Lu-Ann Simon December 15, 2025

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Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

Name: Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon vinegar (rice or apple cider); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots) – optional; Green onions, chopped – for garnish

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As the aroma of savory chicken mingles with the sweetness of honey and soy sauce, your kitchen transforms into a comforting haven. Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are the epitome of a wholesome meal, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend family dinner. Not only do these bowls offer an explosion of flavors, but they’re also incredibly easy to put together, making them a go-to recipe for any home cook. So why not gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy a satisfying meal that warms both the heart and the soul?

What Makes This Special

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfectly encapsulated in tender chicken coated in a luscious sauce. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also highly customizable, allowing you to incorporate your favorite vegetables or toppings. Here are a few reasons to love this recipe:

Simple and quick to make
Packed with flavor from soy sauce and honey
Versatile, can include a variety of vegetables
Perfect for meal prep or family gatherings
A comforting dish that pleases both adults and kids

Gather These Ingredients

To create a delicious bowl that feels both comforting and nourishing, you’ll need a few key ingredients.

Start with the following:

2 cups cooked rice
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon vinegar (rice or apple cider)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots) – optional
Green onions, chopped – for garnish

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect sticky sauce that envelops the chicken, bringing the dish to life. Feel free to substitute or add your favorite veggies for a personalized touch!

Bringing It Together

Creating these Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls is straightforward and immensely satisfying. Follow these steps for a delectable dish:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger. Continue whisking until the honey completely dissolves, creating a rich and fragrant sauce.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers and a slight aroma begins to waft.
Add the diced chicken to the pan, cooking it until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Enjoy the enticing smell of chicken sizzling as it cooks.
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, stirring well to coat each piece evenly. Allow it to cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and clings beautifully to the chicken pieces.
Serve the sticky chicken over a generous helping of cooked rice. If you opted to include vegetables, you can stir-fry them separately and add them on top or alongside. Finally, garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch.

Prep ~ 10 minutes, Cook ~ 15 minutes, Total ~ 25 minutes, Servings ~ 4, Kcal ~ 350.

Plan Ahead

For those busy days when time is at a premium, there are several ways to make these Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls ahead of time. You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, which not only saves you time but allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Additionally, feel free to dice your chicken and chop your veggies ahead of time, keeping them stored in airtight containers. When you’re ready to assemble the dish, it will all come together within moments!

How to Store Leftovers

If you find yourself with any leftovers, storing and reheating them is quite simple. Allow the Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Properly stored, they can remain in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken and rice in separate containers; they’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. As a freshness cue, check for the aroma and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

What Goes Well with Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

Enhancing your dining experience can be as simple as pairing your Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls with complementary items. Here are some delightful ideas to consider:

A light, refreshing salad with citrus dressing
Pickled veggies for a tangy crunch
Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt
Crispy egg rolls or spring rolls
A side of fruit to balance the meal

Flavor Twists and Substitutions

You can easily make your Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls uniquely yours with a few tweaks and additions:

Swap in different proteins like ground turkey or ground chicken for a change.
Experiment with sauces by substituting teriyaki sauce for soy sauce if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Add fresh herbs such as cilantro or basil for a burst of brightness.
Incorporate different vegetables depending on the season – think snap peas in the spring or roasted butternut squash in the fall.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha before serving.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

To ensure perfect results every time, keep these tips in mind:

Ensure your oil is hot before adding the chicken; this will help achieve a nice sear.
Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken, as it may steam rather than brown.
For best texture, let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
When reheating leftovers, stirring occasionally will help distribute heat evenly.

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a great alternative and adds additional fiber to your meal. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the rice type.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari, which is naturally gluten-free.
Can I prep this dish in advance for meal prep?
Yes! You can easily prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, along with rice and veggies, and combine them when ready to eat.
What vegetables pair well with this recipe?
Bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas, and bok choy are excellent choices that add flavor and nutrition.
Can children help with this recipe?
Absolutely! Kids can help with mixing the sauce, washing vegetables, or garnishing the dish. It’s a fantastic recipe for cooking together as a family!

Final Thoughts

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls offer a delightful combination of bold flavors and comforting textures that make for a satisfying meal whatever the occasion. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quiet night in or impressing guests, this dish is sure to be a hit. Don’t hesitate to try your hand at this easy and flavorful recipe; your taste buds will thank you! We hope you enjoy these Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls soon—get ready to relish every bite!

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken with a savory honey soy sauce, served over rice.

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, and ginger until the honey dissolves.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Pour the sauce over the chicken, stirring well to coat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve the sticky chicken over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions.