Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe
Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe are not just a meal; they are an experience! This delightful dish features tender chicken glazed in a sweet and spicy sauce, paired with crisp broccoli over fluffy rice. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these bowls deliver bold flavors and healthy ingredients that satisfy every palate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Bold Flavor: The combination of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and spicy sriracha creates an irresistible glaze that elevates the chicken.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this dish with your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fresh veggies, this recipe offers a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
- Impressive Presentation: Serve these colorful bowls at gatherings to impress family and friends with minimal effort.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started, make sure you have the right tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process and help you achieve the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Rice cooker (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet allows for even cooking of the chicken while also enabling you to create the sticky sauce in one pan for easy cleanup.
- Rice cooker (optional): This tool simplifies cooking rice perfectly every time, freeing up your attention for other tasks.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure that your sauce is balanced and flavorful.
- Mixing bowl: Use it to whisk together your sticky sauce ingredients easily without making a mess.

Ingredients
Sticky Chicken Bowls combine tender chicken, sweet-spicy glaze, and crisp broccoli over fluffy rice. This easy weeknight meal delivers bold flavor, healthy ingredients, and total satisfaction in every bite.
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 the Spicy Mayo
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 2 –3 tbsp water
For Topping
- sesame seeds for topping
How to Make Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Cook the rice according to package instructions until fluffy. Once done, set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare Broccoli
Chop the broccoli into small florets. Set aside for steaming or sautéing later.
Step 3: Season Chicken
Slice chicken breasts into strips. Season them generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and oregano for full flavor.
Step 4: Cook Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken strips to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
Step 5: Cook Broccoli
While chicken cooks, steam or sauté broccoli in the same pan or separately until tender but still vibrant green.
Step 6: Make Sticky Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Pour this mixture into the skillet with cooked chicken. Simmer until thickened for about 5 minutes.
Step 7: Prepare Spicy Mayo
In another bowl, stir together mayo, sriracha, and enough water to achieve a pourable consistency. Adjust spice level as desired.
Step 8: Assemble Your Bowls
To serve, layer rice at the bottom of each bowl. Top with sticky chicken and steamed broccoli. Drizzle spicy mayo over everything and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added crunch.
Enjoy your delicious Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe!
How to Serve Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe
Sticky Chicken Bowls are a delightful meal that can be customized to suit various tastes and preferences. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Add Extra Vegetables
- Add a mix of bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added crunch and color.
- Toss in some green onions for a fresh flavor boost and extra texture.
Serve with Fresh Herbs
- Top your bowls with chopped cilantro or basil for a fragrant finish.
- A sprinkle of mint can also enhance the flavor profile, giving it a refreshing twist.
Customize the Grain Base
- Instead of rice, try quinoa or cauliflower rice for a nutritious alternative.
- You could also use brown rice if you prefer a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
Pair with Additional Sauces
- Offer soy sauce or teriyaki sauce on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
- A squeeze of lime juice can brighten up the dish and add a zesty note.
How to Perfect Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe
To ensure your Sticky Chicken Bowls turn out delicious every time, follow these expert tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly.
- Marinate the chicken: For even more flavor, let your chicken marinate in the sticky sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Balance the sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey in your sauce to suit your taste; more honey will make it sweeter.
- Cook broccoli just right: Ensure your broccoli is cooked until tender but still vibrant green for the best texture and appearance.
- Make a thicker sauce: If you prefer a thicker glaze, increase the arrowroot powder slurry gradually while simmering.
- Serve immediately: For optimal taste and texture, serve your bowls right after assembling them.
Best Side Dishes for Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe
Complement your Sticky Chicken Bowls with these tasty side dishes that can round out your meal perfectly.
- Edamame: These young soybeans are packed with protein and make a great crunchy side. Simply steam and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and sesame oil adds brightness to your meal.
- Miso Soup: This savory soup provides umami flavors that pair beautifully with chicken bowls; just heat miso paste with water and add tofu or seaweed.
- Fried Rice: Quick fried rice made from leftover ingredients adds heartiness; stir-fry day-old rice with vegetables and soy sauce.
- Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies and served with peanut sauce offer crispy texture alongside warm bowls.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Toss sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting until crispy for an earthy side dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking can be fun, but avoiding common mistakes is essential for a successful Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe. Here are some to watch out for:
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Ignoring the marinade time: Skipping marinating the chicken can result in less flavor. Always allow time for the chicken to soak in the sauce to enhance its taste.
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Overcooking the rice: Cooking rice too long can make it mushy. Follow package instructions closely and check for doneness before draining.
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Not using fresh ingredients: Stale or old ingredients can affect flavor and texture. Ensure your spices, sauces, and vegetables are fresh for the best results.
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Skipping the thickening step: Forgetting to thicken your sauce will leave it watery. Use arrowroot powder or cornstarch slurry as directed to create that perfect sticky glaze.
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Using low-quality soy sauce: Cheap soy sauce can ruin the dish’s overall flavor. Invest in a good quality soy sauce for a richer taste.
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Neglecting presentation: Serving food without attention to presentation can diminish appeal. Take a moment to arrange your bowls neatly and garnish with sesame seeds.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in airtight containers.
- They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe
- Freeze sticky chicken bowls in freezer-safe containers.
- They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet with a splash of water until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe so special?
This recipe combines tender chicken with a sweet-spicy glaze over fluffy rice, making it both satisfying and flavorful. It’s perfect for any weeknight meal!
Can I customize my Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap out vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, adjust spice levels, or use different proteins such as turkey or beef based on your preferences.
How do I achieve the perfect sticky glaze?
For the best glaze, ensure you simmer the sauce until it thickens after adding it to the cooked chicken. This will give you that signature sticky texture.
Is this Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe healthy?
Yes! It features lean chicken breasts, fresh broccoli, and is balanced with flavorful ingredients without excessive fats or sugars.
Final Thoughts
The Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different proteins and veggies, ensuring it fits perfectly into your meal rotation. Give it a try, and enjoy this tasty dish!
Sticky Chicken Bowls
Sticky Chicken Bowls are a delightful blend of tender chicken and crisp broccoli, all smothered in a sweet and spicy glaze served over fluffy rice. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, combining bold flavors with healthy ingredients that everyone will enjoy. The sticky sauce, made from soy sauce and honey with a touch of sriracha, elevates the chicken to new heights while maintaining an easy preparation method. With just 40 minutes from start to finish, these bowls are not only satisfying but also customizable to cater to your family’s taste preferences.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked rice
- 2 small heads broccoli (chopped)
- 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
- 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)
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 2 –3 tbsp water
- sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
- Cook rice as per package instructions; set aside.
- Chop broccoli into florets; steam or sauté until tender.
- Slice chicken breasts into strips and season with salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook chicken strips until golden brown.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, ground ginger, and arrowroot slurry. Add to skillet with chicken and simmer until thickened.
- Assemble bowls by layering rice at the bottom, then adding sticky chicken and broccoli on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (350g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
