Crispy Rice Satay Chicken

Featured in Start the Party: Crowd-Pleasing Appetizers.

Turn plain rice into crisp perfection with this satisfying Crunchy Rice Salad. Baked crispy rice pairs with juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and an aromatic peanut satay dressing. It's a great combo of crunchy, creamy, and vibrant flavors. Prep parts ahead and just mix before serving for an easy meal.
A chef holding a plate of food.
Updated on Sat, 15 Mar 2025 23:09:43 GMT
Crispy Rice Satay Chicken Bowl Pin it
Crispy Rice Satay Chicken Bowl | linacooks.com

Turn day-old rice into a dazzling Crunchy Rice Satay Bowl with amazing texture contrasts and topped with a smooth, rich peanut sauce. This clever mix blends the warm comfort of traditional satay with crisp salad freshness for a meal that'll wow your taste buds and leave you totally satisfied.

I've tried loads of ways to cook rice, and I found that spreading it out thin before cooling really sets you up for getting that amazing crunch. The first time my pals tried this, they couldn't believe the crunchy bits were just ordinary rice!

Key Components

  • Long-grain rice : Makes distinct, crunchy bits
  • Natural peanut butter : Forms the core of your satay sauce
  • Frozen edamame : Packs protein and a pop of green
  • Thai basil : Adds special fragrant touches
  • Fish sauce : Brings that deep savory kick
  • Sesame oil : Gives the rice rich, nutty vibes

Complete Steps

Step 1: Rice Preparation
Let cooked rice cool fully on a sheet with parchment. Mix in sesame oil, soy sauce, and chili oil. Lay it out evenly for best crunch. Bake till it's golden and crisp.
Step 2: Dressing Creation
Stir peanut butter till it's creamy. Slowly add fish sauce and lime juice. Add warm water to get the right thickness. Taste and tweak as needed.
Step 3: Assembly Process
Start with a bed of crunchy rice. Add fresh veggies on top. Put your choice of protein next. Scatter herbs and peanuts around. Pour the peanut sauce over everything right before eating.
Viral Satay Crispy Rice Salad Pin it
Viral Satay Crispy Rice Salad | linacooks.com

In my family home, we never threw out rice, and this dish would've made my grandma smile. She always told us leftover rice was just waiting to become something special.

Mastering Your Method

Getting that perfect crunch happens when you cool the rice right. Spreading it out lets the moisture escape, which sets you up for success later.

Changing With The Seasons

Use whatever veggies are fresh right now. Winter brings spicy radishes for crunch, while summer gives you sweet corn kernels.

Keeping It Fresh

Store everything apart if you're prepping ahead. The rice stays crunchy for days when you keep it in a sealed container.

To wrap up: This Crunchy Rice Satay Bowl has changed how I look at rice dishes forever. Turning simple leftover rice into tasty crunchy bits and pairing it with that amazing peanut sauce makes something that feels both familiar and exciting. Serve it as dinner or bring it to a gathering - it'll get people talking and coming back for seconds.

Viral Satay Crispy Rice Salad Recipe Pin it
Viral Satay Crispy Rice Salad Recipe | linacooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I crisp up leftover rice?
Totally! Leftover rice works like a charm and speeds things up. Spread it on a tray and follow the steps for crisping.
→ How should I keep the peanut sauce fresh?
Pop it into a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. If it thickens, stir in a splash of warm water to loosen it up.
→ Can I skip chicken for a vegetarian version?
Sure thing! Swap the chicken and fish sauce with extra tofu or edamame. Add more soy sauce instead of the fish sauce.
→ Why chill the rice before baking it crunchy?
Chilling dries it out, making your rice bake up crispy and delicious in the oven.
→ How do I avoid burning the rice?
Keep an eye on it as it bakes. Turn the tray if needed, and check it starting at 15 minutes since ovens vary.

Crispy Rice Satay Chicken

This dish combines golden crunchy rice, tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and a lush peanut satay sauce. It's bold, fresh, and easy to love at lunch or dinner.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian Twist

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Base Layer

01 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped
02 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use tamari or GF soy sauce if needed)
03 1 tablespoon chili oil
04 1 tablespoon sesame oil
05 2 cups cooked white rice (or 2/3 cup uncooked)

→ Fresh Add-Ons

06 1 handful cilantro leaves, finely chopped
07 1 handful mint leaves, roughly chopped
08 1 cucumber, cut into small cubes
09 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
10 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
11 3 scallions, finely chopped
12 1 handful Thai basil, roughly chopped
13 1 cup shelled edamame
14 1/3 cup crushed roasted peanuts

→ Satay Drizzle

15 1 tablespoon sesame oil
16 1 tablespoon sweet chili jam
17 2 teaspoons fish sauce
18 2 tablespoons soy sauce
19 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy and plain)
20 1/2 cup water

Instructions

Step 01

If starting with uncooked rice, rinse and cook 2/3 cup rice with 1 cup water. Let it boil, simmer with a lid for 12 minutes, then turn off and let it sit for another 10 minutes. Spread on a tray lined with parchment and refrigerate to cool completely.

Step 02

Set your oven to 400°F/200°C. Mix the cool rice with sesame oil, chili oil, and soy sauce. Spread the rice thinly on a tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, but check it every 15-20 minutes so it doesn’t burn.

Step 03

Stir together soy sauce, fish sauce, sweet chili jam, sesame oil, and peanut butter until smooth. Slowly add water while mixing until it becomes creamy.

Step 04

Mix crispy rice, chicken, edamame, herbs, cucumbers, scallions, sesame seeds, peanuts, and chili if you’re using it. Pour in half the dressing, toss well. Serve with a drizzle of more dressing and a few peanuts on top.

Notes

  1. Choose peanut butter with only peanuts and salt for the richest taste.
  2. You can prep ahead, but add the dressing last to keep the texture.
  3. The satay sauce is great for other meals too!
  4. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven
  • Tray with parchment paper
  • Lidded pot
  • Bowls for mixing

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes peanuts
  • Has soy in it
  • Contains fish sauce

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 542
  • Total Fat: 26.3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 43.9 g
  • Protein: 37.2 g