Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Burst of Flavors: From the savory chicken to the sweet and sticky sauce, each bite is a flavor explosion.
- Easy to Customize: You can swap out ingredients like tofu for a plant-based version, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Quick & Convenient: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you want a wholesome and satisfying meal without the fuss.
This Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls recipe is the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any meal. It’s an easy dish to whip up for dinner, meal prep, or when you’re craving something satisfying and flavorful. The sticky sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and sriracha clings to every bite of tender chicken, creating an irresistible combination when paired with fluffy rice, steamed broccoli, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. If you’re looking for a go-to recipe for a balanced meal, this one’s for you!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 3 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp oregano
For the Sticky Sauce:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tbsp water (or substitute with cornstarch for slurry)
For the Rice Bowls:
- 2 cups uncooked rice (jasmine or basmati recommended)
- 2 small heads broccoli, chopped and steamed
- Sesame seeds for garnish
For the Spicy Mayo:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 2–3 tbsp water (to thin out the sauce)
Instructions:
- Cook the Rice:
- Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Set aside.
- Prepare the Broccoli:
- Steam the chopped broccoli in the microwave or on the stovetop until fork-tender. Once cooked, set aside.
- Season and Cook the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano until well coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spread the seasoned chicken pieces in an even layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 12 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Alternatively, you can bake or pan-sear the chicken if you don’t have an air fryer.
- Make the Sticky Sauce:
- In a small saucepot, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, stir in the arrowroot slurry and let the sauce continue to boil for 4–5 minutes until it thickens considerably. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Spicy Mayo:
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sriracha, and water until smooth and drizzle-ready.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- In individual bowls, layer cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and crispy chicken. Pour the sticky sauce generously over the chicken and rice.
- Drizzle with spicy mayo and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and presentation.
Cooking Tips:
- Air Fryer Alternative: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through. Baking at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes is another option.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Control the spice by adjusting the amount of sriracha in both the sticky sauce and spicy mayo. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the sriracha, or omit it entirely.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Make the components in advance, store them separately, and assemble when ready to eat.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Protein Power: The chicken in this recipe provides a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Broccoli Boost: Broccoli is packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support immune health and digestion.
- Healthy Fats: Sesame oil and olive oil contribute healthy fats that are good for heart health.
- Moderate Carbs: The rice provides energy-rich carbohydrates, making this a balanced meal option.
Dietary Information:
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe contains no dairy, making it a great option for those who are lactose intolerant.
- High Protein: The chicken adds a high amount of lean protein to your diet.
- Low Sugar: Although honey adds sweetness, it’s a natural sugar and can be adjusted or replaced with a sugar-free alternative.
Why This Recipe Works:
This recipe works because it strikes the perfect balance between convenience, flavor, and nutrition. The sticky sauce clings to the chicken, giving every bite a burst of sweetness and spice, while the rice and broccoli provide a neutral base that complements the bold flavors. The spicy mayo adds a creamy contrast that ties everything together, making this dish truly satisfying.
Conclusion:
Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are a fantastic meal option when you’re craving something both healthy and indulgent. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving it up for dinner, this dish will become a family favorite. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and rich flavors make it the go-to recipe you’ll keep coming back to. Enjoy every bite, and feel good about nourishing your body with this wholesome, flavorful meal!
Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 45mins
Description
This Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls recipe is the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any meal. It’s an easy dish to whip up for dinner, meal prep, or when you’re craving something satisfying and flavorful. The sticky sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and sriracha clings to every bite of tender chicken, creating an irresistible combination when paired with fluffy rice, steamed broccoli, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. If you’re looking for a go-to recipe for a balanced meal, this one’s for you!
Ingredients
Units ScaleFor the Chicken:
- 3 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 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 (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tbsp water (or substitute with cornstarch for slurry)
For the Rice Bowls:
- 2 cups uncooked rice (jasmine or basmati recommended)
- 2 small heads broccoli, chopped and steamed
- Sesame seeds for garnish
For the Spicy Mayo:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 2–3 tbsp water (to thin out the sauce)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice:
- Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Set aside.
- Prepare the Broccoli:
- Steam the chopped broccoli in the microwave or on the stovetop until fork-tender. Once cooked, set aside.
- Season and Cook the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano until well coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spread the seasoned chicken pieces in an even layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 12 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Alternatively, you can bake or pan-sear the chicken if you don’t have an air fryer.
- Make the Sticky Sauce:
- In a small saucepot, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Once boiling, stir in the arrowroot slurry and let the sauce continue to boil for 4–5 minutes until it thickens considerably. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Spicy Mayo:
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sriracha, and water until smooth and drizzle-ready.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- In individual bowls, layer cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and crispy chicken. Pour the sticky sauce generously over the chicken and rice.
- Drizzle with spicy mayo and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and presentation.
- Prep Time: 15mins
- Cook Time: 30mins
- Cook the Rice: