Hello, friend! If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful meal to brighten your day, you’re in for a treat. I absolutely love this Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl because it’s packed with flavor, super easy to make, and always brings a smile to my family’s faces! Plus, you can whip it up on a busy weeknight or serve it for a special occasion. Stick with me, and I’ll guide you through this delicious journey!
Nutritional Benefits
One of the best parts about these sticky chicken rice bowls is that they’re not just tasty—they’re also nutritious! The chicken provides a great source of lean protein, keeping you energized and fuller for longer. Plus, the rice offers carbohydrates for energy, while adding vegetables boosts the fiber, vitamins, and minerals in your meal. You can even make it healthier by choosing brown rice or adding more veggies like bell peppers or broccoli!
Adaptable Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Option: You can easily substitute chicken for tofu or tempeh. Just marinate it in the same sticky sauce for an equally delicious dish.
- Different Sauces: Change up the flavor profile by trying teriyaki sauce or a sweet chili sauce instead of the traditional soy-based sauce for an exciting twist!
- Spice It Up: If you’re a heat lover, you can add some red pepper flakes or sriracha to your sticky sauce for an extra kick.
- Load It with Veggies: Don’t hesitate to throw in any of your favorite vegetables—zucchini, carrots, or snap peas work wonderfully here!
Your Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by cooking your rice. Combine jasmine rice and water (or chicken broth) in a pot, bring it to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork afterward.
- While that’s cooking, it’s time for the chicken! In a large pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Now, let’s make the sticky sauce! In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and cornstarch mixture. Pour this over the chicken and stir well, letting it cook for an extra 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Once your rice is ready, serve it into bowls, top with the sticky chicken, and add a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds for that final touch of flavor and crunch!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.
- For a lovely, fresh texture, consider topping with some steamed veggies or avocado slices right before serving!
- Feel free to use a rice cooker if you have one—it makes cooking rice easy and nearly foolproof.
- If you want to add a little heat, include some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy sauce over your chicken!
Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to successfully make this delicious meal:
- A cooking pot to prepare your rice
- A large frying pan for the chicken
- Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
- A wooden spoon or spatula for combining the ingredients
- A sharp knife and cutting board for chopping the chicken and veggies
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice? Absolutely! Just remember that brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust the water and cooking time accordingly.
- Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time? Yes, you can marinate the chicken in the sauce ahead of time for enhanced flavor, just store it in the refrigerator!
- What other protein can I use? Besides chicken, shrimp or pork can work wonderfully here too! Just be aware of cooking times as they may vary.
- How can I make this gluten-free? Simply use tamari instead of soy sauce, and make sure your honey or maple syrup is confirmed gluten-free as well.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes! Store in an airtight container and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
I can’t wait for you to try this Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl—it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure! If you make it, please share your experience or any tweaks you did to the recipe. You can also follow me on Pinterest for more fun and easy recipes! Happy cooking!
