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
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
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by creating a crispy coating, mixing chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper to ensure complete coverage.
- Fire up a large skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling environment for perfectly golden protein.
- 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.
- Remove the chicken and set aside while maintaining its temperature and crunchiness.
- 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.
- Generate a cornstarch slurry by whisking water and cornstarch together, then introduce it to the simmering sauce to enhance thickness and glossiness.
- Allow the sauce to reduce and intensify for a few minutes, creating a luxurious coating with a beautiful sheen.
- Reintroduce the crispy chicken to the pan, gently tumbling to ensure each piece is lavishly embraced by the sticky, aromatic sauce.
- Build rice bowls by creating a fluffy rice foundation in serving dishes.
- Layer the sauced chicken atop the rice, then artfully arrange shredded carrots, cucumber slices, creamy avocado, and vibrant green onions.
- 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