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20 Minute Miso Sesame Chicken Bowls. These are practically effortless, flavorful bowls that make the perfect quick lunch or dinner. Roasted chicken layered over white rice with arugula, cabbage, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and lots of fresh cilantro. Everything gets tossed in a creamy homemade miso dressing – the secret sauce.
The dressing is what really makes it: white miso, fresh ginger, lemon, lime, toasted sesame oil, and sesame seeds for that nutty, tangy flavor. I always serve extra on the side, plus some crispy fried wonton chips for crunch. That’s it. So simple, nothing fancy—but totally satisfying.
Whenever I’m in New York or Miami (or really, anywhere lately), there’s always a Pura Vida or Sweetgreen nearby. I’ve never eaten at Sweetgreen, but in Miami we love Pura Vida. My mom and Asher always get the açaí bowls, but last time, we ordered Oslo their spicy tuna bowl—he loved it. Kind of funny, but he’s obsessed with raw tuna as long as it’s soaked in soy sauce.
All their bowls and dressings got me thinking.
So I created my own version—something Pura Vida–inspired, but with a miso twist. I’m really into miso right now, and Asher is too—she’s been making her own ramen broth! I wanted something you could prep quickly and feel good eating.
What I love about bowls like this is how customizable they are. You can swap the dressing, use two (I do!), or mix and match the toppings. They’re fun and stress-free.
Perfect for meal-prepped work lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Just whisk the dressing, assemble your bowl, and you’re set.
Here are the details
Ingredients – for the dressing
- white miso paste
- toasted sesame oil
- fresh ginger
- rice vinegar
- ponzo sauce
- lemon or lime juice – I actually use both
- toasted sesame seeds
- salt/pepper/chili flakes
Ingredients – for the bowl
- baby arugula
- green or purple cabbage – I use green
- Persian cucumbers
- cherry tomatoes
- rotisserie chicken
- cooked white rice
- cilantro or basil – I use both
- avocados
- wonton chips
Tools
To make these bowls, you don’t need much. A blender is helpful for the dressing, but not necessary. Other than that, you just need some bowls!
Steps
Step 1: Make the dressing
It’s easiest to blend the dressing using a blender, food processor, or handheld immersion blender. But if you don’t have one, no worries—you can absolutely whisk it together by hand.
You’ll need good-quality white miso paste (I usually get mine from Whole Foods), toasted sesame oil, fresh ginger, rice vinegar, ponzu sauce, and either lemon or lime juice—I like to use both. Then mix in toasted sesame seeds and a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
If you don’t have ponzu, just swap in tamari or soy sauce—it works great.
Step 2: Assemble the bowl
Layer up with arugula, shredded cabbage, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, steamed white rice, and roasted rotisserie chicken. Add avocado and a handful of fresh cilantro or basil—or both!
I love using arugula here—it’s nutrient-packed and holds up really well, especially if you’re prepping ahead.
Step 3: Dress the bowls
Now pour on lots of that miso dressing. This is where the magic happens!
Top each bowl with crispy wonton chips, if you have them, and enjoy right away. If your dressing is already made, this bowl comes together effortlessly—perfect for quick lunches or no-fuss dinners.
Meal Prep!
As you can probably guess, this is an ideal recipe for meal prep—and it’s fast too. There’s no actual cooking involved!
Make the dressing whenever you have five minutes to spare, then store it in the fridge. Pick up a rotisserie chicken (I like the ones from Whole Foods), and keep your favorite veggies and a few avocados on hand.
That’s it. Just assemble and enjoy all week long. Done and done.
Looking for other dinner ideas?
Crockpot White Chicken Chili Burrito Bowls
Red’s Favorite Spicy Tuna Poke Bowls
Skillet Chicken Adobo with Coconut Rice
30 Minute Pineapple Chicken with Coconut Rice
Weeknight Sesame Teriyaki Chicken with Ginger Rice
Sesame Ginger Orange Chicken Salad
Lastly, if you make this 20 Minute Miso Sesame Chicken Bowls, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And, of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
20 Minute Miso Sesame Chicken Bowls
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 308 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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1. To make the dressing, combine all ingredients except the sesame seeds, blend until smooth. Add the sesame seeds. Season with salt and chili flakes.2. To assemble, divide the arugula, cabbage, cucumbers, and tomatoes between bowls. Toss with miso dressing. Add rice, chicken, avocado, and cilantro/basil. 3. Serve with a lot of additional dressing on top. I like fried wonton chips on top too.