Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful sticky sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, these bowls offer a delightful balance of textures and flavors. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy broccoli, and a spicy mayo drizzle will make this dish a favorite in your household!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Bowls
• For the Sticky Sauce
• For the Spicy Mayo
• Toppings
• How to Make Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
• Step 1: Cook the Rice
• Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
• Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 4: Cook the Chicken
• Step 5: Make the Sticky Sauce
• Step 6: Prepare the Spicy Mayo
• Step 7: Assemble Your Bowls
• How to Serve Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
• Individual Bowls
• Family Style
• Meal Prep Containers
• Toppings Bar
• How to Perfect Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
• Best Side Dishes for Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
• Reheating Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls?
• Can I use different vegetables in my Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls?
• How do I make the sticky sauce thicker?
• How do I customize my Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavor-Packed: The sticky sauce and spices elevate the dish with bold flavors that everyone will love.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap out vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make extra portions for easy lunches throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: A kid-approved dish that satisfies both adults and children alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Saucepot
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: Cooks chicken quickly while achieving a crispy texture without excess oil.
• Saucepot: Ideal for making the sticky sauce efficiently with even heating.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for marinating the chicken and preparing sauces without mess.

Ingredients

These Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are packed with satisfying protein and bold flavors. With a sticky sauce, spicy mayo drizzle, and perfectly cooked chicken and broccoli, this dish is sure to become your new favorite meal!

For the Bowls

• 2 cups uncooked rice
• 2 small heads broccoli, chopped
• 3 large chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano

For the Sticky Sauce

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sriracha
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry; can substitute cornstarch)

For the Spicy Mayo

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 2–3 tablespoons water

Toppings

• Sesame seeds

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How to Make Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Prepare the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Steam the Broccoli

Steam the broccoli in either a microwave or on the stovetop until it is fork-tender. Set aside for assembly later.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano until well coated.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lay the seasoned chicken pieces flat in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 12 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Step 5: Make the Sticky Sauce

While cooking the chicken, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger in a small saucepot. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, stir in the arrowroot slurry and let it boil for 4-5 minutes until thickened significantly.

Step 6: Prepare the Spicy Mayo

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and sriracha. Add water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Assemble Your Bowls

In each bowl, layer cooked rice at the bottom followed by steamed broccoli and air-fried chicken. Drizzle generously with sticky sauce then finish with spicy mayo drizzle on top. Sprinkle sesame seeds as garnish before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls!

How to Serve Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative suggestions to elevate these delicious bowls.

Individual Bowls

• Serve each bowl with a generous portion of rice and chicken for a satisfying meal.
• Add a side of sticky sauce for those who love extra flavor.

Family Style

• Place all ingredients in serving dishes and let everyone build their own bowls.
• This interactive approach is great for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Meal Prep Containers

• Pack the bowls in meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
• Layer rice, chicken, and broccoli separately to keep everything fresh.

Toppings Bar

• Set up a toppings bar with additional garnishes like green onions or pickled vegetables.
• This allows guests to customize their bowls as they like.

How to Perfect Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

To ensure your Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose the right rice: Opt for jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant base that complements the dish.
• Marinate the chicken: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasonings for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Adjust sauce thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer after adding the arrowroot slurry.
• Experiment with veggies: Mix in different vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
• Balance flavors: Taste and adjust the sauce ingredients to find your perfect sweet and savory balance.

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Best Side Dishes for Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

Pairing side dishes with your Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls can take your meal to another level. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers, vinegar, and sesame seeds adds crunch.
2. Edamame: Steamed edamame beans sprinkled with salt provide a protein-rich snack that complements the meal.
3. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup offers a comforting side that pairs beautifully with Asian flavors.
4. Spring Rolls: Fresh vegetable spring rolls add a light, crispy texture that contrasts well with the sticky chicken.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes balances out the savory elements of the bowls nicely.
6. Kimchi: A small serving of kimchi offers a tangy kick that enhances the overall flavor profile of your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to keep in mind.

• Skipping the marination: Not allowing the chicken to marinate can lead to less flavorful meat. Make sure to let it soak in the seasoning for at least 30 minutes.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 160°F.
• Using low-quality rice: Poor-quality rice can affect texture. Opt for medium or short-grain rice for better stickiness.
• Neglecting sauce thickness: If your sticky sauce is too thin, it won’t cling to the chicken and rice. Be sure to cook it until thickened properly.
• Not adjusting spice levels: Everyone has different heat tolerances. Taste and adjust sriracha levels according to your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Allow food to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

• Freeze in sealed containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place bowls covered with foil for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring between each interval until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pan, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls?

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are a delicious meal featuring tender chicken tossed in a sticky sauce served over rice and vegetables like broccoli.

Can I use different vegetables in my Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls?

Absolutely! You can swap out broccoli for snap peas, carrots, or bell peppers based on your preference.

How do I make the sticky sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, ensure you simmer it long enough after adding the arrowroot slurry or cornstarch until it reaches the desired consistency.

How do I customize my Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls?

Feel free to add toppings like green onions, crushed peanuts, or even avocado for extra flavor and texture!

Final Thoughts

These Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are not only bursting with flavor but also offer plenty of customization options. You can easily modify ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delightful meal that’s sure to impress!

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