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Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 116 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Banza Chicken Bowl featuring a fresh tomato and cucumber salad, creamy Calabrian chili sauce, and protein-packed air fryer chicken served over savory Banza rice. This dish offers a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and fresh flavors with a nutritious twist using chickpea-based Banza rice and a creamy, zesty sauce.

Ingredients

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 on a mandoline
  • Small bundle of parsley, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Calabrian Chili Sauce

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2–3 individual Calabrian chiles, stems discarded, smashed or minced (jarred variety recommended)
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • A splash of Castelvetrano olive brine (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Protein and Carb

  • Air fryer chicken (see recipe for Air Fryer Chicken) or vegetarian alternative: Air Fryer Tofu
  • Banza Rice Mix, tomato chipotle flavor preferred

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tomato Cucumber Salad: Combine the English cucumber chunks, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped parsley in a bowl. Toss with white vinegar, olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For meal prep, keep the salad ingredients separate in containers without dressing until just before serving.
  2. Make the Calabrian Chili Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, smashed or minced Calabrian chiles, grated garlic, and a splash of Castelvetrano olive brine if using. Add salt to taste. Mix well and refrigerate; the sauce keeps well for several days.
  3. Cook the Protein: Prepare the air fryer chicken according to the referenced Air Fryer Chicken recipe. For a vegetarian option, air fry tofu as per the Air Fryer Tofu method.
  4. Prepare the Carb: Cook the Banza Rice Mix, preferably the tomato chipotle variety, following package instructions.
  5. Assemble the Bowl: In serving bowls, layer the cooked Banza rice, air fryer chicken (or tofu), and a generous portion of the tomato cucumber salad. Drizzle the Calabrian chili sauce over the top.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while the chicken and rice are warm, complementing the fresh salad and creamy chili sauce for a delicious and balanced meal.

Notes

  • The tomato cucumber salad ingredients can be prepped and stored separately in the fridge without dressings to keep them fresh until assembly.
  • The Calabrian chili sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for several days, allowing flavors to meld.
  • Substitute the air fryer chicken with air fryer tofu to make this dish vegetarian without sacrificing texture or flavor.
  • If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Calabrian chiles or omit the olive brine in the sauce.
  • Banza rice is a chickpea-based alternative offering higher protein and fiber compared to traditional rice.

Keywords: Banza chicken bowl, Calabrian chili sauce, air fryer chicken, chickpea rice, healthy bowls, gluten free recipe, spicy mayo sauce

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/banza-chicken-bowls-with-calabrian-chili-sauce-recipe/