Sticky Chicken Bowls: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Sticky Chicken Bowls offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making them a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. This dish features succulent chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice, all coated in a sweet and savory sauce. Plus, the added kick of spicy mayo drizzled on top makes it a standout meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a gathering of friends, this Sticky Chicken Bowls recipe is sure to impress.

Why Make This Recipe

Sticky Chicken Bowls are not just tasty but also easy to prepare. This recipe combines basic ingredients you might already have at home. With each bite, you’ll enjoy tender chicken, crunchy broccoli, and some gentle heat from the sriracha. The sticky sauce brings everything together, creating a mouthwatering dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Additionally, these bowls are flexible! You can modify them based on your dietary preferences or what’s available in your kitchen. Whether you want to swap chicken for tofu, add more veggies, or adjust the spice level, this recipe can adapt to meet your needs. It’s the perfect choice for meal prep, too, as you can make more servings and have them ready for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

How to Make Sticky Chicken Bowls

Making Sticky Chicken Bowls is straightforward, and you’ll have a wholesome meal ready in less than an hour. Follow these simple steps to create this delightful dish.

Ingredients

To make Sticky Chicken Bowls, you will need the following ingredients:

2 cups uncooked rice
2 small heads broccoli (chopped)
3 large chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp oregano
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup rice vinegar
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp sriracha
2 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry (sub cornstarch)
1/2 cup mayo
1 tbsp sriracha
2–3 tbsp water
Sesame seeds for topping

Directions

Follow these steps to prepare Sticky Chicken Bowls:

Cook the rice: Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
Prepare the broccoli: Chop broccoli into small florets and set aside.
Slice the chicken: Slice chicken breasts into strips and season with salt, pepper, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and oregano.
Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, add chicken, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through (about 7–10 minutes).
Cook the broccoli: Steam or sauté broccoli in the same pan (or separately) until tender, around 4–5 minutes.
Make the sticky sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the sticky sauce ingredients: soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Pour the mixture into the skillet with the chicken and simmer until thickened, about 3–5 minutes. If it’s too thin, add the arrowroot slurry and stir until the sauce thickens.
Make the spicy mayo: Stir together the spicy mayo using mayo, sriracha, and water in a separate bowl until it reaches your desired consistency.
Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked rice into bowls, top with chicken and broccoli, drizzle with spicy mayo, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

How to Serve Sticky Chicken Bowls

Serving Sticky Chicken Bowls is all about presentation and personalization. Here are a few ideas to enhance your dish:

Garnish: Add some sliced green onions or cilantro on top for a fresh twist.
Weather-friendly sides: If you have the time, serve it with a side of spring rolls or a simple Asian-style cucumber salad to balance the dish.
Portion control: Use bowl sizes that match your appetite. You can make smaller bowls for a light lunch or larger portions for a hearty dinner.

Remember to serve immediately while the chicken is warm and the sauce is still sticky. The colorful layers of rice, chicken, and broccoli create an inviting plate that will entice everyone at the table.

How to Store Sticky Chicken Bowls

Storing Sticky Chicken Bowls is easy and practical if you plan to enjoy leftovers. Follow these tips:

Cool down: Let the chicken and rice cool to room temperature before storing them.
Containers: Use airtight containers to keep the meal fresh. Glass containers or BPA-free plastic are great choices.
Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors may actually deepen as the ingredients mingle.
Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken and broccoli, making sure they are in separate containers. They can last for up to 3 months. Reheat them when you’re ready to eat.

When reheating, use a microwave for a quick meal or heat on the stovetop with a little extra sauce or water to keep it moist.

Tips to Make Sticky Chicken Bowls

Here are some tips to make your Sticky Chicken Bowls even better:

Marinate chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder and sriracha. For more heat, add extra sriracha to the sauce or spicy mayo.
Use fresh veggies: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preference. Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots can add variety to the bowls.
Cook rice perfectly: Follow the package directions carefully for the best rice texture. Use a little butter or a splash of oil for added flavor while cooking.
Experiment with toppings: Consider adding chopped nuts like peanuts or cashews for crunch, or drizzle with lime juice for a zesty flavor boost.

Variation

This recipe is versatile, and you can make a few tasty variations, such as:

Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. Use a similar marinade to achieve great flavor.
Ramen-style bowls: Use ramen noodles instead of rice for a different texture and flavor profile. You can also add soft-boiled eggs on top.
Different sauces: Instead of the sticky sauce, try making a teriyaki sauce or sweet chili sauce for another twist.

These variations can make the recipe new and exciting every time you prepare it.

FAQs

Can I prepare the chicken in advance?

Absolutely! You can cook the chicken a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it before serving.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice works great! Just be sure to follow the cooking time as it takes longer than white rice.

What can I substitute for arrowroot powder?

Cornstarch is a great substitute for arrowroot powder. Simply mix it with water to create a slurry, just like you would with arrowroot.

Sticky Chicken Bowls are the perfect dish for any occasion. With their striking flavors and ease of preparation, they are destined to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delicious meal with family and friends!