base for sautéing, which ensures golden, flavorful chicken every time.
- Garlic cloves, chopped: Fresh garlic is a non-negotiable for building aromatic depth—it’ll have your kitchen smelling amazing!
- Honey: This gives the chicken its signature glossy glaze and an addictively sweet finish.
- Five Spice powder: The star of the show! This blend brings warmth, complexity, and that unmistakable Chinese flavor.
- Soy sauce or tamari (for gluten free): Adds essential umami and just the right touch of saltiness—don’t skip it.
- Orange juice: Bright, citrusy notes help balance the savory elements and keep things fresh.
- Salt and pepper: Always to taste; season as you go for perfectly balanced flavors.
- Instant Pot: For super-fast cooking and tender results (or use your stove if preferred).
- Rice or cauliflower rice, plus toppings (carrots, cucumbers, lime, herbs): For building the ultimate Chinese Five Spice Chicken Bowl that’s as satisfying as it is stunning.
How to Make Chinese Five Spice Chicken Bowl
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by turning your Instant Pot to sauté mode and adding a splash of olive oil. Pat your chicken dry, then sprinkle it with plenty of salt and pepper—don’t be shy here! Sauté the chicken in batches if needed, letting each side get beautifully golden and caramelized. This lays the foundation for incredible flavor.
Step 2: Whisk the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together chopped garlic, honey, five spice powder, soy sauce (or tamari if gluten free), and that essential splash of orange juice. You want the honey to dissolve and the spices to bloom in the liquid—this is your bowl’s secret weapon!
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Pressure Cook
Turn off the sauté function and pour your aromatic sauce right over the chicken in the Instant Pot. Toss everything together so the chicken gets a nice even coating. Secure the lid, make sure the valve is sealed, set your Instant Pot to manual, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. This short pressure-cook time yields outrageously tender chicken that just falls apart.
Step 4: Natural Release and Shred
Once the timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally (take about 10 minutes). Open the lid, breathe in that amazing aroma, and transfer the chicken to a plate. Shred the chicken with two forks, then spoon some of the luscious sauce from the pot over it. Taste, and add more salt and pepper if you need.
Step 5: Build Your Bowls
Now for the fun part! Set out bowls with your choice of hot white rice or cauliflower rice. Top each bowl with a generous portion of Chinese Five Spice Chicken, plus sliced carrots, cucumbers, fresh herbs, and lime wedges. Don’t forget to spoon more of that five spice sauce all over the top—it ties everything together.
How to Serve Chinese Five Spice Chicken Bowl
Garnishes
This is your moment to get creative! A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or mint, maybe some thinly sliced scallions, and a few sesame seeds take the Chinese Five Spice Chicken Bowl from great to unforgettable. A wedge of lime on the side lets each eater brighten their bowl to taste.
Side Dishes
The Chinese Five Spice Chicken Bowl is already a complete meal, but a side of quick-steamed broccoli, edamame, or a simple Asian cucumber salad adds a crisp, refreshing counterpoint. If you love crunch, add a handful of toasted nuts or crispy wonton strips alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeding a crowd or just want to wow at the dinner table, try arranging your toppings buffet-style. Pile the shredded chicken on a platter, lay out bowls of veggies, rice, and extra sauce, and let everyone assemble their own ultimate Chinese Five Spice Chicken Bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Chinese Five Spice Chicken Bowl components will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to store the chicken and sauce separately from the fresh veggies and rice for optimal freshness.
Freezing
The cooked chicken (without fresh toppings) freezes really well. Just cool it completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. It should keep for about 2–3 months. This is a great meal-prep option to have on hand for busy weeks.
Reheating
To bring your Chinese Five Spice Chicken Bowl back to life, simply reheat the chicken and sauce in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until hot. Add a splash of water or extra orange juice if it needs loosening up. Assemble fresh toppings just before serving.
FAQs
Can I make the Chinese Five Spice Chicken Bowl without an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Just use a regular skillet to brown the chicken, then simmer with the sauce until everything is cooked through and tender. You may need to adjust the cook time depending on your pan.
Is there a vegetarian way to enjoy this bowl?
You bet—substitute extra-firm tofu or tempeh for the chicken, and follow the same marinade and cooking method. You’ll get tons of flavor and beautiful texture.
What kind of rice works best in the Chinese Five Spice Chicken Bowl?
Jasmine or basmati rice are both excellent choices for their fluffy texture and fragrance. For a lower-carb bowl, cauliflower rice is a tasty, grain-free option.
Which veggies work best as bowl toppings?
Fresh, crisp veggies like shredded carrots, cucumber slices, radishes, snap peas, and even pickled onions offer crunch and color. Feel free to mix and match depending on what’s in your fridge.
Can I use store-bought five spice powder?
Yes, and it makes this recipe even easier! Just check the label for freshness and balance of spices—the blend should include star anise, cinnamon, cloves, Sichuan pepper, and fennel for an authentic punch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely joyful about digging into a colorful, flavor-packed Chinese Five Spice Chicken Bowl. It’s quick, comforting, and endlessly customizable—ideal for sharing with friends or brightening up a weeknight dinner. I can’t wait for you to try this at home and make it your own!
Print
Chinese Five Spice Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chinese Five Spice Chicken Bowl recipe combines succulent chicken breasts with a flavorful blend of five spice powder, honey, and soy sauce for a delicious and aromatic dish. Served over cauliflower or white rice with fresh veggies, it’s a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Boneless Chicken:
Chicken breasts or thighs,
Olive Oil:
,
Garlic Cloves:
Chopped,
Honey:
,
Five Spice Powder:
,
Soy Sauce:
Tamari if gluten-free,
Orange Juice:
,
Salt and Pepper:
Instructions
- Sauté Chicken: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode, cook chicken with salt and pepper.
- Prepare Sauce: Whisk together honey, five spice powder, soy sauce, orange juice, and garlic.
- Cook with Sauce: Add sauce to chicken, pressure cook for 10 minutes, then shred.
- Assemble Bowl: Serve chicken over cauliflower or rice with veggies, lime, herbs, and extra sauce.
Notes
- Use tamari if gluten-free.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
