The Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl is a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner. The dish is a delightful combination of tender chicken, sticky rice, and a sweet-savory sauce that’s hard to resist. This recipe is simple to prepare but packed with flavor, making it a favorite for families and anyone who enjoys a tasty, wholesome meal with minimal effort.

The chicken is cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil, which creates a sticky glaze that clings to each piece of chicken. The jasmine rice serves as a perfect base, absorbing all the delicious sauce and enhancing the overall flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or preparing it for meal prep, this dish will not disappoint. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or garnishes, like green onions and sesame seeds, to make it even more satisfying.

Whether you’re craving a comforting meal or looking for something quick and delicious, this Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl will become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This dish is incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for those busy nights when you want something delicious in no time.

2. Flavorful Sauce

The combination of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil creates a mouthwatering sticky glaze that makes each bite irresistible.

3. Versatile

You can easily customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or garnishing with toppings like green onions and sesame seeds.

4. One-Pan Meal

With just one pan for cooking the chicken and rice, clean-up is a breeze, making this an ideal meal for those who want to save time and effort.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

The leftovers keep well, so this dish is great for meal prepping for lunch or dinner the next day.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice

Boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Uncooked jasmine rice
Water or chicken broth

For the Sauce

Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

Honey or maple syrup
Sesame oil
Garlic, minced

Cornstarch mixed with water (for thickening)

For Garnish (optional)

Green onions
Sesame seeds

Variations

1. Add Vegetables

You can easily add vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to make the dish even more nutritious. Simply stir-fry them along with the chicken.

2. Spicy Version

For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a few dashes of sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture.

3. Swap Rice

If you prefer, you can swap out the jasmine rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

4. Add Nuts

For extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped peanuts or cashews on top of the finished dish.

5. Sweet and Savory Twist

Replace honey with a combination of brown sugar and apple cider vinegar for a tangier flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, combine the uncooked jasmine rice and water (or chicken broth). Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the rice is cooking, heat sesame oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and browned on the outside. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the soy sauce (or tamari), honey (or maple syrup), and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the pan and stir constantly until the sauce thickens to a sticky consistency, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce until evenly coated. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes so it absorbs the flavors.

Step 6: Serve the Dish

Serve the sticky chicken over a bed of jasmine rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Use Chicken Thighs for Tenderness

Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful than breasts, making them a great choice for this dish. However, if you prefer chicken breasts, they work too.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

To achieve a nice sear on the chicken, cook it in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. This will help the chicken cook evenly and get crispy edges.

3. Adjust Sweetness

Feel free to adjust the level of sweetness in the sauce by adding more or less honey or maple syrup, depending on your preference.

4. Add Flavor with Broth

For extra flavor, cook the rice in chicken broth instead of water to infuse the rice with more savory taste.

5. Make the Sauce Ahead

You can prepare the sticky sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready, just heat it and toss with the cooked chicken for a super fast dinner.

How to Serve

This Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl is best served hot, straight from the pan. For an extra burst of flavor, top it with green onions, sesame seeds, or even some fresh cilantro. Pair it with a simple side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover sticky chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet on medium heat with a splash of water or broth to help restore moisture.

Freezing

To freeze, store the chicken and rice in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a little water or broth to loosen it up while reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. Just be sure to cook them properly to avoid them becoming dry.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.

3. Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, though it will require a longer cooking time than jasmine rice.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to the sauce for some heat.

5. Can I use a different type of oil?

Sesame oil gives the dish a distinct flavor, but you can use olive oil or vegetable oil as a substitute.

6. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little more cornstarch mixed with water to achieve the desired consistency.

7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers. Stir-fry them along with the chicken.

8. Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Yes, maple syrup is a great substitute for honey and will give the sauce a slightly different but delicious flavor.

9. Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and rice ahead of time. Cook the chicken just before serving.

10. How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

The Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and sticky goodness that comes together quickly and easily. This dish is a great option for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or anytime you need a delicious, no-fuss meal. With its simple ingredients and customizable options, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.