Total Time: 35 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy
If you love the bold, fresh flavors of a classic Vietnamese bánh mì sandwich but want something lighter and meal-prep friendly, these Trendy Ground Chicken Banh Mi Bowls are about to become your new favorite. They capture everything we adore about the iconic sandwich — savory protein, bright pickled veggies, fresh herbs, and creamy sauce — all layered into a vibrant, nourishing bowl.
Imagine tender ground chicken infused with garlic, soy, and a touch of sweetness, nestled over fluffy rice and topped with crisp cucumber, tangy pickled carrots, and fragrant cilantro. Every bite is a balance of warm and cool, savory and tangy, soft and crunchy. It’s refreshing yet satisfying — the kind of dish that feels both wholesome and exciting.
These bowls are perfect for quick weeknight dinners, healthy lunches, or stylish meal prep containers that look as good as they taste.
Estimated Calories: ~480–550 per bowl (depending on sauce and rice portion)
Key Ingredients
Each ingredient plays a role in recreating that signature bánh mì flavor profile in bowl form.
Ground Chicken (1 lb / 450g) – Lean, tender protein that absorbs marinades and cooks quickly.
Jasmine Rice (2 cups cooked) – Soft, fragrant base that balances the bold toppings.
Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons) – Adds salty, umami depth.
Fish Sauce (1 tablespoon) – Brings authentic savory richness.
Brown Sugar (1 tablespoon) – Subtle sweetness to balance saltiness.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Essential aromatic backbone.
Fresh Ginger (1 teaspoon, grated) – Adds warmth and brightness.
Carrots (1 cup, julienned) – Sweet crunch and vibrant color.
Rice Vinegar (3 tablespoons) – Tangy base for quick pickles.
Sugar (1 tablespoon for pickling) – Softens acidity and enhances balance.
Salt (½ teaspoon for pickling) – Helps draw moisture from vegetables.
Cucumber (1 cup, sliced) – Cool, crisp freshness.
Fresh Cilantro (¼ cup) – Herbal brightness.
Green Onions (2 tablespoons, sliced) – Mild onion flavor and color.
Mayonnaise (¼ cup) – Creamy drizzle base.
Sriracha (1–2 teaspoons) – Adds gentle heat to the sauce.
Lime Wedges (for serving) – Fresh acidity boost.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step Method)
1. Quick Pickle the Carrots
In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir until dissolved. Add julienned carrots and toss to coat. Let sit for at least 15–20 minutes while preparing the rest. The carrots should soften slightly but still retain crunch.
2. Cook the Ground Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground chicken and break apart with a spatula. Cook for 6–8 minutes until fully cooked and lightly golden.
Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Cook another 1–2 minutes until slightly caramelized and glossy. Remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and sriracha until smooth. Adjust spice level to taste.
4. Assemble the Bowls
Start with a layer of warm jasmine rice in each bowl. Spoon the savory ground chicken over one side.
Add drained pickled carrots, sliced cucumber, fresh cilantro, and green onions in neat sections for a colorful presentation.
5. Finish and Serve
Drizzle with sriracha mayo and serve with a squeeze of fresh lime. Enjoy immediately while the chicken is warm and vegetables are crisp.
Serving Suggestions
These Banh Mi Bowls are all about vibrant presentation. For a family-style dinner, place the rice in a large serving bowl and arrange toppings in separate dishes. Let everyone build their own bowl, adjusting herbs, sauce, and pickled veggies to their liking. It’s interactive, fresh, and perfect for casual gatherings.
For an elevated look, use wide, shallow bowls and arrange toppings in clean, distinct sections — think color-blocked layers of orange carrots, green cucumbers, and golden-brown chicken. A drizzle of sriracha mayo in a zigzag pattern instantly makes the bowl look restaurant-worthy.
Hosting friends? Add extras like sliced jalapeños, shredded cabbage, or even a soft-boiled egg. You could also offer lettuce cups for a lower-carb option.
For meal prep, assemble rice and chicken at the bottom of clear containers, store pickles separately, and add sauce just before serving to maintain texture and freshness.
Storage + Meal Prep
Store cooked ground chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Rice should be stored separately to avoid excess moisture buildup. Reheat chicken and rice gently in the microwave in 30-second intervals or in a skillet over medium heat.
Quick-pickled carrots can last up to 5 days refrigerated in their brine. The flavor deepens over time, becoming even more tangy and delicious.
Avoid freezing assembled bowls, but the cooked chicken freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
When refreshing leftovers, add freshly sliced cucumbers, new herbs, and a squeeze of lime to brighten flavors. Always drizzle sauce fresh to maintain that creamy texture.
Conclusion
These Trendy Ground Chicken Banh Mi Bowls bring bold Vietnamese-inspired flavors into an easy, healthy, and customizable format. They’re colorful, balanced, and satisfying — a perfect mix of comfort and freshness.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding your family, or just craving something vibrant and different, this bowl delivers big flavor without complicated steps. Try it once, adjust the spice to your liking, and make it your own.
