Sticky Chicken and Rice Bowls are a classic example of comfort food that is both satisfying and easy to make. With tender chicken pieces coated in a rich, flavorful sticky sauce and served over fluffy jasmine rice, this dish is the ultimate balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it’s a meal that looks as good as it tastes.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or trying to impress your family with a homemade takeout-style dish, this recipe has you covered. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the protein, vegetables, and level of spice to suit your preferences.
The first time I made this dish, I was looking for a way to recreate the sticky chicken I loved from my favorite Asian-inspired restaurant. I wanted something that captured the perfect balance of flavors but was simple enough to whip up at home. After a few tweaks, this recipe became a staple in my kitchen. Let me guide you through the process so you can enjoy this delightful dish too!
Why You’ll Love Sticky Chicken and Rice Bowls
There are so many reasons to love this recipe, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite in my household.
- Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making this dish both convenient and budget-friendly.
- Rich Flavors: The sticky sauce is a blend of sweet honey, salty soy sauce, tangy rice vinegar, and aromatic garlic and ginger. It’s an explosion of flavor in every bite.
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 45 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables, adjust the sweetness, or spice it up for a personalized touch.
- Great for Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it a great option for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious dish:
- Jasmine Rice (1 cup): Soft and fragrant, jasmine rice is the perfect base for soaking up the sticky sauce.
- Water (2 cups): Essential for cooking the rice to fluffy perfection.
- Salt (a pinch): Enhances the natural flavor of the rice.
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts (1 pound, diced): Tender and juicy, the chicken is the star of this recipe.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings to enhance the chicken’s flavor.
- Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps brown the chicken and adds richness.
- Soy Sauce (¼ cup): Provides a salty, umami base for the sticky sauce.
- Honey (3 tablespoons): Adds sweetness and helps create the signature sticky texture.
- Hoisin Sauce (2 tablespoons): A rich, tangy addition that deepens the flavor.
- Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon): Balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): A classic aromatic that enhances the sauce’s depth.
- Ginger (1 tablespoon, minced): Adds a warm, zesty kick.
- Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon): A nutty, fragrant finishing touch.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, mixed with 2 tablespoons water): Thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- Green Onions (2, sliced): For garnish and a fresh, crunchy contrast.
- Sesame Seeds (1 tablespoon): Adds texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
Preparation Time and Servings
This recipe comes together quickly and is perfect for feeding a small family or storing leftovers for later:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 bowls
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Rice
- Begin by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, ensuring your rice turns out fluffy rather than sticky.
- Combine the rinsed rice, 2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.
- Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and keep it warm until ready to serve.
Cook the Chicken
- Season the diced chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Prepare the Sticky Sauce
- Using the same skillet, add the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Gradually stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it to coat evenly with the sticky sauce.
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Assemble the Rice Bowls
- Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls.
- Spoon the sticky chicken over the rice, ensuring each bowl gets a generous amount of sauce.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Tips for Success
- Cut Uniform Pieces: Dice the chicken into even pieces to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Don’t Skip the Rinse: Rinsing the rice is essential for a fluffy texture.
- Customize the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce by tweaking the honey and soy sauce ratios.
- Cook in Batches: If your skillet is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Reheat with Care: Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat to maintain the sauce’s texture.
Recipe Variations
Make this dish your own with these fun variations:
- Vegetable Additions: Add steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy for a pop of color and added nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for some heat.
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced beef.
- Rice Alternatives: Use brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa for a healthier twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: ~30g
- Fat: ~12g
- Carbohydrates: ~55g
- Sugar: ~20g
- Sodium: ~900mg
How to Serve
Sticky Chicken and Rice Bowls are a complete meal on their own, but you can enhance them with these side dishes:
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing, tangy cucumber salad pairs beautifully with the sticky chicken.
- Egg Rolls: Serve with crispy egg rolls for an appetizer or side.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup complements the meal perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Sticky Chicken and Rice Bowls are a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and aromas that will have everyone asking for seconds. The tender chicken, coated in a luscious sticky sauce, pairs perfectly with the fluffy jasmine rice, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and comforting. Whether you’re preparing this for a quick weeknight meal or serving it as the centerpiece for a casual dinner party, this recipe is guaranteed to impress your family and friends every single time.
The best part about Sticky Chicken and Rice Bowls is how approachable they are. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and rewarding to make. From the fragrant aroma of the simmering sauce to the satisfying sizzle as the chicken cooks, every step of the process is a reminder of how enjoyable cooking can be.
As you take your first bite of this dish, you’ll understand why it’s such a favorite. The balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors creates a harmony that’s both indulgent and refreshing. It’s the kind of meal that leaves you feeling both full and inspired to experiment with flavors in the kitchen.
Don’t forget to snap a picture of your creation and share it with me—I’d love to see how you made it your own! Whether you follow the recipe exactly or put your unique spin on it, your Sticky Chicken and Rice Bowls will surely be a hit. Let’s bring more flavor and joy to our tables, one bowl at a time. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and let’s get cooking. Enjoy creating, sharing, and most importantly, happy eating!
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Perfect Sticky Chicken and Rice Bowls: A Comfort Food Favorite
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Sticky Chicken and Rice Bowls are a delicious mix of tender chicken coated in a sweet, savory sauce served over fluffy jasmine rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
- A pinch of salt
- 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse rice and cook with water and a pinch of salt. Fluff with a fork when done.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, cook in oil until golden, and set aside.
- Combine soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in the skillet. Simmer and thicken with cornstarch slurry.
- Add chicken back to the skillet and coat with sauce. Simmer until heated through.
- Assemble bowls with rice, sticky chicken, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Add steamed vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Adjust sweetness or spice level to suit your taste.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired