Introduction

This Sticky Chicken Bowls recipe combines tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory glaze, served over warm rice. It’s an easy, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners that everyone will enjoy.

The image shows a white bowl filled with three main layers: at the bottom is a thick layer of white rice with a soft, fluffy texture; on top of the rice are golden-brown, grilled chicken pieces that look juicy and slightly charred, covering about half of the bowl; next to the chicken, bright green broccoli florets are placed, looking fresh and slightly steamed; the whole dish is drizzled with a creamy light beige sauce scattered unevenly over the chicken and broccoli, with some sesame seeds sprinkled on top, adding texture. A silver fork rests on the right side, partially inserted into the rice and chicken, and the setting is on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb boneless chicken, cut into small pieces
1 tbsp oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp brown sugar (optional for extra stickiness)
1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Cooked rice, for serving
Green onions, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the chicken into small, even pieces for uniform cooking.
Step 2: Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
Step 3: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar (if using), rice vinegar or lemon juice, and chili flakes (if using).
Step 6: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
Step 7: Let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 8: Spoon warm cooked rice into serving bowls.
Step 9: Top the rice with the sticky chicken and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a tasty variation.
Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas to create a balanced bowl.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce honey or brown sugar to taste.

Storage

Store leftover sticky chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or soy sauce when reheating to refresh the sauce’s consistency.

How to Serve

A bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice topped with two main layers: on one side bright green broccoli florets, and on the other side golden-brown grilled chicken pieces with a slightly charred texture. Both broccoli and chicken are drizzled generously with a dark glossy sauce and a creamy white sauce, and sprinkled with white sesame seeds. The bowl is white and set on a white marbled texture, with a spoon resting inside the bowl on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. They may take slightly longer to cook.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe is mildly spicy if you include chili flakes. You can adjust or omit them based on your heat preference.

Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 134 reviews

This Sticky Chicken Bowls recipe features tender, bite-sized pieces of boneless chicken cooked in a sweet and savory sticky sauce made with soy sauce, honey, and a hint of chili flakes. Served over warm cooked rice and garnished with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds, this dish delivers an easy and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual meals.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce Ingredients

1 lb boneless chicken, cut into small pieces
1 tbsp oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp brown sugar (optional for extra stickiness)
1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Serving Ingredients

Cooked rice, for serving
Green onions, chopped for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless chicken into small, even pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
Heat the Oil: Place a skillet over medium heat and add the oil, allowing it to warm up.
Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until they start to turn lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar (if using), rice vinegar or lemon juice, and chili flakes (if using).
Combine Sauce and Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the skillet, stirring to coat all pieces evenly.
Simmer to Thicken: Reduce the heat slightly and let the chicken and sauce simmer for about 5-8 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
Prepare the Bowls: Spoon warm cooked rice into serving plates or bowls.
Serve and Garnish: Top the rice with the sticky chicken pieces, then garnish generously with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

Notes

For a spicier version, add more chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
You can substitute chicken thighs for more tender and juicy meat.
Brown sugar is optional but enhances the stickiness and sweetness of the sauce.
If you prefer, use lemon juice instead of rice vinegar for a slightly different tang.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: sticky chicken bowls, sweet and savory chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, soy sauce chicken, honey chicken bowls