Name: Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked rice; 3 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp oregano; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp sriracha; 2 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp ground ginger; 2 tsp arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry (can substitute cornstarch); 2 small heads broccoli, chopped into florets; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp sriracha; 2–3 tbsp water; Sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a meal that combines bold flavors, vibrant colors, and irresistible textures, look no further than this Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe. Every bite delivers a perfect harmony of tender chicken glazed in a luscious, sticky sauce paired with fluffy rice and crisp broccoli. It’s a one-bowl wonder that feels both comforting and exciting, making it an absolute staple for weeknight dinners or anytime you want to impress without stress.

Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe lies in its simplicity — every ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish sing. From the spices that give the chicken its savory punch to the honey and soy sauce blend that creates that signature sticky glaze, each component is essential.

2 cups uncooked rice: The perfect fluffy base that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
2 small heads broccoli (chopped): Adds a bright green color and crunchy texture.
3 large chicken breasts: The hearty protein star of the bowl, sliced for quick cooking and easy eating.
2 tbsp olive oil: For a golden sear that locks in flavor on the chicken.
1 tsp salt: Enhances every ingredient’s natural taste.
1/2 tsp pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
1 tsp chili powder: Brings smoky warmth without overpowering the dish.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Provides depth and a hint of smokiness.
1 tsp onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning for savory richness.
1 tsp oregano: Introduces an herby brightness to balance the sauce.
1/2 cup soy sauce: The salty backbone of the sticky glaze.
1/2 cup honey: Delivers that amazing sweet stickiness everyone loves.
1/4 cup rice vinegar: Adds a tangy contrast that cuts through sweetness beautifully.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic for aromatic depth.
2 tbsp sriracha: Kicks up the heat with a flavorful spicy punch.
2 tsp sesame oil: Infuses a toasty nutty aroma that ties the sauce together.
1 tsp ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing and warmth.
2 tsp arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry): Thickens the sauce perfectly without cloudiness.
1/2 cup mayo: The base for the creamy spicy mayo drizzle.
1 tbsp sriracha: Blends into the mayo for an extra hit of spice.
2–3 tbsp water: Adjusts the spicy mayo to a pourable consistency.
Sesame seeds for topping: Adds a subtle crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Rice and Broccoli

Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions so it’s warm and fluffy when you’re ready to assemble. While the rice cooks, chop your broccoli into small florets to ensure each bite is tender yet still crisp. You can steam or sauté the broccoli, depending on your preference—steamed for a mild taste or lightly sautéed for a hint of caramelization. Keeping these simple prep steps straightforward ensures your bowl balances textures perfectly.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Slice your chicken breasts into strips — this helps them cook quickly and soak up more sauce later. Season thoroughly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and oregano. These spices layer flavor and create an irresistible aroma. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add your seasoned chicken strips. Cook the chicken until golden brown on the edges and cooked through inside. This golden sear locks in juiciness and adds texture to every bite.

Step 3: Make the Sticky Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, ground ginger, and the arrowroot slurry made with arrowroot powder and water. This blend will create the magic sticky sauce that clings beautifully to your chicken strips. Pour the sauce into your skillet with the cooked chicken and simmer gently until the sauce thickens into a rich glaze that envelopes every piece in glossy sweetness and heat.

Step 4: Prepare the Spicy Mayo

For that creamy spicy kick, stir together mayo, sriracha, and 2 to 3 tablespoons water until it’s smooth and pourable. This spicy mayo drizzle offers a cooling contrast to the sticky chicken that elevates the entire dish. Adjust the water to get the consistency just right for drizzling or dolloping on top of your bowls.

Step 5: Assemble Your Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Start with a generous bed of fluffy rice, then add the sticky, spice-kissed chicken strips. Nestle in vibrant, tender broccoli florets beside the chicken, and finish with a drizzle of your spicy mayo. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for crunch and gorgeous presentation. Each bowl is a colorful, balanced powerhouse of flavor that’s built to satisfy.

How to Serve Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can make your Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe even more inviting. Freshly chopped green onions or cilantro leaves bring a fresh brightness, while a wedge of lime added on the side gives a zesty burst that awakens every bite. Don’t forget those crunchy toasted sesame seeds sprinkled generously for texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully complete on its own but can be paired with light sides like a crisp cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to add a refreshing contrast. If you want to keep the meal heartier, consider serving with garlic bread or steamed dumplings to round out the experience and impress your guests.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your presentation by layering the ingredients artfully in a wide, shallow bowl so every element is visible and accessible. For a casual twist, serve everything family-style with platters of chicken, broccoli, rice, and sauce for guests to build their own bowls. You could also try stuffing the chicken and broccoli mixture into lettuce wraps for a fresh handheld treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the spicy mayo separate to maintain its creamy texture. When ready to eat, simply reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken and broccoli.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe longer, freeze the chicken and sauce mixture in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing rice and broccoli together to maintain the best texture. When thawed, add freshly steamed broccoli and reheat rice separately for near-fresh enjoyment.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly without burning the sticky sauce. If microwaving, cover the bowl loosely and heat in short intervals to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of water or soy sauce if the mixture looks dry when reheated.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber, making the dish a bit heartier. Just be sure to cook it fully before assembling your Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe because it takes longer to cook than white rice.

Is the sauce very spicy?

The sauce has a balanced heat level from the sriracha and chili powder, with the honey providing sweetness to mellow it out. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit the sriracha in both the sauce and the mayo drizzle.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, and follow the same seasoning and cooking steps. The sticky sauce works wonderfully with these plant-based proteins and still delivers that crave-worthy flavor.

What can I substitute for arrowroot powder?

If you don’t have arrowroot powder, cornstarch is a great alternative for thickening the sauce. Just mix it with water to create a slurry before adding it to the skillet to avoid lumps.

How long does it take to make this recipe?

This Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe can be ready in about 30 to 40 minutes, making it ideal for a quick but impressive meal any night of the week.

Final Thoughts

This Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels like a total treat without requiring tons of time or complicated ingredients. Its irresistible sticky, spicy, and sweet layers, matched with wholesome rice and vibrant broccoli, make every mouthful a joy. Don’t hesitate to try making it yourself — it might just become your new go-to favorite dinner that you keep coming back to again and again.

Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 29 reviews

Author: Hugo
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

A flavorful and easy-to-make Sticky Chicken Bowl recipe featuring tender chicken strips coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, served over fluffy rice with steamed broccoli and a drizzle of creamy spicy mayo.

Instructions

Cook the rice: Cook 2 cups of uncooked rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set aside and keep warm.
Prepare the broccoli: Chop the broccoli heads into small florets. Steam or sauté until tender but still crisp, then set aside.
Season the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into strips. In a bowl, season with salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano, ensuring even coating on all pieces.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
Make the sticky sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the cooked chicken, bring to a simmer, then stir in the arrowroot slurry. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken well.
Prepare the spicy mayo: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sriracha, and water until smooth and pourable. Adjust water quantity to reach desired consistency.
Assemble the bowls: In serving bowls, place a portion of cooked rice, top with the sticky chicken and broccoli. Drizzle the spicy mayo over the top.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the finished bowls for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

You can substitute arrowroot powder with cornstarch for thickening the sauce.
Adjust the amount of sriracha in both the sauce and the mayo to control spice level.
For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Leftover sticky chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing, Simmering, Steaming
Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 450g)
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 22 g
Sodium: 900 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 60 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: sticky chicken, chicken bowl, spicy mayo, honey soy sauce, broccoli, easy dinner, Asian chicken recipe