Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a meal that’s absolutely bursting with flavor, color, and the kind of comfort that keeps everyone circling back for seconds. This Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe checks every box: tender strips of chicken tossed in a glossy, sweet-sticky sauce, nestled next to crisp-tender broccoli and fluffy rice, then finished with a drizzle of spicy mayo and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. It’s a weeknight dinner with major wow-factor, but it’s so approachable you’ll keep it in rotation all year long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create serious magic in each bowl. Think juicy chicken, bold spices, fresh green broccoli, and a sauce that’s equal parts tangy, sweet, and spicy—it’s what makes this Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe a total sensation. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

• Uncooked rice (2 cups): The perfect canvas for soaking up all that saucy goodness; choose jasmine, basmati, or even brown rice if you’d like.
• Broccoli (2 small heads, chopped): Adds fresh crunch and a burst of nutritious, vibrant color that balances the rich chicken.
• Chicken breasts (3 large): Sliced into strips, they’re the star protein, soaking up the sticky sauce beautifully.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): For searing the chicken until golden and juicy.
• Salt (1 tsp): Enhances and brightens all the flavors.
• Pepper (1/2 tsp): Gives just the right amount of mild heat.
• Chili powder (1 tsp): Brings a gentle, smoky warmth to the chicken.
• Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Adds depth and irresistible smokiness.
• Onion powder (1 tsp): Infuses subtle savory flavor throughout the bowl.
• Oregano (1 tsp): Offers a sharp herbal note that makes the flavors pop.
• Soy sauce (1/2 cup): The salty backbone of the sticky sauce—don’t skip it!
• Honey (1/2 cup): Lends sticky sweetness that caramelizes as the sauce simmers.
• Rice vinegar (1/4 cup): Helps cut the sweetness and brings tangy brightness.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Packs in aromatic punch for layers of flavor.
• Sriracha (2 tbsp + 1 tbsp for spicy mayo): Adds a bold, customizable kick to both the sauce and the spicy drizzle.
• Sesame oil (2 tsp): Nutty and fragrant, it takes the sauce up a notch.
• Ground ginger (1 tsp): Warm, peppery, and perfectly suited for an Asian-inspired bowl.
• Arrowroot powder (2 tsp, mixed with 2 tbsp water): For thickening the sauce (sub cornstarch if you prefer).
• Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base for an irresistible spicy mayo drizzle.
• Water (2–3 tbsp): To thin the spicy mayo to your perfect consistency.
• Sesame seeds (for topping): The final touch for crunch and toasty flavor.

How to Make Sticky Chicken Bowls 

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by cooking your rice according to the package instructions. Fluffy, just-cooked rice makes every bite of your Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe extra comforting, providing that perfect base to soak up sauce and everything else piled on top. Set it aside and keep it warm while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Prep the Broccoli

Chop your two small heads of broccoli into small florets. This ensures each bite brings a perfect, tender pop of green goodness. Having the broccoli chopped and ready to go means it cooks quickly and fits perfectly into the bowls.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Take your chicken breasts and slice them into strips—this lets them cook quickly and absorb maximum flavor. Season the strips generously with salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano. This spice blend builds a rich flavor foundation for the entire dish.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook until they’re beautifully golden and fully cooked through, turning the strips so they brown on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside, but hold onto all those tasty browned bits in the skillet!

Step 5: Cook the Broccoli

Next, either steam or sauté the prepared broccoli until bright green and just tender. You can use the same skillet for extra flavor, just a splash of water to create steam if sautéing. Those little green florets will soak up lots of savory sauce later.

Step 6: Whisk the Sticky Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Pour your smooth, fragrant mixture into the skillet (add the chicken back in!), and let it bubble. Stir in the arrowroot slurry, then simmer everything together until the sauce thickens into that perfect sticky glaze, and the chicken is glistening and coated.

Step 7: Make the Spicy Mayo

Mix together the mayonnaise with sriracha and just enough water to reach a pourable consistency. This creates a rich, creamy drizzle that’s spicy and totally addictive—never dull!

Step 8: Assemble Your Bowls

It’s time to build your Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe masterpiece! Start with a generous scoop of rice, layer on the sticky chicken, tuck in some gorgeous broccoli, then finish with a lavish swirl of spicy mayo and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch and contrast. Grab a fork and dig in!

How to Serve Sticky Chicken Bowls 

Garnishes

The final garnishes make all the difference. I love scattering sesame seeds over each bowl—they look beautiful and provide a delicate crunch. For even more pop, sprinkle on some fresh chopped green onions or a handful of sliced jalapeños if you like added heat. These simple touches make your Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but you can round out the meal with some tasty extras. A crisp Asian-style cucumber salad or pickled vegetables add brightness and offset the sticky-sweet sauce beautifully. For a crowd, serve with steamed dumplings or simple miso soup to keep things cozy and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun! Try plating your Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe in wide, shallow bowls for maximum visual impact. You can also serve components buffet-style, letting everyone build their own bowl with as much sauce and spicy mayo as they want. For meal prep, layer the rice, chicken, and broccoli into glass containers and drizzle with mayo and seeds just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let everything cool fully before transferring to airtight containers. Store the rice, chicken, and broccoli together, and keep the spicy mayo in a separate small jar to keep things fresh. Everything will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making your Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe a fantastic meal-prep option.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the main components—chicken, broccoli, and rice—together for up to 2 months. Just avoid freezing the spicy mayo, as it can separate. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then quickly reheat and add your garnishes fresh.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe in the microwave, covered loosely so the rice stays moist, or in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. If the sauce thickens too much, just add a splash of water to loosen it up. Drizzle fresh spicy mayo and sprinkle sesame seeds right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay even juicier and soak up the sticky sauce beautifully. Just cut them into strips or bite-sized pieces and follow the recipe as written.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Sticky Chicken Bowls?

Yes—swap out the chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh strips. Treat them with the same spice mix, and cook until golden before adding the sticky sauce. You’ll have all the same bold, satisfying flavors in a plant-based package.

How spicy is the finished bowl?

The heat level can be as bold or as gentle as you like! Sriracha gives the sauce a little kick but it’s balanced by the honey and mayo. For a milder bowl, scale the sriracha back; for more fire, add extra or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely—just use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and check that your sriracha is gluten-free as well. Arrowroot powder is naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set there!

What’s the best way to meal prep Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe?

Prepare all the components in advance and store them separately or layered in containers (just save the spicy mayo for the day you serve). It makes for a delicious heat-and-eat lunch or dinner that’s never boring!

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason the Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe has become a go-to weeknight winner in so many kitchens. It’s cozy, vibrant, and completely customizable—plus there’s just something about that sticky, glossy sauce that makes it totally irresistible. I can’t wait for you to dive in and discover all the flavors and textures packed into every bite. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation, too!

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