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Sticky Chicken Bowls

Sticky Chicken Bowls: A Flavorful Hug in Every Bite

Sticky Chicken Bowls are a quick, comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and tangy sauce, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 490

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken breasts Lean protein that cooks quickly; easy to slice into strips.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Essential for searing the chicken; can be replaced with any neutral oil.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Vital for seasoning; kosher or sea salt enhances flavor best.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper Freshly ground is preferred to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon Chili powder Adds a gentle warmth; adjust according to your preferred spice level.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika Imparts a subtle smokiness; regular paprika works as a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder Rounds out the savory profile; fresh onion can be used if desired.
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano Adds a hint of herbaceous warmth; Italian seasoning can be an alternative.
For the Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Soy sauce Serves as the flavor foundation; tamari is a great gluten-free option.
  • 2 tablespoons Honey Contributes to the sticky texture and sweetness; maple syrup or agave can be used for a vegan alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar Brightens the sauce's flavor; can be replaced with apple cider vinegar.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Provides a minced aromatic punch; fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha Adds desirable heat; adjust to your taste or omit for a milder dish.
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame oil Offers nutty depth; regular vegetable oil can work in a pinch.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground ginger A warm spice that enhances the dish; fresh ginger is a good alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon Arrowroot powder Thickens the sauce nicely; substitute with cornstarch in equal amounts.
For the Spicy Mayo
  • 2 tablespoons Mayo Base for the drizzle; vegan mayo can also be used if preferred.
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds Perfect for topping; can be omitted or switched with chopped nuts for added crunch.
For Serving
  • 2 cups Rice Use jasmine or medium-grain for fluffiness; switch to quinoa or cauliflower rice for a new texture.
  • 2 cups Broccoli Adds color and crunch; frozen broccoli works if fresh isn't available (thaw and dry first).

Equipment

  • skillet
  • Steamer
  • pot
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves rinsing the rice, then adding it to a pot with water—bring to a boil, lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until fluffy. Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and set it aside while you prepare the rest of your Sticky Chicken Bowls.
  2. While the rice cooks, chop the broccoli into small florets. Heat a bit of water in a steamer over medium heat or use a skillet with a lid. Add the broccoli and steam for about 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender yet crisp. Alternatively, sauté in a little olive oil for a few minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to maintain its vibrant color and crunch.
  3. Slice the chicken breasts into strips approximately one inch thick and place them in a bowl. Season generously with salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Give everything a good toss to ensure each piece is evenly coated in the seasoning, preparing the chicken for a flavorful sear.
  4. In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken strips in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together your sticky sauce ingredients: soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, Sriracha, sesame oil, ground ginger, and arrowroot powder. Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sticky sauce into the skillet. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
  6. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Sriracha, and a splash of water until you achieve a drizzling consistency for the spicy mayo. Adjust the heat by adding more or less Sriracha as desired.
  7. To assemble your Sticky Chicken Bowls, start with a generous serving of fluffy rice as the base in each bowl. Top with the sticky glazed chicken and the steamed broccoli. Drizzle the spicy mayo over the top, adding a touch of zing. Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds for a bit of crunch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 490kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 38gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

The flavors of the Sticky Chicken Bowls improve after a day in the fridge, making them perfect for meal prep.

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