There is something incredibly satisfying about a bowl packed with tender chicken glazed in a glossy, sticky sauce, paired with fluffy rice and fresh veggies. This Delicious Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe captures that magical combination perfectly. It’s a wonderful balance of sweet, savory, and a little zing from garlic and ginger, creating a flavor sensation that feels both comforting and exciting all at once. Plus, it’s so straightforward to whip up on a busy weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve when friends drop by. Let’s dive in and make a meal you will want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient lends something special to the final dish. From the tender chicken thighs perfect for soaking up sauce to the bright, fresh broccoli adding crunch and color — every element has a role in making this bowl truly irresistible.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs bring extra juiciness, while breasts keep it lean—either works beautifully.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: The savory backbone lending depth and umami richness.
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness for that sticky finish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant punch that brightens the dish.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Brings zesty warmth and a hint of spice.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Balances the sweet and salty with a touch of acidity.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Mixes with water to thicken the sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons water (for slurry): Helps create that glossy, clinging sauce texture.
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice: Light and fragrant grains that soak up all the flavors.
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed: Adds a vibrant green pop and tender crunch.
- 2 tablespoons peanut sauce or spicy mayo (optional): For an extra layer of creamy, spicy goodness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor brightening each bite.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds: Adds a subtle nutty crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Delicious Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce
Start by trimming the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This ensures every piece gets cooked evenly and coated in that irresistible sticky sauce. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger to release their punchy flavors. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar to build your flavorful sauce base. Then, combine the cornstarch with water in a separate bowl to create the slurry that will thicken the sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil. Arrange the chicken pieces carefully in a single layer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally until they are cooked through and beautifully golden. Remember to work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding, which prevents the chicken from browning properly.
Step 3: Simmer in Sauce and Thicken
Lower the heat to medium and pour the prepared sauce right over the sizzling chicken. Let it simmer and bubble for 2 to 3 minutes, so the flavors meld together deliciously. Then, stir in your cornstarch slurry and keep stirring until the sauce thickens into that perfect glossy, sticky coating that clings to every chicken piece like magic.
Step 4: Steam the Broccoli
While the chicken simmers, steam the broccoli florets until they’re tender yet still vibrant and crisp. This can be done easily in a steamer basket or even in the microwave with a touch of water. The broccoli adds freshness and a wonderful textural contrast to those sticky chicken bites.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
Follow the package instructions to cook your jasmine or basmati rice, then fluff it gently with a fork to keep the grains light and airy. This fluffy bed of rice is the perfect base to soak up all the sauce and flavors.
Step 6: Assemble Your Delicious Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe
Now comes the fun part. Scoop the fragrant rice into bowls, pile on the sticky chicken, and add the steamed broccoli beside it. If you like a little extra creaminess or heat, drizzle some peanut sauce or spicy mayo on top. Finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an inviting and colorful presentation. Serve it hot for the best experience.
How to Serve Delicious Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes not only make your bowls look stunning but also elevate the flavors. Chopped green onions add a burst of fresh sharpness, while toasted sesame seeds contribute subtle nuttiness and crunch. Consider sprinkling a few chili flakes for some heat if you enjoy a little kick.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with crunchy pickled cucumbers or a crisp Asian slaw to balance the richness of the chicken. A light miso soup or steamed edamame can also round out the meal beautifully without overwhelming the main star of the bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can turn this humble meal into an impressive spread. Try serving the components deconstructed for a build-your-own bowl experience, or arrange the chicken and broccoli in neat rows atop the rice for a sleek, restaurant-style look. Using vibrant bowls will also make your colors pop and make the eating experience more joyful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, the chicken rice bowls will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner on busy days.
Freezing
This Delicious Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that the texture of steamed broccoli may soften upon thawing, so consider storing it separately if you want to retain more crispness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water to loosen it up while warming. Adding fresh green onions or a drizzle of sauce freshens up the dish beautifully after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well and provide a leaner option, though thighs tend to stay moister and more flavorful with the sticky sauce.
What can I substitute for soy sauce if I have dietary restrictions?
Try tamari or coconut aminos as gluten-free or low-sodium alternatives; they offer similar umami notes without the soy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap chicken for firm tofu or tempeh and adjust the cooking time accordingly. The sauce and vegetables pair wonderfully with plant-based proteins.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture a few hours ahead to deepen the flavors and cook rice in advance to save time during assembly.
What type of rice is best for this dish?
Jasmine or basmati rice works beautifully due to their fragrant, fluffy qualities that complement the sticky chicken without overpowering it.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and satisfying about this Delicious Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe that makes it a fast favorite in my kitchen. It’s packed with flavor, easy to put together, and versatile enough to tailor to your tastes. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s perfect for any day you want a meal that feels both special and simple. Give it a try, and let the sticky, savory goodness brighten up your next dinner!
Print
Delicious Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Delicious Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl recipe features tender chicken thighs or breasts cooked in a sweet and savory sticky sauce, served over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, accompanied by steamed broccoli and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. It’s a quick, flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners that combines balanced protein, vegetables, and delicious Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
For the Sticky Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
For the Rice Bowl Assembly
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 2 tablespoons peanut sauce or spicy mayo (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Trim and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar to create the sticky sauce. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add cooking oil. Once hot, add chicken pieces in a single layer. Sear for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Make the Sticky Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to a sticky glaze that coats the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the Broccoli: While the chicken simmers, steam the broccoli florets until tender but still crisp. This can be done using a steamer basket over boiling water or by microwaving with a little water until just cooked, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Cook and Fluff Rice: Cook the jasmine or basmati rice according to the package instructions. Once done, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains and keep it light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Top each bowl with the sticky chicken and steamed broccoli. Drizzle with peanut sauce or spicy mayo if desired. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs adds extra juiciness, but breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- The peanut sauce or spicy mayo is optional but adds a nice contrast of flavor and creaminess.
- If you prefer, substitute broccoli with other steamed vegetables like snap peas or green beans.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust the spiciness by adding chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce if desired.
