Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are the perfect meal for anyone craving a combination of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. This dish is not only incredibly tasty but also packed with wholesome ingredients like juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice, all tied together with a sticky, flavorful sauce and topped with a drizzle of spicy mayo. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a quick family dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

For the Bowls:
2 cups uncooked rice
2 small heads broccoli, chopped
3 large chicken breasts
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

For the Sticky Sauce:
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 (or substitute with cornstarch slurry)

For the Spicy Mayo:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp sriracha
2–3 tbsp water

For Topping:
Sesame seeds

Directions

1. Cook the Rice
Cook the rice according to the package instructions. Set it aside to keep warm.

2. Steam the Broccoli
Steam the broccoli either in the microwave or on the stovetop until it is fork-tender. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Toss the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Lay the seasoned chicken flat in an air fryer and cook at 400°F for 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

4. Make the Sticky Sauce
In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the arrowroot slurry and continue boiling for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens significantly.

5. Assemble the Bowls
Start layering the bowls with cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and the air-fried chicken. Pour the sticky sauce generously over the top.

6. Prepare the Spicy Mayo
Mix mayonnaise, sriracha, and water to create a creamy spicy mayo. Drizzle it over the assembled bowls and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips:

• Serve the Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls immediately for the best flavor and texture.
• Garnish with extra sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for added flair.
• Pair with a side of spring rolls, edamame, or a simple cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the rice, chicken, broccoli, and sauce separate if possible to maintain their individual textures.
• Freezing: Freeze the chicken and sauce in separate containers for up to 2 months. Reheat and serve with freshly cooked rice and broccoli for the best results.
• Reheating: Warm the chicken and broccoli in the microwave or on the stovetop. Reheat the sauce separately until it reaches a thick consistency, then pour it over the bowl before serving.

These tips will ensure your Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls remain as delicious as they are fresh!

Variations

1. Vegetarian Version:

• Replace chicken with cubed tofu, tempeh, or a medley of mushrooms. Air-fry or sauté the tofu with the same spice mix for a flavorful alternative.

2. Low-Carb Option:

• Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to make the dish keto-friendly.

3. Spicy Lover’s Bowl:

• Increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce and spicy mayo, or add crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

4. Add More Veggies:

• Enhance the nutrition by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or asparagus. Stir-fry them lightly before adding to the bowls.

5. Different Protein Choices:

• Use shrimp, pork tenderloin, or beef strips in place of chicken for a different flavor profile.

6. Gluten-Free Option:

• Ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free, or replace it with tamari or coconut aminos.

7. Peanut-Butter Sauce Twist:

• Add 1–2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the sticky sauce for a creamy, nutty flavor.

8. Sweet and Tangy Variation:

• Replace honey with maple syrup or brown sugar and add a splash of orange juice for a tangy sweetness.

9. Crispy Chicken Style:

• Coat the chicken pieces in cornstarch before air-frying or baking for a crispy texture.

10. Asian-Inspired Garnishes:

• Top with pickled ginger, kimchi, or a drizzle of hoisin sauce for added depth and authenticity.

11. Brown Rice or Quinoa Substitute:

• Swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a higher fiber and nutrient content.

These variations allow you to customize Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls to your dietary preferences and taste, making it a versatile recipe for any occasion!

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken, rice, and sauce in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the bowls just before serving and reheat if needed.

2. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce doesn’t thicken as desired, add more arrowroot or cornstarch slurry (1 tsp arrowroot/cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water) and simmer until it reaches your preferred consistency.

3. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Steam or microwave frozen broccoli as per the package instructions. Fresh broccoli provides a firmer texture, but frozen works well too.

4. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20 minutes or pan-fry it on medium-high heat until fully cooked.

5. How do I adjust the spice level?
For less spice, reduce the sriracha in the sauce and mayo or omit it altogether. For more heat, add extra sriracha, chili flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce.

6. Can I use other grains instead of rice?
Yes, you can substitute rice with quinoa, farro, or couscous. For a lower-carb option, use cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini.

7. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the sauce, chicken, rice, and broccoli separate for better texture during reheating.

8. What other vegetables can I use?
Feel free to use bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, zucchini, or any of your favorite stir-fry vegetables. Stir-fry or steam them for the best results.

9. Is there a substitute for sesame oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil or avocado oil, but sesame oil adds a distinct nutty flavor that enhances the dish.

10. Can I freeze the sticky sauce?
Yes, the sticky sauce freezes well. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop before using.

These FAQs should address common concerns and help you master this delicious Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls recipe!

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are a surefire way to elevate your weeknight dinners. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a luscious sticky sauce, these bowls are a flavor explosion that’s simple to prepare. The spicy mayo adds the perfect finishing touch, making every bite a memorable experience. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a wholesome, delicious meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

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