Description
This Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl features tender chicken coated in a sweet, savory glaze, paired with rice and topped with fresh garnishes. It’s a one-bowl wonder that comes together in no time, perfect for a busy weeknight or a weekend meal!
Ingredients
Scale
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For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
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For the Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- Pinch of salt
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For Garnishing:
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Sriracha or chili flakes (optional, for some heat)
Instructions
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Cook the Rice:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil, then add the rice and a pinch of salt. Stir once, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
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Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir well to combine. (If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the sauce mixture.)
- Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper on both sides, and then place them in the bowl with the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 10-15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for more flavor).
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Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. (You can also grill the chicken for a smoky flavor.) While cooking, spoon some of the marinade over the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful.
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Prepare the Sauce:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Pour the remaining marinade into the same pan and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes sticky.
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Assemble the Rice Bowls:
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Place a serving of rice into each bowl and top with the sliced chicken.
- Drizzle the thickened sticky sauce over the chicken and rice.
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Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and cilantro over the bowls. Add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle chili flakes for some extra heat, if desired.
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Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the bowls hot, and enjoy the delicious combination of sticky chicken and fluffy rice!
Notes
- For a veggie boost, you can add sautéed veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the bowl.
- If you like it extra sticky, reduce the marinade further before serving to make it thicker.
- Feel free to swap the honey for maple syrup or agave for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl, Easy Chicken Rice Bowl, Sweet and Savory Chicken, Rice Bowls, Healthy Chicken Dinner