Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

If you’ve been on the hunt for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and a touch of heat, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that combines tender, spiced chicken coated in a luscious sticky sauce, crisp-tender broccoli, and fluffy rice—all pulled together with a creamy, spicy mayo drizzle and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to comfort meal that’s both satisfying and exciting to the taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but pack all the right punches, balancing savory, sweet, and spicy notes while providing a colorful, wholesome bowl everyone will love.

• 2 cups uncooked rice: The perfect neutral base that soaks up all the amazing sauce flavors.
• 2 small heads broccoli (chopped): Adds a fresh, crunchy contrast and a pop of green to brighten the dish.
• 3 large chicken breasts: The star protein, sliced thin for maximum sauce coverage and tenderness.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Essential for cooking the chicken to a golden perfection without sticking.
• 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors with just the right amount of seasoning.
• 1/2 tsp pepper: Adds a subtle kick that wakes up the chicken.
• 1 tsp chili powder: Gives a warm, smoky heat that’s not overwhelming but keeps things interesting.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Brings a deep, fragrant smokiness to the chicken seasoning.
• 1 tsp onion powder: Boosts savory depth without any mess of fresh onions.
• 1 tsp oregano: Adds an earthy, herbaceous note that rounds out the spice mix beautifully.
• 1/2 cup soy sauce: The salty backbone of the sticky sauce, delivering umami richness.
• 1/2 cup honey: Balances the salty soy with a sticky, sweet glaze that clings to the chicken.
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar: Lifts the sauce with a tangy brightness for perfect balance.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic punch and complexity.
• 2 tbsp sriracha: Adds bold heat and flavor depth to the sticky sauce and spicy mayo.
• 2 tsp sesame oil: A nutty drizzle that ties the sauce flavors together beautifully.
• 1 tsp ground ginger: Brings a warm, zesty spice that complements the garlic and soy.
• 2 tsp arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tbsp water: Thickens the sauce to that perfect sticky consistency (cornstarch works just as well).
• 1/2 cup mayo: Creates a creamy, cooling component when mixed with sriracha.
• 1 tbsp sriracha: Adds heat to the mayo, making it a spicy drizzle that balances the stickiness with creaminess.
• 2–3 tbsp water: Adjusts the spicy mayo to a smooth, pourable texture.
• Sesame seeds for topping: Crunchy, toasty little gems that finish off the bowls beautifully.

How to Make Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Rice and Broccoli

First, cook your rice according to the package instructions and set it aside so it’s fluffy and ready to absorb that sticky sauce later. While the rice is cooking, chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. You can steam or sauté the broccoli until tender but still crisp, making sure it retains its vibrant color and fresh flavor.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Slice your chicken breasts into strips—this helps them cook evenly and allows every piece to get coated in the sauce. Then, give them a good seasoning rub with salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano. This spice mixture is what sets the flavor foundation, making the chicken irresistibly aromatic and full-bodied.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook until they’re golden brown and cooked through. This step locks in moisture while giving the chicken a slight crisp, which is essential for the sticky sauce to cling to.

Step 4: Make the Sticky Sauce

Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger in a bowl, creating that signature sticky sauce blend. Pour this mixture into the hot skillet with the chicken. Stir and let it simmer on low until thickened, adding the arrowroot slurry to achieve that perfect glossy, sticky finish that coats every piece of chicken.

Step 5: Prepare the Spicy Mayo

In a small bowl, mix mayo with sriracha and water, adjusting the water for a pourable consistency. This creamy drizzle adds a cooling, spicy edge that complements the sticky chicken beautifully.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowls

Layer your bowls starting with the fluffy rice, followed by tender broccoli and sticky chicken strips. Drizzle the spicy mayo over the top and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch and a subtle toasted flavor.

How to Serve Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like sesame seeds not only gives a crowd-pleasing texture contrast but also adds visual appeal that makes these bowls even more inviting. A sprinkle of fresh chopped scallions or a few cilantro leaves can brighten the dish further and add an herbal kick.

Side Dishes

Sticky Chicken Bowls shine on their own, but serving them alongside a simple miso soup or a light cucumber salad can round out the meal nicely. The soup provides comforting warmth, while the salad adds a refreshing crunch to balance the sticky, rich chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist on presentation, consider serving the components in separate bowls buffet-style so everyone can build their own sticky chicken bowls to their taste. Alternatively, wrap the chicken and broccoli in lettuce cups for a low-carb version or add a fried egg on top for extra richness and eye appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your leftover Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe components stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the rice, chicken, and broccoli apart helps maintain their texture and freshness when reheated.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, the cooked chicken with sticky sauce freezes well for up to two months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. I don’t recommend freezing the rice and broccoli as they tend to become mushy upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickened too much. Microwave the rice and broccoli separately until hot, then assemble your bowl fresh for best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, making the bowls even more wholesome. Just adjust cooking times as needed since brown rice takes longer to cook.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe?

You can swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, both of which soak up the sticky sauce beautifully. Just make sure to press tofu well and cook it until crispy for the best texture.

How spicy is this recipe?

The heat level is moderate, thanks to the sriracha in the sauce and mayo. You can always adjust the amount of sriracha based on your spice tolerance or leave it out altogether for a milder dish.

What is arrowroot powder used for?

Arrowroot powder serves as a natural thickener to create that perfect sticky texture in the sauce. It works similarly to cornstarch and is great for achieving a glossy finish.

Can I prepare this recipe for meal prep?

Yes! Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. Cook everything ahead and portion it into containers for grab-and-go lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Whenever you want a dish that’s comforting yet packed with exciting, balanced flavors, give this Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe a try. It’s a beautiful harmony of sweet, spicy, and savory elements that’s quick enough for any night but special enough to impress. I really hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen as it has in mine!

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