Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make bowl meal that’s packed with flavor? These sticky chicken rice bowls are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and satisfying! Made with tender, glazed chicken served over fluffy rice and topped with fresh ingredients, this dish is a fantastic option for healthy bowl recipes and a quick dinner idea.
Whether you’re craving chicken rice bowls, a nourishing Buddha bowl, or a simple health dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s super customizable, making it perfect for meal prep or a weeknight dinner the whole family will love!
Why You’ll Love These Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
✔ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes!
✔ Packed with Flavor: A rich, sticky glaze makes this chicken irresistible.
✔ Healthy & Nutritious: Protein-packed with fresh toppings for a well-balanced meal.
✔ Versatile & Customizable: Swap out rice, protein, or toppings to fit your taste.
✔ Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead for a week of delicious bowl meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sticky Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening the sauce)
For the Rice Bowls
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ½ cup edamame or steamed broccoli
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Garnishing
- Sriracha or chili flakes (optional for heat)
- Extra soy sauce or teriyaki drizzle
- Fresh lime wedges
Essential Kitchen Equipment
✔ Non-stick skillet or wok – For cooking the sticky chicken evenly.
✔ Mixing bowls – To prepare the sauce and toppings.
✔ Measuring spoons and cups – For accurate ingredient proportions.
✔ Sharp knife and cutting board – To prep the chicken and veggies.
✔ Rice cooker or pot – To cook perfect rice every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- In another bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the sticky sauce mixture, stirring to coat the chicken evenly.
- Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken becomes glossy.
Step 3: Prepare the Rice & Toppings
- While the chicken cooks, prepare your rice according to package instructions.
- Slice and chop your carrots, cucumbers, avocado, and edamame.
Step 4: Assemble the Rice Bowls
- Divide the cooked rice evenly into bowls.
- Arrange the chicken, carrots, cucumber, avocado, and edamame on top.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Drizzle extra soy sauce, sriracha, or a squeeze of lime for added flavor.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Your sticky chicken rice bowls are ready! Enjoy them warm, mixing everything together for the perfect bite.
Pro Tips for the Best Sticky Chicken
✔ Use boneless thighs for extra juiciness – Chicken thighs tend to stay more tender and flavorful.
✔ Don’t skip the cornstarch mixture – It thickens the sauce and gives the chicken its signature sticky glaze.
✔ Adjust the sweetness – If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey by half.
✔ For extra crunch, add roasted peanuts or cashews – This gives a delightful texture contrast.
✔ Swap white rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice – A great option for a low-carb healthy bowl.
Variations & Substitutions
- Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas.
- Go gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Add more veggies: Try bell peppers, shredded cabbage, or radishes.
- Spice it up: Increase red pepper flakes or add extra Sriracha.
- Use a different grain: Swap rice for quinoa, farro, or barley for a nutritious twist.
Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
These rice bowl recipes are a complete meal on their own, but you can pair them with:
✔ Miso soup or a light broth
✔ Asian-style slaw for extra crunch
✔ Steamed dumplings or spring rolls
✔ A side of kimchi or pickled vegetables
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
To Store:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
- Stovetop: Reheat chicken in a pan over low heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Rice Tip: Sprinkle rice with a little water before reheating to keep it soft.
To Freeze:
- Store the chicken separately from the rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Simply shred the cooked chicken and toss it in the sticky sauce for a quick version.
2. How do I make this meal meal-prep friendly?
Divide cooked rice and chicken into meal-prep containers, keeping fresh toppings separate until ready to eat.
3. What’s the best rice for rice bowls?
Jasmine rice, brown rice, or sushi rice work best for Buddha bowls and chicken rice bowls.
4. Can I air fry the chicken instead?
Absolutely! Cook the chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, then toss in the sticky sauce.
Final Thoughts: Try These Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Tonight!
These sticky chicken rice bowls are an easy, flavorful, and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re craving bowl meals, Buddha bowls, or a simple health dinner, this recipe is a must-try. The sticky sauce, combined with fresh toppings, makes every bite a delicious balance of flavors and textures.
If you loved this recipe, share it with friends and family and subscribe for more healthy bowl recipes like this! Let us know in the comments how it turned out. Happy cooking! 😊
Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls : A Flavor-Packed & Healthy Bowl Meal!
Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make bowl meal that’s packed with flavor? These sticky chicken rice bowls are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and satisfying
- ✔ Non-stick skillet or wok – For cooking the sticky chicken evenly.
- ✔ Mixing bowls – To prepare the sauce and toppings.
- ✔ Measuring spoons and cups – For accurate ingredient proportions.
- ✔ Sharp knife and cutting board – To prep the chicken and veggies.
- ✔ Rice cooker or pot – To cook perfect rice every time.
For the Sticky Chicken
- 2 boneless (skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces))
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening the sauce)
For the Rice Bowls
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber (sliced)
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- ½ cup edamame or steamed broccoli
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Garnishing
- Sriracha or chili flakes (optional for heat)
- Extra soy sauce or teriyaki drizzle
- Fresh lime wedges
- Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- In another bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the sticky sauce mixture, stirring to coat the chicken evenly.
- Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken becomes glossy.
- Step 3: Prepare the Rice & Toppings
- While the chicken cooks, prepare your rice according to package instructions.
- Slice and chop your carrots, cucumbers, avocado, and edamame.
- Step 4: Assemble the Rice Bowls
- Divide the cooked rice evenly into bowls.
- Arrange the chicken, carrots, cucumber, avocado, and edamame on top.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Drizzle extra soy sauce, sriracha, or a squeeze of lime for added flavor.
- Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Your sticky chicken rice bowls are ready! Enjoy them warm, mixing everything together for the perfect bite.
✔ Use boneless thighs for extra juiciness – Chicken thighs tend to stay more tender and flavorful.
✔ Don’t skip the cornstarch mixture – It thickens the sauce and gives the chicken its signature sticky glaze.
✔ Adjust the sweetness – If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey by half.
✔ For extra crunch, add roasted peanuts or cashews – This gives a delightful texture contrast.