If you’re looking for a fresh, satisfying, and protein-packed meal, these Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce are the perfect choice. Featuring juicy air-fried chicken, a crisp tomato cucumber salad, flavorful Banza rice, and a creamy spicy sauce, this easy bowl recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, healthy lunches, or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready with simple everyday ingredients.
- High in protein and satisfying.
- Fresh vegetables add crunch and color.
- Creamy Calabrian chili sauce delivers just the right amount of heat.
- Perfect for meal prep and family dinners.
- Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or protein.
Ingredients
Tomato Cucumber Salad
- 1 English cucumber, cut into chunks
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- Small piece red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Calabrian Chili Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2–3 Calabrian chiles, minced
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- Splash of Castelvetrano olive brine (optional)
- Salt to taste
Bowl Components
- Cooked air fryer chicken, sliced
- Cooked Banza Rice Mix (Tomato Chipotle or your favorite variety)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced Calabrian chiles, grated garlic, olive brine (if using), and salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Prepare the chicken according to your preferred recipe or use leftover cooked chicken.
- Cook the Banza Rice Mix according to the package instructions.
- Assemble your Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce by dividing the rice between serving bowls. Top with sliced chicken and generous spoonfuls of the tomato cucumber salad.
- Finish with a drizzle of the creamy Calabrian chili sauce and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Marinate the chicken ahead of time for even more flavor.
- Add avocado for extra creaminess.
- Crumbled feta makes an excellent topping.
- Replace chicken with air fryer tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Make the sauce a day ahead so the flavors develop.
- Adjust the number of Calabrian chiles depending on your preferred spice level.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer & Assembly
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: High Protein, Meal Prep Friendly
Notes
- Brown rice, quinoa, or couscous can replace the Banza Rice Mix.
- Fresh dill or cilantro works well instead of parsley.
- The tomato cucumber salad tastes even better after resting for 10 minutes.
- Serve with warm pita or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 28g
FAQ
Can I make these bowls ahead of time?
Yes. Store the salad, chicken, rice, and sauce separately and assemble before serving.
Are Calabrian chiles very spicy?
They have a medium heat level with a rich, slightly smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy ingredients.
Can I use another grain?
Absolutely. Quinoa, brown rice, cauliflower rice, or couscous all work well.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes. These healthy chicken bowls stay fresh for several days and are excellent for lunches.
Can I make the sauce lighter?
Use additional Greek yogurt and reduce the mayonnaise for a lighter version.
Storage
- Refrigerate assembled components separately for up to 4 days.
- Freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
- The Calabrian chili sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for 4–5 days.
- Reheat the chicken and rice before assembling with the chilled salad and sauce.
Similar Recipes
Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce
Ingredients
Tomato Cucumber Salad
- 1 English cucumber cut into chunks
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- Small piece red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Calabrian Chili Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 –3 Calabrian chiles minced
- 1 garlic clove grated
- Splash of Castelvetrano olive brine optional
- Salt to taste
Bowl Components
- Cooked air fryer chicken sliced
- Cooked Banza Rice Mix Tomato Chipotle or your favorite variety
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced Calabrian chiles, grated garlic, olive brine (if using), and salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
- Prepare the chicken according to your preferred recipe or use leftover cooked chicken.
- Cook the Banza Rice Mix according to the package instructions.
- Assemble your Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce by dividing the rice between serving bowls. Top with sliced chicken and generous spoonfuls of the tomato cucumber salad.
- Finish with a drizzle of the creamy Calabrian chili sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
- Brown rice, quinoa, or couscous can replace the Banza Rice Mix.
- Fresh dill or cilantro works well instead of parsley.
- The tomato cucumber salad tastes even better after resting for 10 minutes.
- Serve with warm pita or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
These Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce combine fresh vegetables, hearty protein, flavorful Banza rice, and a creamy spicy sauce into one incredibly satisfying meal. Whether you’re planning healthy lunches, meal prepping for the week, or serving an easy family dinner, this colorful bowl is packed with flavor and comes together with minimal effort.