Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines tender, flavorful chicken with perfectly cooked rice and a medley of fresh vegetables.
The magic lies in the sticky glaze—a sweet-savory mixture, often made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and a touch of chili—that coats the chicken and seeps into the rice, creating bursts of flavor in every bite.
This dish is incredibly versatile; you can swap in different vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
Why You’ll Love Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
These Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, featuring tender, caramelized chicken coated in a sticky glaze, served over fluffy rice with fresh veggies. They’re easy to make, meal-prep friendly, and packed with protein.
With a rich umami sauce, these bowls bring Asian-inspired flavors to your table in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner or a satisfying lunch, this dish delivers big flavor with simple ingredients!
Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
Description
Ideal for lunch or dinner, Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are both comforting and visually appealing, making them perfect for family meals or meal prep for the week.
The combination of protein, vegetables, and rice ensures a balanced meal that keeps you full and energized. Quick to prepare, it’s a favorite for busy weekdays but also elegant enough for a casual dinner with friends.
With a delightful balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors, this dish is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
These Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls feature juicy, pan-seared chicken tossed in a rich, sweet, and savory glaze, served over rice with fresh veggies. The sauce is a perfect blend of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, making every bite burst with flavor!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For the Sticky Sauce:
For the Rice Bowl:
Instructions
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Cook the Chicken:
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Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch for a light coating.
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Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
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Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Make the Sticky Sauce:
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In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and sriracha.
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In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce.
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Pour the sauce into the same pan and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
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Combine Chicken with Sauce:
Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the sticky glaze.
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Assemble the Bowls:
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Divide cooked jasmine rice into 4 bowls.
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Top with sticky chicken, steamed broccoli, carrot matchsticks, and green onions.
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Sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.
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Serve & Enjoy:
Serve hot with extra sriracha or soy sauce on the side!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 500kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Sodium 900mg38%
- Total Carbohydrate 55g19%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Protein 40g80%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips & Serving Tricks
- Make It Extra Crispy
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier results, and air-fry for extra crispiness.
- Turn It Into a Meal-Prep Bowl
- Store the rice, chicken, and veggies separately and reheat before serving.
- Add More Veggies
- Try snap peas, bell peppers, or shredded cabbage for extra crunch.
- Make It Low-Carb
- Swap jasmine rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lighter option.
- Enhance the Flavor
- Add crushed peanuts, a drizzle of spicy mayo, or fresh cilantro for extra depth.
Variations
Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are highly adaptable, allowing you to tailor them to your taste preferences or dietary needs. For a low-carb version, replace the rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa. To make it spicier, add Sriracha, chili flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil to the glaze.
Vegetarians can substitute the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or seitan; pan-frying the tofu first gives it a crispy exterior that holds the sticky sauce well.
You can also experiment with different glaze flavors, such as teriyaki, hoisin, or even a tangy orange sauce for a citrus twist. Adding roasted nuts like cashews or peanuts on top enhances the texture and adds a delightful crunch.
Storage
For storage, Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls keep very well, making them ideal for meal prep. Allow the bowls to cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, they will remain fresh for 3–4 days.
To reheat, microwave until warmed through, or reheat the chicken and vegetables in a skillet to maintain their texture, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if necessary. For longer storage, the cooked chicken and rice can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Freeze in single-portion containers for easy grab-and-go meals. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Additionally, you can customize the toppings before storing: add sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or avocado just before serving to keep them fresh and flavorful.
Using pre-cooked rice and pre-cut vegetables can reduce prep time significantly, making this dish a convenient, healthy, and delicious option any day of the week. Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are a flexible, crowd-pleasing meal that balances flavor, nutrition, and ease of preparation effortlessly.
Conclution:
In conclusion, Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are the epitome of a simple yet satisfying meal, combining tender chicken with a sweet and savory glaze over a bed of fluffy rice. The chicken, marinated in a flavorful mix of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, becomes perfectly sticky and glazed as it cooks, creating a rich, caramelized coating that clings to every bite. Served over warm rice, these bowls offer the perfect balance of textures—tender chicken, fluffy grains, and the delightful contrast of the sticky glaze.
What makes Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls stand out is their versatility and ease. With a short cooking time and minimal ingredients, this dish is ideal for a busy weeknight meal, yet impressive enough for a casual gathering or meal prep. You can easily swap in chicken thighs for added richness, use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version, or add your favorite vegetables like steamed broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers for added color and nutrition. The sticky sauce can also be customized to your preferred level of sweetness or spice, ensuring that it suits your taste perfectly.
The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—the glaze packs so much flavor, it enhances the chicken without overwhelming the other ingredients. It pairs wonderfully with a side of sautéed greens or a crisp salad for a complete meal. Plus, leftovers store well and the flavors continue to deepen, making it a great option for meal prepping.
Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are a crowd-pleasing, no-fuss recipe that brings big flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a meal-prep solution, or just craving something flavorful and comforting, this dish ticks all the boxes. It's bound to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Yes! Try using shrimp, tofu, or beef as a substitute for variety.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut amino to make it gluten-free.
