Quick Sticky Chicken Bowls: Flavorful Weeknight Meal (Print Version)
Sticky Chicken Bowls are a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. Enjoy tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce, served over rice with your favorite veggies.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian
Dietary: Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ The Sticky-Sweet Chicken Core
01 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
1 tbsp cornstarch
03 -
1 tbsp vegetable oil
→ Umami-Rich Glaze
04 -
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
05 -
1/4 cup honey
06 -
2 tbsp rice vinegar
07 -
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
08 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
09 -
1 tsp sesame oil
10 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
→ Fresh & Vibrant Bowl Builders
11 -
1 cup uncooked white rice
12 -
2 cups broccoli florets
13 -
1 cup shredded carrots
→ Garnishes & Finishing Touches
14 -
2 stalks green onions, sliced
15 -
1 tbsp sesame seeds
16 -
Salt and pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Cook 1 cup uncooked white rice according to package directions. While rice cooks, whisk together 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp fresh ginger, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes in a bowl. This forms the base for your Sticky Chicken Bowls | Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Meal.
02 -
Pat dry 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces. Toss chicken with 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper until evenly coated. This cornstarch coating will help create that signature sticky texture for your chicken.
03 -
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
04 -
Reduce heat to medium. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the cooked chicken. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully. This creates the irresistible sticky glaze for your Sticky Chicken Bowls | Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Meal.
05 -
While the chicken glazes, steam or sauté 2 cups broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. This fresh component perfectly balances the richness of the Sticky Chicken Bowls | Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Meal. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
06 -
Divide the cooked white rice among four bowls. Top with the sticky glazed chicken, tender broccoli florets, and 1 cup shredded carrots. Garnish each bowl generously with 2 stalks sliced green onions and 1 tbsp sesame seeds for a vibrant finish to your Sticky Chicken Bowls | Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Meal.
# Notes:
01 -
Feel free to swap chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breast, but reduce cooking time slightly to prevent drying out. You can also add other quick-cooking veggies like bell peppers or snap peas.
02 -
This recipe is excellent for meal prep! Cook all components ahead of time and store separately in airtight containers. Reheat the chicken and rice gently before assembling.
03 -
Adjust the 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to your preference. For more heat, add a full teaspoon; for less, omit them entirely or use just a pinch.
04 -
For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle a little sriracha or a squeeze of lime juice over your finished bowl before serving.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
Saucepan
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Grater
06 -
Measuring cups and spoons
07 -
Mixing bowls
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 612 kcal
Total Fat: 20 g
Total Carbohydrate: 64 g
Protein: 42 g