Description
Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce feature juicy air-fried chicken (or tofu for a vegetarian option), fresh tomato cucumber salad, and a creamy, spicy Calabrian chile sauce, all served over flavorful Banza rice. This recipe is quick and wholesome, bursting with Mediterranean flavors and texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Tomato Cucumber Salad
- 1 English cucumber, cut into chunks (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Small chunk of red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Calabrian Chile Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2–3 Calabrian chiles (jarred), stems discarded, smashed or minced
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- Splash of Castelvetrano olive brine (optional)
- Salt, to taste
The Rest
- Batch of Air Fryer Chicken (see note for vegetarian option: Air Fryer Tofu)
- Banza Rice Mix (tomato chipotle variety preferred, or any carb of choice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomato Cucumber Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and chopped parsley. Drizzle with white vinegar and olive oil, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For meal prep, store chopped vegetables separately and add dressing and seasonings just before serving.
- Make the Calabrian Chile Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced Calabrian chiles, grated garlic, and a splash of olive brine if using. Season with salt to taste. Stir until fully combined and smooth. Adjust spice and salt to your personal preference. Store in the fridge if preparing ahead; the flavors will meld together nicely over time.
- Cook the Protein: Prepare a batch of Air Fryer Chicken according to your preferred recipe. For a vegetarian version, use air-fried tofu as an alternative. Ensure the protein is cooked through and kept warm for assembly.
- Prepare the Banza Rice: Cook Banza Rice Mix according to package instructions. The tomato chipotle variety pairs especially well with the rest of the bowl, but any variety or carb of choice (e.g., quinoa or regular rice) can work.
- Assemble the Bowls: In each bowl, layer a serving of Banza rice, followed by chunks of cooked chicken (or tofu). Top with a generous amount of tomato cucumber salad, and drizzle with the Calabrian chile sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- If olive brine is not available, you can skip it or substitute a splash of pickle brine for a brighter, tangier note.
- For meal prep, store salad components separately without dressing to keep them fresh until serving.
- The Calabrian chile sauce keeps well in the fridge for several days and can be made ahead.
- Feel free to substitute Banza rice with other carbs like regular rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
- This bowl is easily customized for vegetarian eaters by using tofu instead of chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
