Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

Quick & Cozy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe for Food Lovers

When cooking these mouthwatering sticky chicken rice bowls, magical flavors collide in a spectacular dance of savory goodness.

Kitchen experiments rarely turn out this deliciously unexpected.

Tender chicken pieces glisten with a rich, glossy sauce that whispers promises of comfort.

Fragrant jasmine rice serves as the perfect canvas for this culinary masterpiece.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers pure satisfaction.

Spicy hints and sweet undertones create a balanced experience that’ll make you feel like a professional chef.

You’ll want to grab your chopsticks and dive right in.

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls with Serious Flavor

  • Quickest Weeknight Savior: Whip up this delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a restaurant-quality dinner without extensive cooking skills.
  • Flavor Explosion: Combine sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce with crispy chicken creates an irresistible taste profile that makes every bite exciting and memorable.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easily swap ingredients or add personal favorite toppings like avocado, pickled vegetables, or extra sriracha to match individual preferences and dietary needs.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and simple cooking technique mean less cleanup time, allowing more enjoyment of your delicious meal without dreading kitchen mess afterward.

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl Ingredients

Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender protein base for the sticky rice bowl, looks for boneless and skinless chicken pieces for easy cooking.
  • Cornstarch: Creates crispy coating for chicken, helps sauce stick better.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Honey: Provides sweet and savory flavor profile, balances taste and helps create sticky texture.
  • Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness to the sauce.
  • Sriracha: Brings subtle heat and depth to the overall dish.
  • Garlic, Ginger: Classic Asian flavor enhancers, adds aromatic complexity.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Vegetable Oil: Helps cook chicken and prevents sticking to the pan.
  • Rice: Main carbohydrate base for the bowl, white or brown rice work well.
Garnish and Vegetables:
  • Broccoli, Carrots: Fresh vegetables that add nutrition and color to the dish.
  • Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Provides additional texture and visual appeal as final toppings.

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Assembly Directions

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

Grab chicken pieces and sprinkle cornstarch over them.

Toss the chicken until each piece gets a nice, even powdery layer that will create a crispy exterior.

Step 2: Create Crispy Golden Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken pieces into hot oil.

Cook chicken until beautiful golden-brown edges appear, flipping occasionally.

This should take about 5-6 minutes.

Once perfectly crispy, transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Craft Mouthwatering Sticky Sauce

In the same skillet, lower heat to medium.

Add the following ingredients:
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Minced garlic
  • Freshly grated ginger
  • Sriracha sauce

Stir all ingredients together and let the sauce simmer, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 4: Combine Chicken With Sauce

Return crispy chicken to the skillet.

Gently toss chicken pieces, ensuring each morsel gets completely coated in the delectable sticky sauce.

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Build Delicious Rice Bowls

Place fluffy rice as the base in serving bowls.

Top with saucy chicken.

Add colorful vegetable toppings:
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Shredded carrots

Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Serve immediately and enjoy your restaurant-quality meal!

Sticky Rice Bowl Tips with Chicken

  • Ensure even cornstarch coverage by shaking the chicken in a sealed plastic bag for uniform crispiness.
  • Simmer sauce slowly to develop rich flavors and achieve the ideal thick, glossy texture without burning.
  • Adjust sriracha quantity to match your spice preference, from mild to extra hot depending on personal taste.
  • Add extra veggies like bell peppers or snap peas to increase the bowl's nutritional value and color variety.
  • Cook larger chicken batches and store separately from sauce to maintain crispness when reheating for quick weekday meals.

Chicken Rice Bowl Storage

  • Store leftover sticky chicken rice bowls in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until thoroughly heated, about 3-4 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
  • Keep rice and chicken separate when storing to maintain texture. Reheat rice separately to prevent soggy consistency and preserve its original fluffy quality.
  • Consume reheated meals within 1-2 days for best flavor and texture. Discard if any unusual odor or appearance develops.

Easy Add-Ons for Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

  • Flavor Amplifying Drink Pairing: Crisp, chilled Asian-style lager beer cuts through the sticky sweetness of the chicken, refreshing your palate with its light and clean finish.
  • Complementary Side Beverage: Jasmine green tea provides a subtle, aromatic balance that enhances the dish's complex flavors without overwhelming the delicate chicken.
  • Perfect Wine Match: Choose a slightly off-dry Riesling with hints of citrus and honey that mirrors the sweet and tangy sauce, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
  • Unexpected Flavor Booster: Sparkling yuzu soda adds a zesty, bright citrus note that cleanses the palate and adds a fun, effervescent twist to the meal.

Sticky Chicken Bowls With Rice And Flavor Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Use gluten-free cornstarch and ensure all other sauces are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh. Press tofu well and coat with cornstarch for similar crispy texture.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use lettuce wraps as a carb-free base for the sticky protein.
  • Spicy Lovers Edition: Increase sriracha amount or add fresh chili peppers. Include sliced jalapeños as a topping for extra heat kick.

FAQs

  • What makes the cornstarch coating special for the chicken?

The cornstarch creates a crispy exterior that helps the sauce stick better and gives the chicken a golden brown, crunchy texture when cooked.

  • Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is fully cooked.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild spice level from sriracha, but you can adjust the amount or remove it completely if you prefer a less spicy version. The honey and hoisin sauce balance out any heat.

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

Use less oil when cooking, choose brown rice instead of white rice, add more vegetables like steamed broccoli and carrots, and use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.

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Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Korean-inspired sticky chicken rice bowls deliver a symphony of savory and sweet flavors that dance across your palate. Tender marinated chicken nestled on fluffy rice creates a quick weeknight meal packed with authentic Asian-inspired satisfaction you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup (85 grams) honey
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional for heat)

Coating and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Serving Components:

  • 2 cups (370 grams) cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 cup (85 grams) steamed broccoli
  • 1/2 cup (55 grams) shredded carrots
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Dust chicken pieces thoroughly with cornstarch, ensuring each morsel is evenly and lightly coated for optimal crispiness.
  2. Warm vegetable oil in a spacious skillet over robust heat, creating a sizzling cooking environment.
  3. Carefully introduce coated chicken to the hot skillet, allowing pieces to transform into golden, crisp morsels through periodic turning, approximately 5-6 minutes.
  4. Transfer crispy chicken to a separate plate, preserving its perfect texture.
  5. Lower skillet temperature to medium, creating a gentle cooking surface for sauce development.
  6. Combine soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sriracha into a harmonious blend, whisking to integrate flavors completely.
  7. Let sauce simmer and reduce, watching it thicken and develop a glossy, rich consistency over 2-3 minutes.
  8. Reintroduce chicken to the aromatic sauce, gently tumbling pieces to ensure comprehensive coating.
  9. Allow chicken to warm through and absorb sauce flavors for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  10. Layer fluffy rice as a foundational base in serving bowls.
  11. Strategically arrange sticky chicken atop rice, creating an appetizing presentation.
  12. Embellish with steamed broccoli florets and delicate shredded carrots.
  13. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds as a final flourish.
  14. Serve immediately to maintain optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

  • Cornstarch creates a delightful crispy coating on chicken, ensuring a golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and adds incredible texture.
  • Manage heat carefully when creating the sticky sauce to prevent burning, which can quickly turn delicious flavors bitter and ruin the dish.
  • Customize this recipe for dietary needs by swapping chicken with tofu, using gluten-free soy sauce, or replacing honey with maple syrup for a vegan alternative.
  • Prep vegetables and measure ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and guarantee a smooth, stress-free meal preparation experience.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 77 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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