Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

Name: Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred); ⅓ cup honey; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 3 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice; Optional: sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, avocado slices

Isabella

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Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls bring together tender, bite-sized chicken coated in a sweet and savory glaze, served atop fluffy rice and garnished with fresh, crunchy veggies. This quick and flavorful meal is a perfect go-to for busy evenings, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines simplicity with incredible flavor. The sticky sauce has just the right balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, making every bite irresistible. It’s highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings and even swap ingredients based on what you have on hand. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)

⅓ cup honey

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

1 teaspoon grated ginger

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

3 cups cooked jasmine rice or brown rice

Optional Toppings:

Sliced cucumbers

Shredded carrots

Sliced green onions

Chopped cilantro

Avocado slices

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch in a bowl until evenly coated.

Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Remove and set aside.

Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Simmer over medium heat until it starts to thicken.

Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce clings to the chicken.

Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Top with sticky chicken and your choice of toppings.

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving

Variations

Protein Swap: Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or even beef strips for variety.

Rice Options: Use cauliflower rice, quinoa, or noodles for a twist.

Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli.

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce for heat.

Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle chopped peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken in sauce (without rice or toppings) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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EASY FRIED CHEESE BITES

FAQs

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce isn’t thick enough, simmer it longer or mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then stir it into the sauce.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well, but I prefer thighs for their juiciness and flavor.

What’s the best rice to use for this recipe?

I like jasmine rice for its fragrance and fluffy texture, but brown rice or even sushi rice works great too.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat them just before serving. Assemble the bowls fresh for the best texture.

What toppings work best for this recipe?

I enjoy the combination of cucumbers, shredded carrots, green onions, and cilantro for freshness, but feel free to use what you like!

Conclusion

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are a deliciously satisfying meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. With its versatile ingredients and quick prep time, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this recipe has you covered. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort.

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