Irresistible Sweet & Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

My kitchen always comes alive when crafting these delectable sweet & sticky chicken rice bowls that transform simple ingredients into something magical.

Bold flavors dance across the plate with surprising complexity.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel special without complicated preparation.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance between tender chicken and glossy sauce.

Home cooks can easily master this surprisingly straightforward recipe that looks impressive.

Comfort meets culinary creativity in these bowls packed with savory-sweet goodness.

Hunger calls, so let’s get cooking and make something delicious happen.

Sticky Chicken Bowls That Satisfy Every Sweet-Savory Craving

• Quickly Customize: Personalize each bowl with favorite toppings, swap proteins, or adjust spice levels to match individual preferences.
• Speedy Weeknight Winner: Prepare this delicious meal in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking a fast, flavorful dinner solution.
• Restaurant-Quality Comfort: Recreate a takeout-style dish at home with professional-level taste and texture, without the expensive restaurant price tag.
• Nutrient-Packed Pleasure: Combine lean protein, fresh vegetables, and balanced flavors for a wholesome meal that satisfies hunger and nutrition needs.

Lemon Cream Cheese Muffins Ingredient List

• Chicken: Tender, juicy protein base that gets crispy and coated in sweet sauce. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for even cooking.

• White Rice, Brown Rice: Fluffy foundation for the bowl. Jasmine or basmati rice offer great texture and flavor.

• Honey, Soy Sauce, Orange Juice: Create a sweet, tangy glaze with complex flavor profile. Use pure honey for best results.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients adding depth and warmth to the sauce. Fresh options provide more intense flavor.

• Cornstarch, Water: Help create glossy, clingy sauce texture. Mix thoroughly to prevent lumps.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing chicken's base flavor. Freshly ground black pepper recommended.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and spice. Adjust quantity based on spice preference.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides neutral cooking medium for chicken. High smoke point oils work best.

• Carrots, Cucumber, Avocado: Fresh vegetables adding crunch and nutrition. Slice thinly for best texture.
• Green Onions, Cilantro, Sesame Seeds: Provides final flavor burst and visual appeal. Fresh herbs recommended.

Sweet & Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl Cooking Guide

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Chicken

• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Black pepper

Ensure each chicken piece gets fully coated with the seasoning mix.

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

Carefully place chicken into the hot pan and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning pieces to achieve a golden-brown and crispy exterior.

Once done, transfer chicken to a clean plate.

Step 2: Create Tangy Sauce

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Orange juice
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Red pepper flakes

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

In a separate small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry.

Pour the slurry into the sauce and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened.

Step 3: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Return the crispy chicken pieces into the skillet.

Gently toss and coat each piece with the sticky, flavorful sauce, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 4: Build Delicious Rice Bowls

Spoon warm rice into serving bowls.

• Shredded carrots
• Cucumber slices
• Sliced avocado
• Chopped green onions

Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds and fresh cilantro over the top for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Sticky Rice Bowl Tips for Chicken That Shines

• Dredge chicken thoroughly in cornstarch for an extra crispy exterior that locks in moisture and creates a perfect golden crunch.
• Whisk the cornstarch slurry carefully to prevent lumps, ensuring a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
• Grate fresh ginger and garlic instead of using pre-minced versions for more intense, vibrant flavors in the sauce.
• Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative that keeps the delicious sauce and protein intact.
• Cook extra chicken and sauce, storing separately in the refrigerator for quick weekday lunches or dinner shortcuts.

Store Sweet & Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

• Store leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Let food cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
• Keep leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days maximum for optimal taste and safety.
• Warm chicken and rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir occasionally until heated through, typically 3-4 minutes.

Sweet & Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Pairings

Elevate Flavor Fusion: Complementary Drink Pairings for Sweet & Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

• Crisp Rice Lager Match: Light Japanese or Korean beer cuts through the dish's sweetness, refreshing the palate with clean, crisp notes that balance the sticky chicken's rich glaze.
• Zesty Citrus Spritzer Companion: Sparkling lime-infused water or a light citrus mocktail enhances the orange juice in the sauce, creating a vibrant and tangy flavor connection.
• Smooth Ginger Harmony: Cold green tea or a ginger-based drink echoes the recipe's ginger undertones, providing a subtle warming sensation that complements the dish's complex flavor profile.
• Tropical White Wine Selection: A slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer with fruity hints mirrors the honey and orange elements, offering a sophisticated wine pairing that highlights the chicken's sticky glaze.

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls with Sweet Modifications

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-free. Use cornstarch-coated chicken with the same cooking method, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Keep the chicken and sauce the same, focusing on protein-rich ingredients and reducing carbohydrate content.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh. Use maple syrup instead of honey, and follow the same sauce preparation technique with plant-based protein for a completely vegan version.
• Spicy Lovers' Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce to the glaze. Include diced jalapeños as a topping and use a hot chili oil drizzle for extra heat and flavor complexity.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy?

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before coating with cornstarch. This helps create a crispy exterior and ensures the chicken stays crunchy when mixed with the sauce.

• Can I make this recipe spicy or less spicy?

Adjust the red pepper flakes to control heat levels. Remove them completely for a mild version or add more if you prefer extra spiciness. You can also use sriracha or chili oil for additional heat.

• Is there a substitute for cornstarch?

Arrowroot powder works as an excellent alternative. It creates the same thickening effect in the sauce and provides a similar crispy coating for the chicken. Use in equal proportions to cornstarch.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts are ideal. Thighs offer more flavor and tenderness, while breasts provide a leaner option. Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and better sauce absorption.

Sweet & Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 10 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mouthwatering Sweet & Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls bring together succulent chicken and glazed Asian-inspired flavors in one satisfying meal. Balanced with tender rice and a glossy sauce, this dish delivers comfort and excitement for hungry diners seeking a quick, delectable dinner solution.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings and Coating:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

Sauce and Flavoring:

• 0.25 cup honey
• 0.25 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons orange juice (or rice vinegar)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

Rice and Toppings:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or brown rice)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 small cucumber, sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped

Garnish:

• Sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by creating a crispy coating, mixing chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper to ensure complete coverage.
2. Fire up a large skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling environment for perfectly golden protein.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot pan, allowing each piece to transform into a crisp, caramelized delight by cooking and flipping until uniformly golden.
4. Remove the chicken and set aside while maintaining its temperature and crunchiness.
5. Utilize the same skillet to craft a vibrant sauce, combining honey, soy sauce, orange juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes for a complex flavor profile.
6. Generate a cornstarch slurry by whisking water and cornstarch together, then introduce it to the simmering sauce to enhance thickness and glossiness.
7. Allow the sauce to reduce and intensify for a few minutes, creating a luxurious coating with a beautiful sheen.
8. Reintroduce the crispy chicken to the pan, gently tumbling to ensure each piece is lavishly embraced by the sticky, aromatic sauce.
9. Build rice bowls by creating a fluffy rice foundation in serving dishes.
10. Layer the sauced chicken atop the rice, then artfully arrange shredded carrots, cucumber slices, creamy avocado, and vibrant green onions.
11. Finish with an elegant sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, transforming the dish into a visually stunning and flavor-packed meal.

Notes

• Use high-quality cornstarch for a crispier chicken coating that locks in moisture and creates a perfect golden-brown exterior.
• Marinate chicken beforehand in a blend of soy sauce and ginger for deeper flavor penetration and more tender meat.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level, making the dish adaptable for kids or heat-sensitive palates.
• Swap white rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly version that maintains the dish’s delicious profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 90mg