Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

These Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls combine bold, sweet, and spicy flavors into a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknights or meal prep. Juicy, well-seasoned chicken, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice come together with a luscious sticky sauce and a drizzle of spicy mayo. Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it’s also highly customizable for your favorite veggies or protein swaps.

---

Save itSave it

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners.
• A delightful balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.
• Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Easily adaptable for dietary needs or ingredient availability.

---

Preparation Phase and Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rice cooker or pot: For perfectly fluffy rice.
• Steamer or microwave: To steam the broccoli.
• Air fryer or oven: To cook the chicken to perfection.
• Saucepan: For creating the sticky sauce.
• Mixing bowls: For seasoning the chicken and preparing the sauces.
• Whisk: To mix the spicy mayo and sauce ingredients smoothly.

---

Preparation Tips

• Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
• Use fresh garlic in the sticky sauce for a more robust flavor.
• Slightly under-steam the broccoli if you prefer it crisp-tender for added texture.
• When meal prepping, store the components separately to maintain freshness.

---

Ingredients

For the Bowls:

• 2 cups uncooked rice
• 2 small heads broccoli, chopped
• 3 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano

For the Sticky Sauce:

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sriracha
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry; or substitute cornstarch)

For the Spicy Mayo:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 2–3 tablespoons water

Toppings:

• Sesame seeds

---

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Rice

• Prepare the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, set aside and keep warm.

2. Steam the Broccoli

• Steam the chopped broccoli in a microwave-safe dish or steamer until fork-tender, about 3–4 minutes. Set aside.

3. Season the Chicken

• Place bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
• Add salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Toss until evenly coated.

4. Cook the Chicken

• Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the chicken in a single layer and cook for 12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
• Oven Alternative: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spread the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until fully cooked.

5. Make the Sticky Sauce

• Combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger in a saucepan.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.
• Stir in the arrowroot slurry and cook for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

6. Prepare the Spicy Mayo

• In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, and water until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more or less water as needed.

7. Assemble the Bowls

• Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls.
• Top with steamed broccoli and cooked chicken.
• Drizzle generously with sticky sauce and spicy mayo.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds over each bowl as a garnish.

Serving Suggestions

These Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides or enhancements. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:

1. Garlic Green Beans
   • Toss steamed green beans with garlic and sesame oil for a fresh and savory side.
2. Sesame Cucumber Salad
   • Thinly slice cucumbers and toss with rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and a dash of soy sauce for a light, refreshing salad.
3. Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls
   • Serve with crispy egg rolls or fresh spring rolls for added texture and flavor.
4. Pickled Carrots and Daikon
   • Add a tangy crunch by including quick-pickled carrots and daikon radishes.
5. Miso Soup
   • A warm bowl of miso soup makes a perfect starter or complement to the meal.
6. Kimchi
   • For those who love a spicy kick, kimchi adds both heat and crunch.
7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
   • Caramelized roasted sweet potatoes provide a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the sticky sauce.
8. Mango Sticky Rice(Dessert)
   • End the meal on a sweet note with creamy coconut milk-drizzled mango sticky rice.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid & Recipe Perfection

1. Overcooking the Chicken

• What Happens: Overcooked chicken becomes dry and chewy.
• How to Fix It: Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F, then let it rest for 5 minutes to finish cooking.

2. Thickening Issues with the Sticky Sauce

• What Happens: The sauce may not thicken if the slurry isn’t prepared correctly.
• How to Fix It: Ensure the arrowroot or cornstarch slurry is well-mixed before adding it to the sauce. Bring the sauce to a boil after adding the slurry for proper activation.

3. Soggy Rice in Meal Prep

• What Happens: Sauced rice can turn mushy in storage.
• How to Fix It: Store the rice, chicken, and sauce separately. Assemble just before eating.

4. Under-seasoning the Chicken

• What Happens: The dish may lack depth if the chicken isn’t adequately seasoned.
• How to Fix It: Don’t skip the spices in the chicken marinade. They create a flavorful base for the dish.

5. Oversteaming the Broccoli

• What Happens: Broccoli can become too soft and lose its vibrant color.
• How to Fix It: Steam for 3–4 minutes until fork-tender but still crisp. Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking if needed.

---

Side Dish Recommendations Recap

Pair your Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls with these sides for an elevated meal:

• Garlic green beans
• Sesame cucumber salad
• Egg rolls or spring rolls
• Pickled carrots and daikon
• Miso soup
• Kimchi
• Roasted sweet potatoes
• Mango sticky rice

These options add a variety of textures, flavors, and colors to round out the meal.

Recipe Tips

1. Double the Sauce
   • If you love extra sauce for drizzling or dipping, double the sticky sauce recipe. It’s perfect for spooning over rice or veggies.
2. Customize the Protein
   • Swap chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even beef for a fun variation. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein stays tender.
3. Go Gluten-Free
   • Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make this dish gluten-free.
4. Add More Vegetables
   • Incorporate snap peas, bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for added nutrition and crunch.
5. Adjust the Heat
   • Increase the spiciness by adding extra sriracha or red chili flakes to the sticky sauce or spicy mayo. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha.

---

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage:

• Separate the Components: To maintain texture and flavor, store the rice, chicken, broccoli, and sauces in separate airtight containers.
• Refrigerator: Keep all components in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer (Optional): Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing the broccoli and rice, as they may lose texture when thawed.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Reheat the rice, chicken, and broccoli separately for 1–2 minutes each, until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat the chicken and sticky sauce together in a skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes.
• Assembly: Once everything is warm, assemble the bowls fresh for the best flavor.

---

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use vegan mayonnaise for the spicy mayo. You can also substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly sticky sauce.

2. Can I freeze this dish?

You can freeze the chicken and sticky sauce for up to 3 months. However, it’s best to prepare the rice and broccoli fresh when ready to serve.

3. How do I make the sauce spicier?

To make the sauce spicier, add more sriracha, a pinch of red chili flakes, or a diced red chili pepper.

4. What can I use instead of broccoli?

You can swap broccoli for other vegetables such as snap peas, bell peppers, zucchini, or steamed carrots.

5. Can I use brown rice or cauliflower rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, while cauliflower rice is a great low-carb option.

6. What’s a good substitute for arrowroot powder?

Cornstarch works perfectly as a substitute. Use the same amount and prepare it as a slurry with water before adding it to the sauce.

7. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Reduce or omit the sriracha for a milder version that’s more suitable for kids.

---

Conclusion

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are a versatile, flavorful dish that checks all the boxes for an easy yet satisfying meal. With juicy chicken, a rich sticky sauce, and the perfect balance of textures, it’s a dish you’ll want to make on repeat. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just craving something comforting, this recipe has you covered.

Pair it with your favorite sides, customize the ingredients to suit your taste, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Try it today and see why it’s bound to become a new favorite!