Name: Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked rice; 2 small heads broccoli, chopped; 3 large chicken breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp oregano; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp sriracha; 2 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp ground ginger; 2 tsp arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry (substitute cornstarch if preferred); 1/2 cup mayo; 1 tbsp sriracha; 2–3 tbsp water; Sesame seeds for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 32 reviews

If you are looking for a meal that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors all in one bowl, you have found it with this Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe. This dish brings tender, juicy chicken coated in a luscious sticky sauce, paired with fluffy rice and fresh broccoli for a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family or wanting an impressive yet simple dinner for friends, these sticky chicken bowls offer a vibrant and comforting experience with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with soft white rice as the bottom layer, topped with several golden-brown crispy chicken strips laid side by side, each covered with an orange creamy sauce drizzled in thick lines across them. Bright green steamed broccoli florets sit on one side of the bowl, creating a fresh contrast with the warm colors. The chicken pieces are sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small chopped green onions. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe comes together with ingredients that are straightforward but essential, each contributing to the tantalizing taste, texture, and color that makes this dish so special. From the spices that coat the chicken to the fresh veggies and the sweet-spicy sticky sauce, every component plays a vital role.

2 cups uncooked rice: The perfect fluffy base to soak up all that delicious sauce.
2 small heads broccoli, chopped: Adds freshness, vibrant color, and a nice crunch.
3 large chicken breasts: The lean protein that becomes irresistibly tender when cooked and coated in the sauce.
2 tbsp olive oil: Helps to brown the chicken beautifully and enhances flavor.
1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing flavors together.
1/2 tsp pepper: Adds a subtle hint of heat that complements the sweet sauce.
1 tsp chili powder: Gives a gentle smoky spice to the chicken.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds depth and a warm, smoky flavor.
1 tsp onion powder: Brings a savory note without adding extra moisture.
1 tsp oregano: Introduces a mild herbal aroma to the spice mix.

Sticky Sauce:

1/2 cup soy sauce: The salty foundation of the sauce giving umami richness.
1/2 cup honey: Provides the signature sticky sweetness that defines the dish.
1/4 cup rice vinegar: Balances sweetness with a bright acidity.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
2 tbsp sriracha: Delivers a spicy kick that wakes up the taste buds.
2 tsp sesame oil: Offers a nutty, toasty flavor that rounds out the sauce.
1 tsp ground ginger: Adds warm, zesty notes complementary to garlic and chili.
2 tsp arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tbsp water: Creates a smooth slurry to thicken the sauce perfectly (can substitute cornstarch).

Spicy mayo:

1/2 cup mayo: Creamy base to soften and cool the spice of the sriracha.
1 tbsp sriracha: Adds vibrant heat to the mayo.
2–3 tbsp water: Thins the mayo to a perfect drizzle consistency.
Sesame seeds for topping: A gorgeous garnish that adds crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice and Prep Vegetables

Start by cooking your rice according to the package instructions and set it aside so it’s ready to serve once the chicken is done. While the rice cooks, chop the broccoli into small florets. These will add color and crunch to your bowl, balancing out the sticky richness of the chicken perfectly.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces, then toss them with salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano. This simple spice mix transforms the chicken with a smoky, savory, and subtly spicy profile. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then add the chicken and cook until it’s golden on the outside and cooked through inside. This step ensures your chicken has that fabulous caramelized crust you’ll want in every bite.

Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli

Next, steam or lightly sauté the broccoli until just tender. You want it to retain a bit of crunch and bright green color, which contrasts beautifully with the sticky sauce and tender chicken. You can cook the broccoli in the same pan after the chicken, which helps absorb some of those wonderful pan flavors.

Step 4: Make the Sticky Sauce

Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger in a bowl. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the chicken and let it simmer gently. As the sauce bubbles, stir in the arrowroot slurry. This thickens the sauce, creating that signature glossy, sticky coating that clings deliciously to every piece of chicken.

Step 5: Mix Up the Spicy Mayo

Combine mayo, sriracha, and water until you get a smooth, drizzle-friendly consistency. This spicy mayo is the perfect creamy and fiery counterpoint to the sticky chicken, adding an extra layer of flavor and making the bowl feel indulgently complete.

Step 6: Assemble Your Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Now comes the fun part! Layer warm rice in your serving bowls, top with tender, sticky chicken, and add the vibrant broccoli florets. Drizzle the bowls generously with spicy mayo and sprinkle a handful of sesame seeds on top. This final assembly is as visually appealing as it is flavorful, truly showcasing your Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe masterpiece.

How to Serve Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with raw, pink meat pieces, evenly cut into small chunks. The meat is topped with a generous layer of various dry spices in shades of brown, yellow, and black, giving a speckled appearance all over. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background that contrasts with the warm colors of the meat and spices. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add fresh, crunchy toppings like chopped scallions or cilantro for an herbal brightness that pairs beautifully with the rich sticky sauce. Sesame seeds not only bring texture but also a nutty aroma that complements the sesame oil in the dish.

Side Dishes

Keep sides simple to let the Sticky Chicken Bowls shine—consider a light cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds or some steamed edamame for a healthy boost. A crisp Asian slaw also makes a refreshing accompaniment, balancing the meal’s flavors and textures effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this bowl with a fried egg on top for extra richness or offer lime wedges on the side for a zesty twist. Using colorful bowls or plating on a wooden board with chopsticks elevates the experience and makes your meal feel special, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken, broccoli, and rice in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping components separate helps maintain the texture and freshness when reheated.

Freezing

This Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe freezes well—store chicken and sauce separately from rice and vegetables in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Reheat rice in the microwave with a damp paper towel to keep it fluffy, then assemble as before for a tasty second meal.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?

Absolutely! Snap peas, bell peppers, or green beans all make wonderful alternatives, each bringing their own crunch and flavor to round out your Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The spice level is moderate and can be easily adjusted by tweaking the amount of sriracha in the sticky sauce and spicy mayo. If you prefer less heat, simply reduce or omit the sriracha.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Chicken thighs are a great option and tend to be juicier and more flavorful when cooked. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked through.

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

Cornstarch works just as well to thicken the sticky sauce—just use the same amount mixed with water to make a slurry and add it in the same way.

Is the spicy mayo necessary?

While optional, the spicy mayo adds a delightful creamy texture and a little extra heat, perfectly complementing the sticky chicken and balancing the flavors nicely. It’s well worth making!

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe, it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation. The combination of sticky, savory chicken with fresh veggies and fluffy rice is comforting, exciting, and downright addictive. Give it a go and enjoy sharing this delicious bowl of happiness with the people you love!