Description

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls combine tender chicken, a sweet and savory sticky sauce, and fluffy rice for an irresistible meal. Quick, easy, and meal-prep friendly, this dish is packed with flavor and customizable with different proteins and vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken:

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the sticky sauce:

¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

For serving:

2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or brown rice)
1 cup steamed broccoli (or other vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots)
2 green onions, sliced
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Sriracha or chili flakes (optional, for spice)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sticky Sauce

In the same pan, sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute until thickened.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

Return cooked chicken to the pan and coat in the sauce.
Cook for another 2 minutes to absorb flavors.
Serve over warm rice with steamed vegetables.
Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and sriracha if desired.

Notes

Protein Swap: Use shrimp, tofu, or beef.
Grain Options: Substitute with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or noodles.
Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add gochujang.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Keywords: sticky chicken, rice bowl, Asian chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, meal prep chicken