This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.
Learn how to assemble these lunch bowls for teens using simple, prep-ahead ingredients. Plus, I’ll show you how to pack them so they stay fresh until lunch!
Asian Chicken Bowls for Teen Lunch
When my teens ask again if I can pack "that Korean chicken rice bowl thing,” I always say, “of course!” I mean, come on… spicy, sweet, and cheaper than takeout? And that slaw! You and your teens will want to enjoy these lunch bowls often, trust me.
I prep this recipe over the weekend, then pack up filling school lunches in minutes with the leftovers. Like my Buffalo chicken bowl, this Asian-inspired chicken and rice bowl is a favorite with my teens and, honestly, it rivals any trendy restaurant.
What You Need
This is one of those teen-approved lunch bowls that tastes next-level but is so simple when you prep ahead with this ingredients:
- Leftover Korean chicken: step-by-step instructions to make this easy Korean-inspired chicken can be found here.
- Rice: I like Jasmine rice because it’s soft, aromatic, and soaks up all the saucy goodness. Regular white or brown rice also works.
- Asian slaw: for instant crunch and color!
Benefits of Lunch Bowls for Teens
A lunch bowl has everything needed for a solid teen lunch-protein to keep them full, carbs for energy (hello, afternoon classes!), and fresh veggies that support focus, mood, and overall brain health. It's real food that helps them get through busy days.
How to Pack Chicken Bowls for School Lunch
Here are my tips for packing these lunch bowls for teens and keeping them at peak perfection for hours, whether it's eaten hot or cold:
- Assemble the bowl
Spoon the rice into a hard lunch container with a tight-fitting lid and top with the Korean chicken. If serving cold, let everything cool completely before packing to prevent condensation. If packing this bowl warm, you can reheat the rice and chicken and pack it hot inside a thermos container just before leaving. - Add veggies
Pack the Asian slaw separately or in another compartment right before eating to ensure it stays crisp and fresh until lunch. - Dressing
If you want to include extra Sriracha or another type of sauce, pour it into a small dip container and keep it separate to prevent a mess. - Pack it for school
Store the packed bowl and any extra sauces in the fridge until ready to leave for school, then place it in a lunch bag with any healthy sides and an ice pack if needed.
Pack it Warm or Cold?
The good news is that this chicken bowl is delicious either way! If your teen likes a warm lunch and has access to a microwave, you can pack the chicken and rice together to reheat or use a thermos. If not, it's just as good cold-just keep the slaw separate so it stays crisp.
High School Lunch Packing Tips
Follow these tips to ensure these chicken bowls survive being tossed around by your teen in a backpack and still taste amazing by lunch:
Use the right container
I recommend a sturdy bento-style container to keep items separate and intact. That way, everything stays fresh and the textures hold up, whether your teen likes to mix it all together at lunch or enjoy each part on its own.
Keep it cool
Adding an ice pack inside the lunch bag is a good idea, especially if backpacks are left outside at all. You can also freeze a small water bottle to keep things chilled and double as a drink.
Make ahead
Double or triple a recipe to use for quick school lunches later! Once cooled, store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge. Then just dish it into a container and done!
Add a snack
High schoolers have bigger appetites. For extra staying power, pair this bowl with a homemade peanut butter granola bar, fruit, or a yogurt cup.
More Lunch Bowls for Teens
If your teen enjoyed this Korean chicken bowl, they'll love my other better-than-takeout lunches, like this teriyaki chicken bowl, a fresh Mediterranean lunch bowl, or a seriously tasty burrito bowl.
Korean Chicken Lunch Bowl for Teens
Ingredients
- ½ cup Korean chicken, pre-cooked and sliced
- 1 cup jasmine rice or white rice
- ½ cup Asian Slaw, already dressed
Instructions
Assemble the bowl
- Spoon the rice into the largest compartment of a bento-style container and top with the prepared Korean chicken. If serving cold, let everything cool completely before packing to prevent condensation. To pack it warm, you can use a thermos-style container for the rice and chicken.
Add the slaw
- Place the pre-dressed Asian slaw in a separate compartment so it stays crisp until lunchtime.
Pack extra sauce
- If you want to include extra sriracha or another sauce, pour it into a small leak-proof container to avoid spills.
Pack it for school
- Store the packed bowl and sauce (if including) in the fridge until ready to leave for school, then place it in a lunch bag with any healthy sides and an ice pack.
Rosa says
My daughter LOVED these Korean lunch bowls, I think she’ll be enjoying this throughout her high school career!