Irresistible Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe for Dinner Joy

Weeknight dinners demand something spectacular, and these sizzling sticky chicken rice bowls deliver pure culinary magic.

Tender chicken glazed with an irresistible sauce promises a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds dance.

The sweet and savory combination creates an instant comfort meal that crosses cultural boundaries.

Each bite melds perfectly caramelized chicken with fluffy rice, creating a harmony of textures and tastes.

Packed with bold Asian-inspired seasonings, this recipe turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, these rice bowls will become your new dinner obsession.

Dive into this delectable dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 5

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls: What Goes In

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein powerhouse that provides a delicious, tender base for the dish, selecting fresh, high-quality cuts ensures maximum flavor and juiciness.
• Sriracha: Adds bold, spicy kick that elevates the overall taste profile, choose a brand with robust heat and complex flavor.

• Soy Sauce: Umami-rich liquid that brings depth and saltiness to the sticky sauce, opt for low-sodium versions for better control.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that creates glossy, caramelized coating, select raw or local honey for richer taste.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness and helps balance the sauce's flavors, look for clear, mild varieties.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty, aromatic undertones that enhance the sauce's complexity, choose toasted version for deeper flavor.

• Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Onion Powder, Oregano: Spice blend that creates complex, layered seasoning for the chicken, ensure spices are fresh and fragrant.
• Garlic: Provides robust, pungent flavor base for the sauce, select firm, plump cloves.
• Ground Ginger: Adds warm, slightly spicy note to the sticky sauce, choose high-quality ground version for consistent flavor.
• Arrowroot: Natural thickening agent that gives sauce perfect glossy consistency, ensures smooth texture.
• Sesame Seeds: Crunchy topping that adds visual appeal and nutty crunch, toast lightly for enhanced flavor.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base for spicy drizzle, select good-quality, smooth variety.
• Sriracha: Provides heat and tang to the mayo mixture, adjust quantity for desired spiciness.

• Broccoli: Nutritious green vegetable that adds color and freshness, choose crisp, vibrant florets.

• Rice: Fluffy, neutral foundation for the bowl, select long-grain or jasmine variety for best texture.

Kitchen Tools for Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

• Air fryer: Essential for cooking chicken quickly and evenly at high heat.
• Saucepot: Perfect for creating the sticky sauce with precise temperature control.
• Microwave or stovetop steamer: Helps prepare tender broccoli quickly.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping chicken and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Ideal for cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Measuring spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring spices and seasonings.
• Mixing bowl: Used for tossing chicken with seasonings.
• Whisk: Great for mixing spicy mayo and blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cup: Helps measure liquid ingredients precisely.

How to Assemble Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

• Rice Foundation

Fluffy white rice serves as the base for this delicious bowl, creating a comforting canvas for the upcoming flavors.

• Green Nutrition

Tender broccoli adds vibrant color and healthy crunch to the dish, bringing freshness and balance.

• Chicken Preparation

Juicy chicken pieces get transformed with a bold spice blend, promising a flavor explosion in every bite.

• Crispy Chicken Cooking

Air fryer magic turns chicken into perfectly golden and crispy morsels with minimal effort.

• Sticky Sauce Magic

A luxurious sauce combines sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, creating a glossy coating that elevates the entire meal.

• Bowl Assembly

Layers of rice, broccoli, and chicken come together, forming a beautiful and appetizing meal.

• Creamy Finish

Spicy mayo drizzle adds a creamy, zesty touch, with sesame seeds providing a delightful textural contrast.

Sticky Rice Bowl Flavor Enhancers

• Unleash Flavor Variations
• Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for a delightful protein twist that keeps meals exciting and adaptable to different dietary preferences.
• Mix up steamed broccoli with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas to add vibrant colors and boost nutritional variety in your bowl.
• Adjust sriracha levels to dial up or tone down spiciness, making the sticky sauce perfect for mild or fiery flavor lovers who enjoy personalized heat.
• Trade white rice for cauliflower rice, quinoa, or brown rice to create healthier base options that complement the sticky chicken's rich flavors.
• Sprinkle chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, or crispy wontons on top to introduce unexpected texture and elevate the overall eating experience.

Ways to Present Sticky Chicken Bowls Neatly

• Flavor Explosion Bowl: Create a vibrant base by mixing rice and chicken together, allowing the sticky sauce to coat every single grain for maximum taste sensation.
• Garnish Galore Station: Sprinkle extra sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or crushed red pepper flakes on top to add color, texture, and personalized heat levels for each diner.
• Veggie Power-Up: Consider adding extra roasted or steamed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to increase nutritional value and provide more varied bites in the bowl.
• Protein Swap Potential: Easily substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef to accommodate different dietary preferences or simply to mix up the weekly meal rotation.

Best Practices for Storing Rice Bowls

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken rice bowls in airtight containers, keeping sauce and ingredients separate to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Prepare rice, chicken, and sauce components in advance during weekends, allowing easy assembly of fresh bowls within 10 minutes during busy weekdays.
• Safe Consumption Window: Refrigerated ingredients remain delicious and safe for 3-4 days when stored properly at 40°F (4°C) or below, ensuring maximum flavor and nutrition retention.
• Temperature-Conscious Storage: Cool cooked chicken and rice completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety standards, using shallow containers for rapid cooling.

Crispy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Complex layers of Korean-inspired sticky chicken rice bowls combine succulent marinated proteins with savory sauces and perfectly steamed rice. Balanced flavors and quick preparation make this meal a satisfying choice for home cooks who crave bold, restaurant-quality dishes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 large chicken breasts
• 2 cups (400g) uncooked rice
• 2 small heads broccoli, chopped
• ½ cup (120 ml) soy sauce
• ½ cup (170 g) honey
• ¼ cup (60 ml) rice vinegar
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps sriracha
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsps sesame oil
• 2 tsps arrowroot powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 2 tbsps water
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 2–3 tbsps water
• Sesame seeds (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Cook rice according to package instructions, ensuring fluffy and separated grains.
2. Vegetable Preparation: Steam broccoli florets until vibrant green with a crisp texture.
3. Chicken Seasoning: Coat chicken pieces with olive oil and dry seasonings, massaging thoroughly for complete coverage.
4. Air Frying Chicken: Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook chicken in a single layer for 12 minutes, flipping midway, until golden and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
5. Sticky Sauce Creation: Combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger in a saucepot. Bring to a boil and thicken with arrowroot slurry until glossy and clingy.
6. Spicy Mayo Preparation: Whisk mayo ingredients until smooth and creamy with a subtle heat.
7. Bowl Assembly: Layer rice as a base, top with steamed broccoli and crispy chicken. Drizzle generously with sticky sauce and spicy mayo. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Seasoning: Massage oil and spices thoroughly to create a deep, even flavor profile that penetrates the meat completely.
• Master Air Fryer Technique: Arrange chicken in single layer without touching to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent steaming.
• Sauce Consistency Matters: Whisk arrowroot slurry carefully to achieve perfect glossy thickness that coats ingredients smoothly without becoming gloppy.
• Strategic Layering Technique: Build bowl from bottom up, allowing sauce to naturally distribute and blend flavors throughout each bite.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 80 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg