Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls – A Flavor-Packed Quick Meal!

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal, these Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are perfect! Featuring juicy, caramelized chicken coated in a sweet and savory sticky sauce, served over fluffy rice with fresh toppings, this dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

This one-pan meal is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you need a wholesome homemade meal fast. Customize it with your favorite veggies and garnishes for a bowl that’s better than takeout!

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Ingredients for Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

the Sticky Chicken:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

the Sticky Sauce:

• ¼ cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey (or brown sugar)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste (optional, for heat)
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil

the Rice Bowl Base:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
• 1 cup steamed broccoli (or snap peas, carrots, or bell peppers)
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 2 green onions, sliced

Garnishing (Optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced avocado
• Extra soy sauce or sriracha
• Chopped cilantro

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove the chicken and set aside.

2. Make the Sticky Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, sriracha, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil.
2. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

3. Coat the Chicken & Simmer

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
2. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.

4. Assemble the Rice Bowls

1. Divide cooked rice into serving bowls.
2. Add steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and any other veggies.
3. Top with sticky chicken and spoon extra sauce over the rice.

5. Garnish & Serve!

• Sprinkle with sesame seeds, green onions, and extra sriracha if desired.
• Serve immediately and enjoy your flavor-packed meal!

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Expert Tips for the Best Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

Use chicken thighs – They stay juicy and tender, even after cooking.
Don’t skip the cornstarch – It helps create a crispy coating on the chicken.
Simmer the sauce – This thickens it perfectly and enhances the flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the pan – Cook chicken in batches to get a crispy texture.
Skipping the cornstarch – It’s key for that deliciously sticky glaze.
Adding sauce too early – Let the chicken cook first before tossing in sauce.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Serve with a side of miso soup or cucumber salad.
• Pair with spring rolls or dumplings for a complete meal.
• Drizzle with extra sesame oil for added richness.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Warm in a pan over low heat with a splash of water.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing:

• Freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

• Make it vegetarian – Swap chicken for tofu or mushrooms.
• Try different proteins – Shrimp, beef, or pork work great too!
• Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.

What to Serve with Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

• Asian-style slaw or pickled vegetables
• Garlic butter green beans
• Homemade egg rolls or potstickers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Just toss pre-cooked shredded or grilled chicken in the sauce and heat for a few minutes.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! Add extra sriracha, chili flakes, or fresh chopped chilies.

Conclusion

These Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that you’ll want to make again and again! Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping, or just craving a delicious takeout-style dish, this recipe is easy, versatile, and packed with bold flavors.

Try it today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more easy and delicious dinner ideas!

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Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 480 kcal per serving (based on 4 servings).

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 4

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