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Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe with Honey Garlic Glaze - Quick 45 Minute Weeknight Dinner

Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls

Deeply satisfying bowl with tender chicken, sweet-spicy sticky glaze, and crisp broccoli over rice. Ready in 45 minutes for easy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 475

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups uncooked rice white or brown, makes about 6 cups cooked
  • 2 small heads broccoli chopped into bite-sized florets
  • 3 large chicken breasts sliced into even 1-inch strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 0.5 cup soy sauce low-sodium option works great
  • 0.5 cup honey pure preferred
  • 0.25 cup rice vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic minced fresh
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha adjust to heat preference
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tablespoons water, cornstarch works as substitute
  • 0.5 cup mayo for spicy mayo
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha for spicy mayo
  • 2 tablespoons water to thin spicy mayo, use 2 to 3 tablespoons
  • sesame seeds for topping

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Medium saucepan for rice
  • Chef's knife
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Whisk or spoon for mixing sauce

Method
 

  1. Cook rice according to package directions and set aside. While rice cooks, chop broccoli into uniform small florets and slice chicken breasts into even 1-inch wide strips for consistent cooking.
  2. Season chicken strips thoroughly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and oregano. Toss everything in a bowl to ensure even coating on every piece.
  3. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken strips in single layer without overcrowding. Cook 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Chicken should have no pink remaining and juices should run clear.
  4. While chicken cooks, steam or sauté broccoli in separate pan or over rice pot until tender-crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes. Florets should be bright green with slight bite.
  5. In bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger until completely smooth and well combined.
  6. Pour sauce mixture into skillet with cooked chicken over medium heat. Bring to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, then add arrowroot slurry while stirring constantly. Sauce will thicken quickly within 30 to 60 seconds and become glossy, coating back of spoon like maple syrup. Remove from heat immediately.
  7. Let chicken rest in glaze for 3 to 5 minutes allowing flavors to soak in. Meanwhile, whisk together mayo, sriracha, and water until smooth and pourable.
  8. Assemble bowls by layering rice, glazed chicken, and steamed broccoli. Drizzle with spicy mayo and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top.

Notes

Store components separately for up to 4 days in refrigerator. Sauce will thicken when cold, add splash of water when reheating. Chicken thighs can substitute for breasts. Reduce sriracha for kid-friendly version. For best results, slice chicken into even strips and let rest in glaze before serving.