If you love easy, flavor-packed meals, these Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are about to become your new go-to dinner! πππ₯ Juicy, bite-sized chicken is coated in a sweet, garlicky, and slightly spicy sticky sauce, then served over fluffy rice with fresh veggies for the perfect balance of comfort and freshness.
The best part? This better-than-takeout meal is ready in just 30 minutes and made with simple pantry ingredients!
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
βοΈ Better Than Takeout β Sweet, savory, and packed with umami goodness.
βοΈ One-Pan Wonder β Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
βοΈ Quick & Easy β Ready in just 30 minutes!
βοΈ Totally Customizable β Add your favorite veggies, swap the rice, or adjust the spice!
Ingredients for Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
For the Chicken:
- 1 Β½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- Β½ tsp salt
- Β½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Sticky Sauce:
- β cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- ΒΌ cup honey π―
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (to thicken)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for extra depth)
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- Β½ cup shredded carrots
- Β½ cup sliced cucumbers
- ΒΌ cup green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 3: Make the Sticky Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sriracha, garlic, and ginger.
- In another small dish, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
- Pour the sticky sauce into the pan with the chicken and stir.
- Add the cornstarch slurry, stir, and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, until thick and glossy.
- Drizzle in sesame oil and toss everything together.
Step 5: Assemble the Rice Bowls
- Divide cooked rice into bowls.
- Top with sticky chicken, shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, and green onions.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and extra sauce.
π₯ Enjoy this sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness! ππβ¨
Servings & Cooking Time
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
Variations & Substitutions
1. Make It Spicy πΆοΈ
- Add extra sriracha, chili flakes, or diced jalapeΓ±os.
2. Low-Carb Option
- Swap rice for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
3. Extra Crunch & Freshness
- Add avocado, shredded cabbage, or bell peppers for more texture.
4. Vegan Version
- Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh, and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
How to Store
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Meal Prep: Store the chicken and rice separately for easy reheating.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan with a splash of water to keep it moist.
- Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and add even more flavor.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything and store it separately for easy reheating.
3. Whatβs the best way to get crispy chicken?
Cornstarch is key! It creates a light, crispy coating when pan-fried.
4. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce instead?
Yes, but the homemade sauce is fresher and way tastier!
5. Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it GF-friendly.
6. Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
7. What other veggies go well in this bowl?
Try steamed broccoli, edamame, or snap peas for extra crunch!
8. Can I air-fry the chicken?
Yes! Air-fry at 400Β°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
9. Whatβs the best rice to use?
Jasmine, basmati, or brown rice work best for these bowls.
10. What pairs well with this dish?
Serve with spring rolls, miso soup, or a simple cucumber salad!
Final Thoughts on Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
These Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, all tossed with crispy chicken and fluffy rice. Whether youβre making it for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish is better than takeout and guaranteed to be a hit!
π₯ Try it tonight and enjoy a flavor-packed meal in just 30 minutes! ππβ¨
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments!