There’s nothing quite like a homemade Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe to brighten up your dinner routine. This vibrant, flavor-packed dish combines tender chicken strips smothered in a glossy, sweet-and-spicy sauce with fresh broccoli and fluffy rice, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. The magic truly lies in that sticky sauce that clings to every bite, making you savor each mouthful as if it were your new favorite comfort food. Ready for a meal that’s as simple as it is satisfying? Let’s dive into this Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe that’s guaranteed to please everyone at your table.

Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in balancing flavor, texture, and color, turning everyday pantry staples into something spectacularly delicious.

2 cups uncooked rice: The perfect base to soak up that luscious sticky sauce.
2 small heads broccoli (chopped): Adds a fresh, crunchy contrast with vibrant green color.
3 large chicken breasts: The star protein that’s juicy and tender when cooked right.
2 tbsp olive oil: Essential for achieving golden seared chicken without sticking.
1 tsp salt: Brings out the natural flavors in every ingredient.
1/2 tsp pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the seasoning.
1 tsp chili powder: Introduces a gentle heat that awakens your palate.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Gives a smoky richness that complements the sticky sauce flawlessly.
1 tsp onion powder: Enhances savory notes with every bite.
1 tsp oregano: Adds an aromatic herbal touch for complexity.
1/2 cup soy sauce: The salty, umami foundation of the sticky sauce.
1/2 cup honey: Provides natural sweetness and that signature sticky texture.
1/4 cup rice vinegar: Offers a bright, tangy balance to the sweetness.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses fragrant warmth and fantastic depth.
2 tbsp sriracha: Adds a fiery kick in both the sauce and spicy mayo.
2 tsp sesame oil: Gives a toasty, nutty aroma that brings the dish together.
1 tsp ground ginger: Delivers a fresh, slightly peppery zing.
2 tsp arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tbsp water: Creates a silky slurry to thicken the sauce perfectly.
1/2 cup mayo: The creamy base for the spicy drizzle topping.
1 tbsp sriracha: Enough to add heat without overpowering the mayo.
2–3 tbsp water: Adjusts the spicy mayo to a smooth, pourable consistency.
Sesame seeds for topping: A final nutty crunch and eye-catching garnish.

How to Make Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by cooking your rice according to package instructions until it’s fluffy and tender. This simple staple will soak up the sticky sauce beautifully, creating a satisfying base for your bowls.

Step 2: Prep the Broccoli

While the rice is cooking, chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Having these ready makes it easy to steam or sauté them quickly, adding that fresh crunch and vibrant green color that balances the dish.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts into strips and sprinkle with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and oregano. This seasoning mix packs a flavorful punch, infusing the chicken with warmth and aromatic depth before cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook them until they turn golden brown and are cooked all the way through. This step ensures the chicken stays juicy inside while creating a wonderful seared outside that’ll grab onto that sticky sauce later.

Step 5: Cook the Broccoli

Steam or sauté the broccoli in the same pan or a separate one until tender yet still with a slight bite. This method preserves not just the nutrients but the freshness of the broccoli, making it a perfect textural contrast.

Step 6: Make and Add the Sticky Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken and let it simmer. Add the arrowroot slurry and stir constantly until the sauce thickens into that luscious, sticky glaze we all crave.

Step 7: Prepare the Spicy Mayo

Combine mayo, sriracha, and water in a small bowl, stirring until smooth and pourable. This spicy mayo drizzle adds a creamy, cooling element that perfectly complements the sweet and spicy sticky chicken.

Step 8: Assemble the Bowls

Start with a generous scoop of cooked rice, layer on the sticky chicken strips and tender broccoli, drizzle with the spicy mayo, and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Every bite becomes a mouthwatering adventure.

How to Serve Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Garnishes

For an added touch of freshness and texture, consider garnishing with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or even thinly sliced red chili if you like extra heat. These garnishes brighten the dish visually and enhance flavor complexity.

Side Dishes

Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed edamame, pickled cucumber salad, or crispy spring rolls. These light accompaniments keep the meal balanced without overwhelming the main attraction.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering ingredients in glass jars for grab-and-go meals or serving the bowls family-style, letting everyone customize their own toppings and spice levels. Presentation can be fun and make the meal feel special even on a busy weeknight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe components can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping rice, chicken, and broccoli apart helps maintain texture and flavor integrity.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months by placing them in freezer-safe containers. Just cool completely before freezing, and avoid freezing the rice or mayo to preserve texture.

Reheating

Reheat frozen chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Reheat rice in the microwave with a sprinkle of water to refresh moisture. Add fresh broccoli or garnish after reheating for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice works well and adds a nuttier flavor along with added fiber, though it will take a bit longer to cook.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute tofu or tempeh for chicken. Press and marinate the tofu before cooking to help it absorb the delicious sticky sauce better.

How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?

The recipe carries a moderate spice level thanks to sriracha and chili powder, but feel free to reduce or increase those amounts to suit your heat preference.

What can I use if I don’t have arrowroot powder?

Cornstarch is a straightforward substitute for arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce. Use the same amount mixed with water to create a slurry.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, the sticky sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just warm it gently before adding it to your cooked chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that feels like a cozy hug on a plate. Its perfect blend of sticky, sweet, spicy, and savory flavors combined with fresh broccoli and fluffy rice makes it a keeper for weeknights or casual get-togethers. I can’t wait for you to try it and add your own spin to this delicious classic!

Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 9 reviews

Author: Simon
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful and easy-to-make Sticky Chicken Bowl featuring tender chicken strips coated in a sweet and spicy sticky sauce served over fluffy rice with steamed broccoli and a creamy sriracha mayo drizzle. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Instructions

Cook Rice: Prepare the rice according to package instructions until fluffy, then set aside to keep warm.
Prepare Broccoli: Chop the broccoli into small florets and set aside, ready for steaming or sautéing.
Season Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into strips and season evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and oregano to ensure a well-flavored base.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the seasoned chicken strips, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally.
Cook Broccoli: In the same skillet or a separate pan, steam or sauté the broccoli until tender but still crisp, approximately 4-5 minutes.
Make Sticky Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger in a bowl. Pour the mixture into the skillet with the cooked chicken and simmer over medium heat. Stir in the arrowroot slurry to thicken the sauce, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until glossy and sticky.
Prepare Spicy Mayo: Combine mayonnaise, sriracha, and 2-3 tablespoons water in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and pourable, adjusting water for desired consistency.
Assemble Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among bowls, top with the sticky chicken and broccoli, drizzle generously with spicy mayo, and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for added texture and flavor.

Notes

Arrowroot powder can be substituted with cornstarch if unavailable.
Adjust sriracha amount in the sticky sauce and mayo to suit your preferred spice level.
For gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce.
Leftover sticky chicken can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Steaming broccoli preserves more nutrients, but sautéing adds a nice caramelized flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing, Simmering, Steaming
Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 950 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 56 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: sticky chicken bowls, sweet and spicy chicken, sriracha mayo, easy chicken dinner, Asian chicken bowl, honey soy chicken