Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Picture this: the sizzling sound of tender chicken strips hitting a hot skillet, wafting aromatic spices that mingle with the sweet tang of honey and the fiery kick of sriracha. The vibrant green broccoli steams gently nearby, while fluffy, perfectly cooked rice awaits its place in the bowl. Each mouthwatering bite bursts with sticky, sweet-spicy goodness that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. This Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of bold flavors and simple magic all coming together in one colorful, comforting dish.

Why You’ll Love This Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into your weeknight routine without sacrificing flavor.
• Simple Ingredients: No need to hunt for exotic items—common pantry staples like honey, soy sauce, and garlic bring incredible depth to the dish.
• Perfect for Weeknights: Balanced, wholesome, and satisfying, it keeps hunger at bay and energy high.
• Impressive Presentation: Vibrant broccoli, glossy sticky chicken, and a drizzle of spicy mayo topped with sesame seeds make it look as good as it tastes.
• Customizable: Easily swap broccoli for your favorite veggies or adjust spice level to suit your taste buds.

Why This Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe Works

The magic behind this Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe lies in its well-curated balance of textures and bold flavors. Marinating the chicken with smoked paprika, chili powder, and oregano adds layers of warmth and earthiness that perfectly complement the sticky honey-soy glaze thickened with arrowroot powder—creating that perfect clingy coating you’ll crave. Steaming broccoli to just the right tenderness ensures a fresh crunch to contrast with the luscious chicken, while a spicy mayo drizzle adds creamy heat, tying every bite together in delicious harmony. It’s a symphony of tastes and textures, effortlessly achieved with simple steps.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering together these essential ingredients is your first step toward a bowl of comfort and excitement. Each one plays a vital role in crafting layers of flavor, vibrant color, and perfect texture for this recipe.

• 2 cups uncooked rice: The foundation of your bowl, providing fluffy and satisfying carbs.
• 2 small heads broccoli, chopped: Fresh and vibrant, adding crunch and bright green color.
• 3 large chicken breasts: The tender star protein, sliced to soak up every bit of marinade and sauce.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: For that perfect golden sear on your chicken.
• 1 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out natural flavors.
• 1 tsp chili powder: Adds smoky warmth and subtle heat.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Provides a gorgeous color and deep smoky flavor.
• 1 tsp onion powder & 1 tsp oregano: Rounds out the savory notes in the chicken.
• 1/2 cup soy sauce: Salty umami magic that forms the base of the sticky glaze.
• 1/2 cup honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally, balancing spice with luscious goodness.
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang to brighten the sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Invigorates every bite with aromatic zest.
• 2 tbsp sriracha: Brings a fiery kick to the glaze and mayo.
• 2 tsp sesame oil: Toasty richness rounding out the sauce.
• 1 tsp ground ginger: A warm, lightly peppery note to elevate the flavor profile.
• 2 tsp arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tbsp water: The secret to that thick, clingy glaze without using flour.
• 1/2 cup mayo: For a creamy, spicy drizzle that cools and complements.
• 1 tbsp sriracha & 2–3 tbsp water: Whisked into mayo for a smooth, pourable sauce.
• sesame seeds: Toasted for garnish, adding crunch and nutty aroma.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Rice: Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa for a nuttier twist and added fiber.
• Chicken breasts: Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat that stays tender.
• Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used for vegan or different sweetness profiles.
• Sriracha: Adjust the heat by substituting with chili garlic sauce for more intensity or omit if you prefer milder flavors.

How to Make Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Begin by cooking your rice according to the package directions. Fluffy, tender rice is the comforting base your Sticky Chicken Bowls will nestle into. Once done, fluff gently with a fork and set aside so it stays warm and ready for assembly.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a rice cooker if you have one—it frees your attention for the sauce and chicken steps ahead!

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

While the rice cooks, chop your broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. You can steam them lightly or sauté in a pan with a splash of olive oil until just tender but still bright green. This keeps their crunch and beautiful vibrancy alive for your bowl.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overcook! Broccoli should have a slight snap to contrast the tender chicken.

Step 3: Season and Cook the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts into strips. Season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and oregano. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken strips. Cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t rush this step—achieving a beautiful sear locks in juices and boosts flavor.

Step 4: Make the Sticky Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Mix arrowroot slurry into the sauce and stir continuously. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat until thickened and glossy, coating the chicken in that irresistible sticky glaze.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep stirring gently to prevent burning and ensure an even coating.

Step 5: Prepare the Spicy Mayo

In a small bowl, combine mayo, sriracha, and 2 to 3 tablespoons water. Whisk until smooth and pourable. This spicy mayo will add a creamy contrast to your sticky chicken and fresh broccoli.

💡 Pro Tip: Adjust water to your preferred sauce thickness for drizzling or dipping.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowls

Spoon the fluffy rice into bowls, layer on the sticky chicken and tender broccoli. Drizzle generously with spicy mayo and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for texture and a nutty aroma that will make your bowl sing.

💡 Pro Tip: Serve immediately to enjoy that perfect balance of warm sticky chicken and fresh vibrant veggies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Leads to dry, tough bites instead of juicy, tender strips.
• Undercooking Rice: Results in a mushy or hard base, detracting from the bowl’s texture contrast.
• Skipping the Sauce Thickener: Without arrowroot slurry, the glaze will be watery and less clingy.
• Burning the Garlic: Overheating garlic turns it bitter—add it with the sauce, not early in the pan.
• Over-steaming Broccoli: Makes it soggy and dull; keep it crisp-tender for best color and bite.
• Dry Spicy Mayo: Not adding enough water can make it too thick to drizzle smoothly.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered this classic Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe, why not experiment with these wholesome twists:

Teriyaki Twist

Swap honey and sriracha for a homemade teriyaki sauce with mirin and brown sugar for a sweeter, more mellow glaze.

Cashew Crunch

Add roasted cashews on top for a delightful crunch and extra nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with sticky chicken.

Veggie Power-Up

Mix in bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots to add more colors and nutrients to each bowl.

Ginger-Lime Zest

Add fresh lime juice and extra grated ginger to the sauce for a bright, zesty kick that wakes up your palate.

Spicy Peanut Sauce

Drizzle with a creamy peanut sauce made from peanut butter, soy sauce, and a touch of sriracha to bring luscious richness.

How to Serve Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, or a few fresh cilantro leaves for fresh herbal brightness.

Side Dishes

Pair with light cucumber salad, simple miso soup, or crunchy vegetable spring rolls for a balanced, vibrant meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in colorful bowls with chopsticks or drizzle the spicy mayo in artistic swirls. Layer ingredients with height for an eye-catching presentation that invites digging in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover sticky chicken, rice, and broccoli in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the spicy mayo separate to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Freeze cooked chicken and rice separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep rice moist. Reheat broccoli quickly to preserve texture. Drizzle fresh spicy mayo just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a juicier, richer flavor and work beautifully in this recipe.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As long as you use gluten-free soy sauce, this Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe can be gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap chicken for firm tofu or tempeh, and follow the same seasoning and cooking steps.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat mainly comes from sriracha; adjust the amount to suit your spice preference or omit for a milder version.

What can I substitute for arrowroot powder?

Cornstarch works well as a thickener if you don’t have arrowroot available.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes, simply double all ingredients and cook chicken in batches to maintain texture and flavor.

How do I store the spicy mayo?

Store spicy mayo in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. Stir before using.

Is this recipe meal prep friendly?

Definitely! It reheats well and makes for an energizing lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl filled with sticky, tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice drizzled with a spicy creamy sauce. This Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe brings bold flavors and vibrant colors to your table with ease and heart, perfect for nourishing both body and soul. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself after a busy day, this dish is sure to become a cherished favorite.

Have you tried this Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 😊

Print