Description
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
Instructions
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.
Notes
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.
