Description
This Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl is packed with flavor, featuring juicy, caramelized chicken coated in a sweet and savory glaze, paired with fluffy rice and a hint of green onions for freshness. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, combining the best of sweet and savory flavors in one bowl.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (thighs work best for tenderness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional for added flavor)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine or long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (optional)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Instructions
-
Cook the Rice:
In a medium saucepan, bring the water (or chicken broth) to a boil. Add the rice and butter (if using), stir, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside. -
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken thighs (or breasts) with salt and pepper. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side (or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F). Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside. -
Make the Sticky Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger (if using). Stir the mixture over medium heat and cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken. If you like a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of sesame oil at this stage for extra depth. -
Glaze the Chicken:
Once the sauce is thickened, return the chicken to the skillet and coat it in the sticky sauce. Allow the chicken to cook in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, turning the chicken to ensure it’s evenly coated and glazed. -
Assemble the Rice Bowl:
To serve, spoon the cooked rice into bowls. Slice the glazed chicken and place it on top of the rice. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the skillet over the chicken and rice.
-
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, but chicken thighs will give you a juicier result.
- For extra flavor, try adding sautéed vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas) to your rice bowl.
- This dish also works great for meal prepping. Simply store the rice and chicken separately in airtight containers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Rice Bowl
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired, Comfort Food
Keywords: Sticky Chicken, Chicken Rice Bowl, Easy Dinner, Sweet and Savory Chicken, Rice Bowl, Meal Prep