Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

Packed with tender chicken, sticky sauce, and a spicy mayo drizzle, these Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are a flavor-packed, protein-rich meal perfect for dinner or meal prep. Served over fluffy rice with steamed broccoli, this dish is easy to customize and guarantees a satisfying bite every time.

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 45 minutes
• Customizable – Swap ingredients to fit your diet and taste preferences
• Meal Prep Friendly – Make ahead for an easy weeknight dinner
• Bold Flavors – A balance of sweet, savory, spicy, and umami

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rice Cooker or Pot – For cooking rice perfectly
• Steamer or Microwave – To steam the broccoli
• Air Fryer, Oven, or Skillet – Options to cook the chicken
• Saucepan – For making the sticky sauce
• Mixing Bowls – To season the chicken and prepare the sauces

Preparation Tips

• Make ahead: Cook the rice and sauce in advance for quick assembly
• Even cooking: Dice the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking
• Adjust heat: Modify the spice level by reducing or increasing the sriracha

---

Ingredients

For the Bowls

• 2 cups uncooked rice
• 2 small heads broccoli, chopped
• 3 large chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano

For the Sticky Sauce

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sriracha
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder (or cornstarch), mixed with 2 tablespoons water

For the Spicy Mayo

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 2–3 tablespoons water

Toppings

• Sesame seeds

---

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Rice

Prepare the rice according to the package instructions. Let it chill if making ahead.

2. Steam the Broccoli

Steam broccoli in the microwave or on the stovetop until tender. Set aside.

3. Season the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, toss the diced chicken with:

• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano

4. Cook the Chicken

• Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F and cook for 12 minutes, shaking halfway through
• Oven: Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F

5. Prepare the Sticky Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ginger
2. Bring to a boil, then stir in the arrowroot slurry
3. Let the sauce simmer for 4–5 minutes until thickened

6. Make the Spicy Mayo

In a bowl, mix:

• Mayonnaise
• Sriracha
• Water (adjust for desired consistency)

7. Assemble the Bowls

Layer each bowl with:

• Cooked rice
• Steamed broccoli
• Crispy chicken
• Sticky sauce drizzle
• Spicy mayo drizzle
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Serving Suggestions

These Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are a complete meal on their own, but they pair well with additional sides to enhance the flavors and textures. Here are eight great options:

1. Kimchi – Adds a tangy, slightly spicy, and fermented flavor that complements the dish.
2. Miso Soup – A warm and umami-rich soup that balances the sweetness of the sticky sauce.
3. Cucumber Salad – A crisp and refreshing contrast to the warm rice and chicken.
4. Edamame – A simple, protein-packed side that enhances the meal’s nutritional value.
5. Pickled Radishes – Adds a sweet and tangy crunch.
6. Garlic Green Beans – A flavorful, garlicky vegetable side that pairs well with the dish.
7. Asian Slaw – A fresh, crunchy slaw with a light dressing to balance the richness of the sauce.
8. Fried Egg – A runny yolk adds extra creaminess and depth of flavor to the rice bowl.

---

Common Mistakes and How to Perfect the Recipe

Overcooking the Chicken

Chicken breast can dry out quickly if overcooked. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure juiciness. If using an air fryer, shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness.

Rice Turns Out Mushy or Dry

For perfectly cooked rice, rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents it from becoming too sticky. Use the correct water-to-rice ratio based on the variety of rice used.

Sauce is Too Thin or Too Thick

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken. If it becomes too thick, add a small amount of water or additional soy sauce to loosen it. Always dissolve the arrowroot powder or cornstarch in cold water before adding it to prevent clumping.

Sauce is Too Salty

Using regular soy sauce can make the sauce overly salty. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt level. If the sauce is still too salty, balance it with extra honey or a splash of rice vinegar.

Spicy Mayo is Too Thick

The consistency of the spicy mayo can be adjusted by adding water in small increments. Stir well to achieve a smooth, drizzle-friendly texture.

Not Allowing the Chicken to Marinate

While this recipe does not require a long marination time, letting the seasoned chicken sit for at least 10 minutes before cooking allows the flavors to absorb better.

Unevenly Cooked Chicken

Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure that all pieces cook at the same rate. If using a skillet, avoid overcrowding the pan to allow the chicken to brown properly.

Skipping the Toppings

Sesame seeds add a slight crunch and nutty flavor, while the spicy mayo enhances the dish’s creaminess. Do not skip these finishing touches, as they bring balance to the flavors.

Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead – Cook the rice, chicken, and sauce in advance for quick meal prep.
• Customize the vegetables – Swap broccoli for snap peas, carrots, bell peppers, or bok choy.
• Adjust spice levels – Reduce or increase the sriracha in both the sauce and mayo to control heat.
• Use different proteins – This recipe works well with shrimp, tofu, or beef instead of chicken.
• Enhance the umami flavor – Add a dash of fish sauce or a sprinkle of furikake on top.

---

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration

Store leftover chicken, rice, and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to four days. Keep the spicy mayo in a separate container.

Freezing

Freeze cooked chicken and rice separately in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
• Stovetop – Warm the chicken and rice in a pan over medium-low heat with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Oven – Reheat the chicken at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore some crispiness.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. Adjust the cooking time as they may take slightly longer to cook.

What can I substitute for honey in the sticky sauce?

Maple syrup or brown sugar can be used as an alternative to honey for a similar sweetness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

How can I make the dish spicier?

Increase the sriracha in both the sauce and spicy mayo or add crushed red pepper flakes.

What is the best type of rice to use?

Jasmine rice is ideal, but brown rice, sushi rice, or cauliflower rice can also be used based on preference.

Can I cook the chicken on the stovetop instead?

Yes, cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for about 7–10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes, prepare all components ahead of time and store them separately for easy assembly during the week.

What other toppings can I add?

Try chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, or shredded nori for added texture and flavor.

---

Conclusion

These Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With a balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, plus plenty of customization options, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite.

Try this recipe today and experiment with different proteins, vegetables, and toppings to make it your own.