Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe is an ideal dish for busy weeknights, offering a perfect blend of tender chicken, a sweet and spicy glaze, and crisp broccoli all served over fluffy rice. This recipe provides bold flavors and healthy ingredients, making it suitable for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare this satisfying meal that delights everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe takes only 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight cooking.
• Flavorful Dish: The combination of spices and the sticky sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the bowl with your favorite veggies or substitute chicken with turkey or beef to suit your preferences.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from broccoli, this dish supports a balanced diet without sacrificing taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch to enjoy leftovers throughout the week—perfect for lunch or dinner!

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools can make cooking this recipe even easier. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Pot for rice
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A non-stick skillet ensures even cooking of chicken and makes cleanup effortless.
• Pot for Rice: Using a pot allows you to cook rice perfectly; fluffy grains are essential in this dish.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Sharp knives and a sturdy cutting board help you chop ingredients quickly and safely.

Ingredients

For the Rice

• 2 cups uncooked rice

For the Broccoli

• 2 small heads broccoli (chopped)

For the Chicken

• 3 large chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp oregano

For the Sticky Sauce

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp sriracha
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry (sub cornstarch)

For Spicy Mayo

• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 2 –3 tbsp water

For Topping

• sesame seeds

How to Make Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Cook the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, set aside while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

Chop the broccoli into small florets. You can steam or sauté them later in this process.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts into strips. Season them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and oregano.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken strips and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Broccoli

In the same skillet or separately, steam or sauté broccoli until tender but still vibrant green.

Step 6: Make the Sticky Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, ground ginger, and arrowroot slurry until well combined. Pour this mixture into the skillet with cooked chicken and simmer until thickened.

Step 7: Prepare Spicy Mayo

In another bowl, mix together mayo, sriracha, and enough water to reach your desired consistency. Stir well until smooth.

Step 8: Assemble Your Bowls

In each serving bowl, layer cooked rice topped with sticky chicken strips and steamed broccoli. Drizzle spicy mayo over everything and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added crunch. Enjoy!

How to Serve Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Sticky Chicken Bowls are versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you prefer a simple bowl or want to add some extra flair, here are some serving suggestions.

Customize Your Bowl

• Add Extra Vegetables: Consider including bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added crunch and nutrition.
• Use Different Grains: Swap the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
• Try Various Nuts: Top with chopped peanuts or cashews for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

Garnish Ideas

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a fresh finish.
• Chili Flakes: Add a pinch of chili flakes for an extra kick if you like heat.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges for a zesty squeeze that brightens the dish.

Sauce Variations

• Peanut Sauce Drizzle: A creamy peanut sauce can complement the sticky glaze beautifully.
• Teriyaki Sauce: For a sweeter alternative, consider drizzling teriyaki sauce over the chicken.

How to Perfect Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Sticky Chicken Bowls, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Seasoning: Ensure you season the chicken thoroughly before cooking to maximize flavor.
• High Heat Cooking: Cook the chicken on high heat initially to get a nice sear before reducing heat to ensure it cooks through without drying out.
• Thicken Sauce Properly: Allow the sticky sauce to simmer until it reaches your desired thickness; this enhances its flavor and consistency.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and ginger for a more intense aroma and taste in your dishes.

Best Side Dishes for Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Pairing side dishes with Sticky Chicken Bowls can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement this dish well.

1. Steamed Edamame: Lightly salted edamame offers protein and is easy to prepare by simply steaming.
2. Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumbers, sesame oil, and rice vinegar adds crunch and acidity.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Toss Brussels sprouts in olive oil and seasonings, then roast until crispy for a hearty side.
4. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides a comforting contrast to the sticky chicken flavors.
5. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic deliver vibrant color and taste alongside your main dish.
6. Fried Rice: Use leftover rice stir-fried with vegetables for a deliciously savory addition that ties everything together.
7. Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies offer a light bite that pairs well with the main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sticky Chicken Bowls are a delicious and straightforward dish, but it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to keep in mind.

• Skipping the marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken can result in less flavor. Always allow time for the chicken to soak up the flavors of your sauce.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can make it dry. Monitor the cooking time closely and remove it from heat as soon as it’s fully cooked.
• Using low-quality soy sauce: A poor-quality soy sauce can affect the overall taste of your dish. Opt for a good brand to ensure that your Sticky Chicken Bowls have a rich flavor.
• Neglecting vegetable preparation: Cutting broccoli too large can lead to uneven cooking. Chop it into small florets for even tenderness.
• Not adjusting spice levels: Some may find the sriracha too spicy or not spicy enough. Taste and adjust the spice level according to your preference before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure that the rice and chicken are cooled before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

• Freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe containers.
• Can be stored for up to 3 months; label each container with the date.

Reheating Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef, turkey, or lamb for different flavors while keeping the recipe similar.

How do I adjust spice levels in this Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe?

You can reduce or increase sriracha based on your spice preference. Taste the sauce before adding it to ensure it meets your liking.

What type of rice works best?

Short-grain rice is ideal for this recipe, but you can use jasmine or basmati rice if you prefer.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to include bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra nutrition and flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce as a substitute for regular soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Sticky Chicken Bowls are not only packed with flavor but also offer versatility that allows you to customize them easily. Whether you want to switch out proteins or add your favorite vegetables, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Give this tasty dish a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Print

Sticky Chicken Bowls

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Sticky Chicken Bowls are the perfect solution for busy weeknights, combining tender chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with bold flavors and nutritious ingredients, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prep. In just about 40 minutes, you’ll create a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Customize your bowls with your favorite vegetables or proteins like turkey or beef for endless variations.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 large chicken breasts
• 2 cups uncooked rice
• 2 small heads of broccoli
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp sriracha
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry (sub cornstarch)
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 2 – 3 tbsp water
• sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Cook rice according to package instructions; set aside.
2. Chop broccoli into small florets; steam or sauté until tender.
3. Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook seasoned chicken until golden brown (7-10 minutes).
5. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, ground ginger, and arrowroot slurry; pour over chicken and simmer until thickened.
6. Mix mayo with sriracha and water for the spicy mayo.
7. Assemble bowls by layering rice, sticky chicken, broccoli, spicy mayo drizzle, and sesame seeds.

• Author: Juniper
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 400g)
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 920mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 90g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or beef based on your preference. Add extra veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for added crunch. Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.