Why this fits a family on a budget
Chicken thighs are one of the most affordable cuts of meat, and the bagged coleslaw mix saves both prep time and money, keeping this meal around $2.60 per serving. Everything is ready in 30 minutes with no complex techniques required.
• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 whole English cucumber
• 2 cups shredded coleslaw mix (bagged)
• 3 stalks green onions
• 2 cups long grain white rice
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• 1 tsp honey
1. Start the rice first: combine 2 cups rice and 4 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and cook for 18 minutes until water is absorbed.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and sesame oil to make the Korean BBQ marinade.
3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel — this helps them get a better sear. Add the chicken to the marinade bowl and toss to coat every piece evenly.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook at 400°F for 14–16 minutes, flipping once at the 8-minute mark, until the surface is caramelized and dark brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. While the chicken cooks, slice the cucumber into thin half-moons. Slice the green onions. In a large bowl, combine the cucumber slices, bagged coleslaw mix, and half the green onions.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, honey, and a pinch of sesame seeds to make a quick dressing. Pour over the slaw and toss to coat. Set aside.
7. Once chicken is done, let it rest on a cutting board for 2 minutes, then slice each thigh into strips — you should see juices run clear with no pink inside.
8. Divide rice among 4 plates. Add sliced chicken on top, then a scoop of cucumber slaw alongside. Garnish with remaining green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Contains: soy, gluten. Always double-check labels for your household's allergies.
Cost is a national-average estimate and varies by store and region.
This recipe was generated by Plento Pasto's AI from a library of family-friendly dishes and reviewed for a real photo before publishing. Cooking times, costs, and nutrition are estimates — use your judgment in the kitchen.