Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Published: August 16, 2025

by Olivia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 40 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and sriracha creates a mouthwatering glaze that brings out the best in the chicken.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this dish makes a nutritious choice for any meal.
Customizable: You can easily switch out ingredients like veggies or spices to tailor the dish to your taste preferences.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time for delicious leftovers that are just as good reheated.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare Sticky Chicken Bowls, you’ll need some essential tools that make cooking easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Skillet
Rice cooker or pot
Mixing bowls
Cutting board
Knife
Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking of the chicken and allows you to easily combine ingredients for the sauce.
Rice cooker or pot: Cooking rice perfectly is key to this dish; a rice cooker simplifies this step.
Mixing bowls: These are essential for preparing your sticky sauce and spicy mayo without mess.
Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for slicing chicken and chopping vegetables efficiently.

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 Vegetables

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

To Serve

sesame seeds for topping

How to Make Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice

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

Step 2: Prepare Broccoli

Chop the broccoli into small florets. Set aside until you’re ready to cook them.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts into strips. Season 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.

Step 5: Cook the Broccoli

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

Step 6: Make Sticky Sauce

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

Step 7: Prepare Spicy Mayo

In another bowl, stir together mayo, sriracha, and water until you achieve a pourable consistency.

Step 8: Assemble Your Bowls

Start with a base of rice in each bowl. Top with chicken strips and broccoli. Drizzle with spicy mayo and sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Sticky Chicken Bowls!

How to Serve Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Serving Sticky Chicken Bowls is all about presentation and maximizing flavor. These bowls can be customized to suit individual tastes and preferences, making each meal enjoyable.

Personalize with Toppings

Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.
Chopped Green Onions: Add fresh green onions for a burst of color and mild onion taste.
Chili Flakes: For those who love heat, sprinkle chili flakes over the top for an extra kick.

Add Fresh Herbs

Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness and a hint of citrus that pairs well with the sticky sauce.
Basil: Sweet basil can provide an aromatic twist, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Pair with Additional Sauces

Soy Sauce Drizzle: A light drizzle of soy sauce can amplify the umami flavors in your bowl.
Extra Sriracha: For spice lovers, offering extra sriracha on the side lets everyone control their heat level.

How to Perfect Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Creating the perfect Sticky Chicken Bowls requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you nail this delicious dish every time.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and vegetables enhance the flavors and textures in your bowls.
Marinate Chicken: Allowing chicken to marinate in the sticky sauce for at least 30 minutes will deepen the flavor.
Cook Broccoli Right: Avoid overcooking broccoli; it should be tender but still vibrant and crunchy for best texture.
Adjust Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer longer or add more arrowroot slurry until desired consistency is reached.
Serve Immediately: For optimal taste, serve bowls right after assembly while everything is warm and fresh.
Experiment with Rice Types: While white rice is traditional, brown rice or cauliflower rice can offer different textures and health benefits.

Best Side Dishes for Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Sticky Chicken Bowls can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

Steamed Edamame: These young soybeans are not only nutritious but also provide a fun pop of texture alongside your bowls.
Pickled Vegetables: Quick pickled cucumbers or radishes add a tangy contrast that complements the sweet-spicy chicken glaze beautifully.
Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage and carrots adds freshness and crunch; toss it in a light vinaigrette for extra zing.
Miso Soup: This light broth offers warmth and umami flavors that pair wonderfully with the main dish.
Fried Rice: Leftover fried rice is an excellent option; it’s full of flavor and makes for a hearty addition to your meal.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers dressed in rice vinegar brings coolness against the sticky chicken’s heat.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add depth and earthiness that balances out the sweetness of the chicken glaze.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.

Skipping the marination: Not allowing the chicken to marinate can lead to less flavor. Make sure to let it soak in the sauce for at least 30 minutes.
Overcooking the broccoli: Overcooked broccoli becomes mushy. Steam or sauté it just until tender for a crisp texture.
Using dry rice: Underestimating the rice cooking time may leave it hard. Follow package instructions carefully for fluffy results.
Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season chicken properly can result in bland bowls. Use all suggested spices for a burst of flavor.
Rushing assembly: Putting together the bowls too quickly can affect presentation. Take your time to layer each ingredient beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe containers.
They can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered with foil for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a small splash of water if needed, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How can I customize my Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. You can also swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp for different flavors.

What is the best way to cook rice for this recipe?

Follow package instructions closely. Rinsing rice before cooking helps achieve fluffier rice by removing excess starch.

Can I use low-sodium soy sauce in the Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe?

Yes! Low-sodium soy sauce works well and allows you to control salt levels better without compromising flavor.

What side dishes pair well with sticky chicken bowls?

Serve with a simple green salad or steamed dumplings for a complete meal experience that complements these bowls perfectly.

Final Thoughts

The Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe offers delicious flavors and versatility, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins, ensuring every bowl is uniquely yours!

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