There’s something truly special about the combination of sticky, gooey sauce clinging to tender chunks of chicken, all served over a fluffy bed of rice. You know that comfort food that hugs you with warmth and flavor? This Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl is exactly that. I stumbled upon this recipe during my college days when money was tight, but my cravings were loud. With just a few pantry staples, I could whip up this dish and feel like a culinary genius. It has become a favorite in my home, perfect for any night of the week or when hosting friends for dinner. You’re going to love it, trust me!
What makes this recipe special
Why make Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls tonight? Let me tell you—there’s a delightful harmony between sweet, savory, and umami in every bite. The sauce threads through the chicken so beautifully, and when it meets the rice, it creates a dining experience that feels both casual and indulgent. You’ll find the addition of honey brings a unique twist, balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce and transforming this dish into pure magic. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder! You can have everything cooked and ready in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a quick weeknight meal. Not to mention, it’s highly customizable to suit different tastes or what’s in your fridge.
Gather these ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Before you start cooking, let’s gather everything we need:
- Cooked Rice: 2 cups of your favorite rice (think jasmine or basmati for extra fragrance).
- Chicken Breast: 1 pound of diced chicken breast—feel free to swap for thighs for a richer flavor.
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup to bring that savory depth; low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake.
- Honey: 2 tablespoons for that luscious sweetness—maple syrup works in a pinch.
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon adds a tangy brightness.
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon to thicken the sauce; if you’re avoidant of cornstarch, arrowroot powder is a great substitute.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced—don’t shy away, let the fragrance fill your kitchen!
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon for that nutty kick.
- Scallions: 1/2 cup, chopped, lending freshness and crunch.
- Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle for garnish, elevating the dish visually and texturally.
Preparing Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty and bring this beauty to life! Follow along with me:
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Make the Sticky Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Make sure every ingredient is well-mixed. This is your magical elixir!
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Cook the Chicken: Heat your skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil if you like. Toss in the diced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Give it some love; stir occasionally for even cooking.
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Thicken the Sauce: Pour that luscious sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens up. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to coat the chicken beautifully—don’t skip this; it turns ordinary into extraordinary!
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Serve It Up: Scoop the chicken right over your cooked rice. Top with those vibrant scallions and a dusting of sesame seeds—just like that, dinner is served!
How to plate and pair
To really enhance your experience, consider adding a side of steamed veggies. Broccoli or snap peas go great with these bowls, adding color and nutrition. A little pickled ginger or sliced cucumber can also introduce a refreshing crunch and offset the sweetness. Serve with chopsticks for fun—because why not bring a little flair into the meal? Oh, and don’t hesitate to double the sauce if you love saucy rice!
Storage and reheating tips
Let’s talk leftovers—I promise, this dish won’t go to waste! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, a quick zap in the microwave works wonders, but I recommend a skillet to revive that stickiness. Add a splash of water to the pan to avoid dryness.
Pro chef tips
- Prep Ahead: Chop everything in advance; it’ll save you time at dinner.
- Double the Batch: Make a bigger batch for meal prep. These rice bowls taste even better the next day after the flavors meld together.
- Herbaceous Boost: Add chopped fresh cilantro or basil for an aromatic twist that brightens the dish.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Switch it up by adding some crushed peanuts on top for texture, or try different proteins like shrimp or tofu for a veggie option. You could even experiment with different sauces—try a teriyaki glaze or a spicy chili paste for some heat.
Ingredients list
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup scallions, chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Directions to follow
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, garlic, and sesame oil.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken until browned and cooked through.
- Pour sauce over chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Serve chicken over rice, topped with scallions and sesame seeds.
Common questions
- What kind of rice is best for this dish?: Jasmine or basmati work wonderfully for added fragrance.
- Can I use a different protein?: Absolutely! Pork, beef, or tofu are all great substitutes.
- How do I make it spicy?: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Can this be made in advance?: Yes, you can prep the sauce and chop the chicken a day ahead.
- What should I serve with it?: A side of steamed veggies or salad complements the flavors beautifully.
I hope this recipe becomes a cherished favorite for you, just like it has for me. Remember, cooking is an adventure! Don’t hesitate to make it your own—experiment with flavors, try different toppings, and share your fantastic creations with friends and family. I can’t wait to see what delicious twists you come up with!
Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
Description
This Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl combines tender chicken in a sweet, savory sauce served over fragrant rice, making it a perfect weeknight meal.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Preparation Steps
-
Make the Sticky Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, garlic, and sesame oil until well mixed. -
Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. -
Thicken the Sauce
Pour the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring until it thickens and coats the chicken. -
Serve
Serve the chicken over rice and top with scallions and sesame seeds.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13g20%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 75mg25%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 700mg20%
- Total Carbohydrate 60g20%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 10g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 5 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 10 mg
- Iron 15 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
