Prepare to fall in love with every bite of this Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl. Each spoonful is a satisfying mix of tender, glazed chicken, fluffy rice, crisp veggies, and a sauce so delicious you’ll want to lick your bowl clean. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or just craving something cozy and homemade, this recipe delivers big on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the most memorable dishes are made with everyday ingredients, and that’s exactly the magic here. Every item in the Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl brings something special to the party, from savory depth to pops of crunch and color.
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for staying tender in a quick stir fry—bite-sized pieces make for a satisfying, meaty bite in every forkful.
- Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil that gets your chicken perfectly browned without overpowering the flavors of the sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Adds that crave-worthy salty, umami punch, forming the delicious backbone of the sticky glaze.
- Honey: Natural sweetness that helps caramelize the sauce and gives it an irresistible glossy finish.
- Brown Sugar: A touch of molasses flavor and extra stickiness, balancing the tang and spice.
- Rice Vinegar: Brightens up the whole dish, keeping the sauce lively instead of heavy.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for savory warmth with every bite.
- Fresh Ginger: Grated for subtle heat and that unmistakable zip—absolutely worth the extra step for a major flavor upgrade.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Just a quick mix of cornstarch and water transforms your sauce into a sticky dream.
- Cooked Rice: White or jasmine rice acts as the perfect fluffy canvas to soak up every drop of sticky-sweet sauce.
- Steamed Broccoli: Adds color, crunch, and a little green goodness to balance out the richness.
- Shredded Carrots: Brings a lovely sweet crunch and a pop of bright orange to your bowl.
- Green Onion: Sliced on top for that fresh, punchy finish.
- Sesame Seeds: For a nutty aroma and a pretty sprinkle right before digging in.
How to Make Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl
Step 1: Whisk Up the Sticky Sauce
First things first, let’s get the star of this Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl ready: the sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This sweet, tangy, and savory mixture comes together in under a minute but makes all the difference in the final dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, add your chicken thigh pieces in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes before flipping, so you get that beautiful golden brown on the outside while keeping all the moisture locked in. It should take about 6 to 8 minutes for the chicken to cook through and look irresistibly golden.
Step 3: Make It Sticky
Pour your whisked sauce over the chicken and bring everything to a gentle simmer. The kitchen will start to smell amazing! Now, stir in your cornstarch and water slurry, which transforms the bubbling sauce into a thick, glossy glaze that clings to every piece of chicken. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until irresistibly sticky.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the fluffy cooked rice between four bowls—if you’ve just cooked it, even better. Top the rice with your sticky chicken, making sure to scrape every last bit of glazed goodness from the pan. Layer on steamed broccoli and shredded carrots for crunch, color, and plenty of freshness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top of each bowl. These last touches bring brightness, texture, and the finishing visual pop that’ll have everyone reaching for their chopsticks (or a fork, no judgment!). Serve your Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl warm and get ready for happy faces all around.
How to Serve Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl
Garnishes
Elevate the flavors and appearance of each bowl by showering it with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha on top. These garnishes not only make your Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl look restaurant-worthy, but also add bursts of fresh flavor with every bite.
Side Dishes
While this bowl is absolutely complete on its own, pairing it with sides like crunchy Asian slaw, pickled cucumbers, or even a simple miso soup can make dinner feel extra special. I also love adding a side of dumplings or a small salad with a soy-sesame vinaigrette for a heartier spread.
Creative Ways to Present
What’s more fun than customizing your Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl? Set up a DIY rice bowl bar for dinners with friends or family, offering extra toppings like roasted peanuts, shredded cabbage, or spicy mayo. For a packed lunch twist, assemble your bowl in a mason jar—the layers stay fresh and colorful until you’re ready to shake and eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl stores beautifully in the refrigerator. Just place any extra rice, chicken, and veggies in airtight containers (keep garnishes separate if you can), and they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. This is one of those meals that tastes just as great the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together for up to two months—freeze the rice and vegetables separately for the best texture. When ready to enjoy, thaw everything overnight in the fridge, then reheat for a quick, stress-free meal.
Reheating
For the freshest flavor, reheat the chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep everything moist. Add your garnishes and fresh veggies right before serving to maintain their crunch and color.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works well in the Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl if you prefer leaner cuts. Just be careful not to overcook, as breasts dry out a bit faster—slice them thinly so they cook quickly and stay juicy.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap the chicken for extra-firm tofu, cut into cubes. Pat it dry, pan-fry until crisp and golden, then proceed with the sticky sauce steps. The flavors soak right in for a seriously tasty vegetarian version.
Is this recipe spicy?
By default, the Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl is more on the sweet and savory side. If you’re after some heat, stir a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes into the sauce, or sprinkle them over your finished bowl.
What should I do if my sauce gets too thick?
If your sticky sauce reduces a bit too much, just stir in a tablespoon or two of water until it loosens up to your liking. It should be glossy and pourable, but still coat the chicken beautifully.
Can I make the rice bowls ahead for meal prep?
Definitely. The Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl is perfect for meal prep. Assemble the bowls without garnishes, store in airtight containers, and add your fresh toppings right before eating for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something hearty, colorful, and packed with irresistible flavor, the Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl is truly a must-try. It’s so simple, it’s nearly foolproof—plus, it’s just plain fun to eat. Give it a go this week, and watch it quickly become a new go-to in your kitchen!
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Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl is a delicious and satisfying Asian-inspired meal that is perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice with steamed broccoli and shredded carrots. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor.
Ingredients
For the Sticky Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1 green onion (sliced)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet, add chicken, and cook until browned. Pour sauce over chicken and simmer. Stir in cornstarch slurry until sauce thickens.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide rice between bowls, top with sticky chicken, steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, green onions, and sesame seeds. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a dash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- This recipe works well with chicken breast or tofu as a substitute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
