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Meta Description: Looking for a healthy, meal-prep-friendly dinner? These sticky chicken rice bowls are packed with flavor, protein, and wholesome ingredients—perfect for busy schedules!
Why You’ll Love These Healthy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
Imagine coming home after a long day and having a delicious, homemade meal ready in minutes. No stress, no last-minute takeout, just a perfectly balanced meal that’s full of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
That’s exactly what you get with these sticky chicken rice bowls. They’re the ultimate meal-prep solution, helping you stay on track with healthy eating while still satisfying your cravings.
What makes this dish so special?
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✅ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a foolproof method.
✅ Incredibly Flavorful – A sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce coats tender chicken pieces.
✅ Meal-Prep Friendly – Store in containers for a ready-to-go lunch or dinner.
✅ Customizable – Adjust the spice level, switch up the grains, or add extra veggies.
If you love Asian-inspired flavors and need a recipe that fits into a busy lifestyle, this one’s for you!
What Makes Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls So Special?
The Perfect Combination of Flavors & Textures
These bowls deliver a harmonious balance of flavors:
🥢 Sweet & Savory Chicken – A sticky, caramelized sauce that clings to each piece.
🥢 Fluffy Rice – A neutral base that absorbs all the delicious sauce.
🥢 Crisp-Tender Broccoli – Adds freshness and crunch to the meal.
🥢 Spicy Mayo Drizzle – A creamy, spicy kick that ties everything together.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
✔ Better than takeout – Healthier, homemade, and just as delicious.
✔ Minimal prep time – Everything comes together in under 30 minutes.
✔ One-pan cooking – Fewer dishes, easier cleanup.
✔ Wholesome & Balanced – Protein, carbs, and veggies in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients:
Main Ingredients & Their Role
Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Uncooked Rice | 2 cups | The base for the dish, absorbs sauce beautifully |
Broccoli (chopped) | 2 small heads | Adds fiber, texture, and nutrients |
Chicken Breasts | 3 large | Lean protein, keeps the dish healthy and filling |
Olive Oil | 2 tbsp | Helps sear the chicken for added flavor |
Salt & Pepper | 1 tsp / ½ tsp | Balances all flavors |
Chili Powder | 1 tsp | Adds a mild kick |
Smoked Paprika | 1 tsp | Enhances the depth of flavor |
Onion Powder | 1 tsp | Subtle sweetness and umami |
Oregano | 1 tsp | Brings in an aromatic note |
Sticky Sauce Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Soy Sauce | ½ cup | Adds deep umami richness |
Honey | ½ cup | Provides natural sweetness and caramelization |
Rice Vinegar | ¼ cup | Brings acidity to balance the flavors |
Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | Boosts the savory, aromatic profile |
Sriracha | 2 tbsp | Adds heat and complexity |
Sesame Oil | 2 tsp | Adds nutty depth |
Ground Ginger | 1 tsp | Enhances warmth and spice |
Arrowroot Powder + Water | 2 tsp + 2 tbsp | Thickens the sauce to coat the chicken |
Spicy Mayo Drizzle
Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Mayo | ½ cup | Creamy base for the drizzle |
Sriracha | 1 tbsp | Adds heat and color |
Water | 2–3 tbsp | Thins out the sauce for drizzling |
Sesame Seeds | For topping | Optional garnish for extra crunch |
How to Make Healthy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls – Step-by-Step
1. Cooking the Perfect Rice & Preparing the Broccoli
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear (removes excess starch).
- Cook the rice according to package instructions (Jasmine or basmati works best).
- Steam or sauté the chopped broccoli until bright green and slightly tender.
2. Seasoning & Cooking the Chicken
- Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add the seasoned chicken.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
3. Making the Sticky Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger.
- Pour the sauce into the pan with the chicken and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Mix arrowroot powder with water to create a slurry, then stir into the sauce to thicken.
4. Assembling the Rice Bowls
- Start with a base of steamed rice.
- Add the sticky chicken and broccoli on top.
- Drizzle with spicy mayo and sprinkle sesame seeds for garnish.
Best Ways to Serve & Customize Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious variations:
🥑 Add Avocado – For extra creaminess.
🌱 Make it Vegetarian – Use tofu instead of chicken.
🌾 Try Different Grains – Swap rice for quinoa, cauliflower rice, or brown rice.
🌶️ Boost the Spice – Add extra sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
How to Store & Keep Your Bowls Fresh
- Divide the rice, chicken, and broccoli into meal-prep containers.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Best Way to Reheat
- Microwave – Heat in 60-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop – Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
❌ Overcooking the chicken – Keep it juicy by cooking just until golden brown.
❌ Using too much sauce – The goal is a thick glaze, not soupy chicken.
❌ Not rinsing the rice – Avoid mushy rice by washing away excess starch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
2. What’s the best way to meal prep these bowls?
Store the chicken, rice, and sauce separately, then assemble before eating.
3. Can I make the sauce less spicy?
Absolutely! Reduce the sriracha or leave it out entirely.
4. How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
Use Jasmine or basmati rice and avoid overcooking.
5. Can I cook the chicken in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Final Thoughts on the Best Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
These healthy sticky chicken rice bowls are packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you enjoy them fresh or reheat them throughout the week, they’re a delicious, nutritious choice.
Try them out and let me know—what’s your favorite topping? 🍽️👇
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Healthy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls – Meal Prep Friendly!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These Healthy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, all packed into a wholesome, balanced meal. With juicy, glazed chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp-tender broccoli, this dish is perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy an Asian-inspired meal at home!
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 3 large chicken breasts (diced into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp oregano
For the Sticky Sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice level)
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp arrowroot powder + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
For the Bowl
- 2 cups uncooked rice (Jasmine or Basmati)
- 2 small heads of broccoli (chopped)
For the Spicy Mayo Drizzle (Optional)
- ½ cup mayo
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 2–3 tbsp water (to thin for drizzling)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Rice & Broccoli
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Cook the rice according to package instructions.
- Steam or sauté the chopped broccoli until bright green and slightly tender.
- Prepare & Cook the Chicken
- Toss diced chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Make the Sticky Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ginger.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Mix arrowroot powder with water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce to thicken.
- Assemble the Bowls
- Start with a base of steamed rice.
- Add the sticky chicken and broccoli on top.
- Drizzle with spicy mayo and sprinkle sesame seeds for garnish.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu to make it vegetarian.
- Reduce sriracha if you prefer a milder dish.
- Store leftovers in meal-prep containers for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired