Have you ever craved a meal that’s cozy, satisfying, and bursting with flavor? Something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl? Enter Sticky Chicken and Rice Bowls —a dish so good, it’ll make you want to grab your fork and never let go. Whether you’re whipping this up for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is a total winner.
Let’s dive into how you can create this mouthwatering masterpiece at home.
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Chicken and Rice Bowl Recipe
This dish isn’t just about taste—it’s about simplicity, versatility, and pure comfort. Imagine tender chicken pieces coated in a rich, glossy sauce that’s equal parts sweet, salty, and savory. Paired with fluffy jasmine rice and topped with fresh green onions and sesame seeds, it’s a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
Here’s why this recipe will become your new go-to:
- Easy Ingredients: Most of what you need is probably already in your pantry.
- Quick Prep: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking, dinner is ready before you know it.
- Customizable: Want veggies? Add them! Craving spice? Bring the heat. This dish adapts to your mood.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it perfect for busy days.
What You’ll Need: The Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious Sticky Rice Chicken Bowl :
- Jasmine Rice (1 cup) : Fragrant and fluffy, it’s the perfect base.
- Water (2 cups) : For perfectly cooked rice.
- Salt (a pinch) : To enhance the rice’s natural flavor.
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts (1 pound, diced) : Juicy and tender, the star of the show.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste) : Simple seasonings to elevate the chicken.
- Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons) : For browning the chicken.
- Soy Sauce (¼ cup) : Adds that umami kick we all love.
- Honey (3 tablespoons) : Sweetens the deal and gives the sauce its sticky texture.
- Hoisin Sauce (2 tablespoons) : A tangy, rich addition.
- Rice Vinegar (1 tablespoon) : Balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) : Because garlic makes everything better.
- Ginger (1 tablespoon, minced) : Warm and zesty, it’s a game-changer.
- Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon) : Nutty and aromatic, it ties everything together.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, mixed with 2 tablespoons water) : Thickens the sauce for that luscious consistency.
- Green Onions (2, sliced) : Freshness on top!
- Sesame Seeds (1 tablespoon) : A crunchy, nutty finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Start with Perfect Rice
Ever noticed how some rice turns out sticky instead of fluffy? Here’s how to avoid that:
- Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch.
- Combine the rinsed rice, water, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan.
- Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork when done.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Set aside.
3. Make the Sticky Sauce
- In the same skillet, combine soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Let the sauce simmer to meld the flavors.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and keep stirring until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Bring It All Together
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sticky sauce.
- Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors soak in.
- Divide the rice among bowls, top with the sticky chicken, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Tips for Success
- Uniform Pieces : Cut the chicken evenly to ensure it cooks through without burning.
- Don’t Skip the Rinse : Rinsing the rice is key to achieving that fluffy texture.
- Adjust to Taste : Love it sweeter? Add more honey. Prefer it spicier? Toss in some red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Cook in Batches : If your skillet is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative! Here are some ideas:
- Add Veggies : Broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy add color and nutrition.
- Spice It Up : Drizzle sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Switch Proteins : Try shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced beef instead of chicken.
- Swap the Rice : Use brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa for a healthier twist.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Here’s the breakdown for one serving of this Chicken and Rice Soy Sauce delight:
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: ~30g
- Fat: ~12g
- Carbs: ~55g
- Sugar: ~20g
- Sodium: ~900mg
How to Serve
While these Dinner Ideas Rice Bowls are a complete meal on their own, here are some sides to elevate the experience:
- Cucumber Salad : Refreshing and tangy, it pairs beautifully.
- Egg Rolls : Crispy and addictive, they’re perfect as an appetizer or side.
- Miso Soup : A warm bowl of miso complements the dish perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about Sticky Chicken and Rice Bowls . The tender chicken, coated in that glossy, flavorful sauce, paired with fluffy rice—it’s comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping, or just treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and let’s get cooking. Don’t forget to snap a pic of your creation and share it with us—we’d love to see how you made it your own!
Sticky Rice and Chicken Recipe: A Comfort Food Favorite That’s Easy to Make
Ingredients
- Jasmine Rice 1 cup
- Water 2 cups
- Salt a pinch
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts 1 pound, diced
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Vegetable Oil 2 tablespoons
- Soy Sauce ¼ cup
- Honey 3 tablespoons
- Hoisin Sauce 2 tablespoons
- Rice Vinegar 1 tablespoon
- Garlic 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger 1 tablespoon, minced
- Sesame Oil 1 teaspoon
- Cornstarch 1 tablespoon, mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Green Onions 2, sliced
- Sesame Seeds 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Start with Perfect Rice
- Ever noticed how some rice turns out sticky instead of fluffy? Here’s how to avoid that:
- Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch.
- Combine the rinsed rice, water, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan.
- Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork when done.
- Cook the Chicken
- Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes). Set aside.
- Make the Sticky Sauce
- In the same skillet, combine soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Let the sauce simmer to meld the flavors.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and keep stirring until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
- Bring It All Together
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sticky sauce.
- Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors soak in.
- Divide the rice among bowls, top with the sticky chicken, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- For extra nutrition, add steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy.
- Adjust sweetness or spice levels by tweaking the honey or adding sriracha/red pepper flakes.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the sauce’s texture.
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- Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Honey Garlic Shrimp and Sausage Recipe
- High Protein Chicken Enchiladas: Healthy Dinner
Tried This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how this recipe turned out! To show off your creation, leave a comment or tag @foodiecreator on Instagram and #foodiecreator.
