Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

If you’re craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, look no further than this Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl! This dish combines tender chicken glazed in a sweet and savory sticky sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice and topped with fresh veggies and herbs. It’s a perfect balance of flavor and texture, making it ideal for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. With only a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Sweet and Savory Glaze

The sticky chicken is coated in a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors from ingredients like soy sauce, honey, and garlic. It’s the ideal combination that will have you coming back for seconds.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. You can have a delicious, hearty meal on the table in no time.

3. Customizable Ingredients

This dish is incredibly versatile. You can swap the vegetables, add extra toppings, or switch the protein to chicken thighs or tofu for a vegetarian version. Make it your own!

4. One-Pan Meal

Everything is cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The chicken and rice are cooked together for maximum flavor absorption.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This chicken rice bowl makes an excellent meal prep option. You can easily store leftovers for lunch the next day, and it’s just as tasty reheated.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth or water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Variations

• Protein Options: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful alternative. For a vegetarian option, try tofu or tempeh.
• Vegetables: Add more veggies like bell peppers, edamame, or avocado to the rice bowl for extra texture and nutrients.
• Rice Alternatives: Swap the white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to suit your dietary preferences.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Start by cooking the rice. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and chicken broth (or water). Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the rice is cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sticky Sauce

In the same skillet, add the sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and chili flakes (if using). Stir well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips, then add it back to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the chicken in the sauce until it is evenly coated and sticky. Allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes to soak up all the flavors.

Step 5: Assemble the Rice Bowl

To assemble the rice bowls, divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Top with the sticky chicken, followed by cucumber slices, shredded carrots, green onions, and sesame seeds. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken tender and juicy, make sure not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Customize the Sauce: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more honey. If you like it tangy, add a bit more rice vinegar.
• Rice Cooking Tip: For extra flavor, cook your rice with chicken broth instead of water for an added depth of flavor.

How to Serve

This Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• A Side Salad: Pair it with a light green salad with a tangy dressing to balance out the richness of the dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Add some steamed broccoli or snap peas for an extra dose of vegetables.
• Pickled Vegetables: Add a side of quick-pickled vegetables, like radishes or cucumbers, for a refreshing contrast to the sticky chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice and chicken can be easily reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the chicken and rice in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as needed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the rice from drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet on low heat, adding a bit more sauce to keep everything moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.

2. Can I make this recipe with bone-in chicken?

While bone-in chicken can work, it will take longer to cook. You may need to adjust the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the rice bowls just before serving.

4. Can I use a different type of protein?

Yes, feel free to use pork, beef, or tofu instead of chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like heat, you can add more chili flakes to the sauce, or drizzle some sriracha on top for an extra kick.

6. Can I use a different sauce instead of soy sauce?

Yes, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos as a soy-free alternative.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is gluten-free if you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

8. Can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to increase the nutritional value and flavor.

9. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

10. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

This recipe is already dairy-free, so no adjustments are necessary.

Conclusion

This Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl is a perfect quick-fix meal that’s packed with flavor and texture. With tender chicken, sweet and savory sauce, and a nutritious base of rice and fresh veggies, this dish is a complete meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s customizable, making it a great option for any night of the week! Enjoy the sticky goodness!

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