Thai Chicken Lunch Bowls for Teens

Below, you'll learn how to assemble these teen-approved Thai chicken lunch bowls using prep-ahead ingredients and how to keep them fresh for school lunch.

Thai Chicken Rice Bowls for High School Lunch

High schoolers are so easy to please-said no one ever! But I have the answer (at least for school lunch). These Thai chicken rice bowls, loaded with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, rival even our fave Thai spot. And it’s quicker than you think!

Just like my burrito bowls and teriyaki lunch bowls and my famous Korean lunch bowls, this Thai bowl is perfect for prepping over the weekend. Then, during the week, I just have to dish it up into a lunch container and done! It’s so easy, my teens often pack it themselves.

What You Need 

This Thai chicken and rice bowl is protein-packed, crunchy and a great way to switch up the usual lunchtime rotation. The exact measurements are in the recipe card below:

• Leftover Thai baked chicken: You can find step-by-step instructions to bake Thai chicken here. Or let your slow cooker do the work!
• Rice: Jasmine rice is soft and aromatic, making it the perfect base for this bowl or you can use white.
• Cabbage: purple or green, shredded to mix with the chicken and veggies.
• Carrots: grate large carrots or you can also use matchstick carrots to save time.
• Cilantro: I know cilantro can be hit or miss with some palates so feel free to skip it, but I think it really brightens up the other flavors.
• Peanuts: chopped to add crunch
• Peanut sauce: this is what really gives this bowl that amazing taste! Go homemade or grab a good-quality store version.

How to Pack a Chicken & Rice Bowl for School Lunch

Here is what you need to know to keep these lunch bowls at peak perfection until lunch, whether it’s eaten hot or cold:

1. Fill the container
   Choose a sturdy lunch container with a tight-fitting lid. Bonus points if it has compartments to keep everything fresh.
2. Add the base
   Spoon the jasmine rice into the largest compartment and top with the Thai baked chicken. If serving cold, let everything cool completely before packing to prevent condensation. If packing this bowl warm, you can also pack the rice and chicken hot inside a thermos container.
3. Add veggies
   Place cabbage, carrots, and any extra toppings in the other compartments. Keeping them separate ensures they stay crisp and fresh until lunch.
4. Dressing
   Pack the peanut dressing separately in a small lidded container to prevent the other ingredients from getting soggy.
5. Pack it for school
   Store the packed bowl and dressing in the fridge until ready to leave for school, then place it in a lunch bag with any healthy sides and an ice pack.

Serving Warm or Cold at Lunchtime

One of the best things about this bowl is that it works hot or cold-your teen can enjoy it straight from the lunch bag, packed warm in a thermos, or reheated if they have microwave access. Either way, it’s best to keep the veggies and sauce on the side to mix in last minute for maximum crunch.

School Lunch Packing Tips for High Schoolers

High schoolers tend to pack bigger lunches, so here's how to keep everything fresh and appetizing after being in a lunch bag for hours.

Use the right container
A sturdy bento-style container keeps everything separate and intact and prevents possible backpack spills.

Keep it Cool
Consider adding an ice pack or a frozen water bottle inside the lunch bag to regulate the temperature and keep everything fresh and safe to eat.

Make it ahead
Prep and pack these bowls in advance to keep things stress-free. Shredded cabbage and carrots can be stored in the same container for up to 5 days. And peanut sauce tastes even better a couple of days after being made!

Thai Chicken Lunch Bowls for Teens

Servings: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Total Time: 5 minutes mins

With Thai baked chicken, crisp veggies, and a savory peanut sauce, this lunch bowl is a light yet satisfying school lunch that teens will devour!

5 from 5 votes

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Ingredients

• ½ cup Thai baked chicken
• 1 cup rice , jasmine or white
• ½ cup shredded cabbage
• ¼ cup carrots shredded, or grated
• ¼ cup cilantro chopped
• 1 tablespoons peanuts chopped, optional
• Peanut Sauce

Instructions

Assemble bowl

• Spoon in the rice into the largest compartment of a bento-style container and top with the Thai baked chicken. If serving cold, let everything cool completely before packing to prevent condensation. If packing this bowl warm, you can also pack the rice and chicken hot inside a thermos container.

Add veggies

• Place cabbage, carrots, and any extra toppings in the other compartments.

Dressing

• Pack the peanut dressing separately in a small lidded container.

Pack it for school

• Store the packed bowl and dressing in the fridge until ready to leave for school, then place it in a lunch bag with any healthy sides and an ice pack.

Equipment

101 Packed Lunches

Kids Lunch Box

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowl | Calories: 311kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 300mg | Potassium: 507mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 6127IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 2mg