Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are the ultimate comfort food with an Asian-inspired twist. Each bowl is a delightful mix of textures and flavors: tender chicken coated in a glossy, savory-sweet glaze, fluffy jasmine rice, and fresh vegetables topped with a drizzle of spicy mayo. It’s a perfect recipe to break up your weekly routine with something special yet simple enough to prepare after a long day.

Imagine scooping up a spoonful of steaming rice with a bit of sticky chicken and the zing of creamy spicy mayo. This dish is versatile and easy to customize with your favorite vegetables, spice levels, or even a vegetarian alternative. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or yourself, Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: All the components are pantry staples or easy to find at your local store.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup required! The sticky sauce is made in the same pan you cook the chicken in.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet glaze appeals to children, while the customizable spice level keeps it interesting for adults.
• Great for Meal Prep: Prepare the components ahead and assemble bowls in minutes throughout the week.
• Flexible: Adjust the protein, rice, or vegetables to suit dietary needs or preferences.

Ingredients Overview

Chicken

• Primary Protein: Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, but chicken breasts are a leaner option.
• Seasoning: A simple blend of pantry spices elevates the chicken flavor before the sticky sauce takes over.

Rice

• Jasmine Rice: A slightly fragrant variety that pairs perfectly with Asian-style dishes. Its soft, fluffy texture is ideal for soaking up the sticky sauce.
• Alternative Grains: For a healthier option, substitute jasmine rice with brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice.

Vegetables

• Broccoli: The perfect companion to the sticky chicken, offering a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
• Optional Additions: Snap peas, bok choy, or bell peppers can enhance the nutritional value and visual appeal.

Sticky Sauce

• Soy Sauce and Honey: A classic duo for a salty-sweet glaze.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds brightness and balance.
• Aromatics: Garlic and ginger bring warmth and depth to the sauce.
• Heat: Sriracha provides a customizable kick.

Spicy Mayo

• Creamy Element: The mayonnaise balances the intense flavors of the sauce and adds a luxurious finish.
• Adjustable Spice: Add more or less sriracha to suit your preference.

How to Make Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

This recipe is broken into easy, manageable steps that come together to create a cohesive dish. Follow along, and you’ll have a perfect bowl every time.

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start with the base of your bowl—the rice.

1. Rinse Thoroughly: Place 2 cups of jasmine rice in a sieve or colander. Rinse under cold running water, stirring gently with your fingers until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, preventing the rice from clumping.
2. Cook the Rice: Combine rinsed rice, 4 cups of water, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed.
3. Fluff and Keep Warm: Remove from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, and then fluff with a fork. Keep it covered until ready to serve.

Step 2: Steam the Broccoli

While the rice cooks, prepare the broccoli:

1. Chop Broccoli: Cut 2 small heads of broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. This ensures even cooking.
2. Steam: Place the florets in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes or until tender but still vibrant green. If using a microwave, place broccoli in a microwave-safe dish with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover loosely and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes.
3. Set Aside: Once cooked, season lightly with salt and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Chicken is the star of the dish, so ensure it’s seasoned and cooked to perfection:

1. Dice Chicken: Cut 3 large chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
2. Season Generously: Toss the chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of oregano.
3. Cook: Preheat an air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Alternative: If you don’t have an air fryer, cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Make the Sticky Sauce

This sauce is the heart of the dish, delivering bold flavor with every bite:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix:
   • 1/2 cup soy sauce
   • 1/2 cup honey
   • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
   • 3 cloves garlic, minced
   • 2 tablespoons sriracha
   • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
   • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
2. Simmer: Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently.
3. Thicken: In a small bowl, whisk 2 teaspoons of arrowroot powder with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Gradually stir the slurry into the sauce. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Prepare Spicy Mayo

The spicy mayo is the perfect finishing touch:

1. Whisk together:
   • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
   • 1 tablespoon sriracha
   • 2-3 tablespoons water (adjust to your desired consistency).

Step 6: Assemble the Bowls

1. Start with Rice: Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls.
2. Add Broccoli: Arrange steamed broccoli on one side of each bowl.
3. Layer Chicken: Spoon the cooked chicken over the rice.
4. Drizzle Sauce: Generously pour the sticky sauce over the chicken and rice.
5. Finish with Garnishes: Drizzle the spicy mayo on top and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Tips for the Best Recipe

• Perfect Rice: Always rinse the rice to remove excess starch.
• Even Chicken Cooking: Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size.
• Balanced Sauce: Adjust sweetness or spice to suit your taste by tweaking honey or sriracha amounts.

Variations to Try

1. Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh.
2. Low-Carb Swap: Use cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice.
3. Add Vegetables: Try snap peas, bell peppers, or zucchini for added variety.
4. Spicy Boost: Add a dash of chili oil or extra sriracha to the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use another protein?
Yes, shrimp or beef slices work well in this recipe.

How do I make this less sweet?
Reduce honey or replace it with agave syrup for a milder sweetness.

Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then assemble the bowls when ready to serve.

How to Store and Reheat

• Storage: Store rice, chicken, and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary. Microwave rice with a damp paper towel to restore moisture.

Conclusion

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli, all topped with a savory sticky sauce and creamy spicy mayo. Easy to make and customizable, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. With options for different proteins, vegetables, and spice levels, it’s a versatile and delicious addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy a comforting, homemade meal that will quickly become a family favorite!