Looking for a weeknight meal that’s quick, flavorful, and leaves no leftovers behind? This Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl is just what you need. It’s sweet, savory, and sticky in all the right ways. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a hungry family, this chicken bowl delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
Hi, I’m Saly. I’m a home cook, wife, and the voice behind Dailycious Recipes. This dish was born out of a hectic Tuesday night. I had leftover rice and some boneless chicken thighs in the fridge. With a quick sauce and a hot skillet, dinner was done in 20 minutes. My husband took one bite and said, “Save this recipe.” So here it is, saved and shared with you.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl
There’s something so satisfying about sticky glazed chicken over fluffy rice. It feels like takeout, but it’s made in your kitchen in under 30 minutes. What’s not to love?
- Sweet & Savory Sauce: A mix of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey gives that irresistible sticky finish.
- Easy to Customize: Add broccoli, edamame, or carrots to make it your own.
- One-Pan Simplicity: Fewer dishes, faster cleanup, yes, please!
- Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days.
If you love bold flavors and simple prep, you’ll also enjoy this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl that brings a spicy kick to your dinner table.
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Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl
This sticky chicken rice bowl combines sweet and savory flavors with a glossy glaze, perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
2 tablespoons honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
3 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
Green onions & sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
1. Whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
2. Heat oil in a skillet and cook chicken until browned.
3. Pour in sauce and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
4. Mix cornstarch and water, add to skillet.
5. Cook until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
6. Serve chicken over warm rice.
7. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
You can swap chicken thighs with chicken breast.
Add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for a complete meal.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this sticky chicken bowl:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken thighs | 1 lb, cut into bite-size pieces |
| Soy sauce (low sodium preferred) | 1/4 cup |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Fresh ginger (grated) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cornstarch + water | 1 tablespoon each (for slurry) |
| Cooked white or jasmine rice | 3 cups |
| Green onions + sesame seeds | For garnish |
For a similar flavor-packed twist, check out this Caramelised Soy Chicken.
How to Make the Best Chicken Rice Bowl
You’ll be surprised how quickly this sticky chicken bowl comes together.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden on all sides.
- Add the Sauce: Pour in the sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Thicken with Slurry: Mix cornstarch with water. Stir it into the skillet and let everything bubble until sticky.
- Assemble the Bowl: Scoop rice into bowls, top with sticky chicken, and finish with sesame seeds and green onions.
If you liked this, don’t miss the Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles for another sticky-saucy favorite.
Tips and Variations
Want to make it even better? Try these ideas:
- Use Chicken Breast: If that’s what you have, just reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Add Veggies: Sauté bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a full meal.
- Go Spicy: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red chili flakes to the sauce.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Rice Options: Swap white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
Want more cozy chicken bowls? You might also love this Chicken and Sweet Potato Rice Bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the chicken sticky?
The sticky texture comes from the combination of honey and the cornstarch slurry. As it simmers, the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes! It stores well in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s slightly sweet, not spicy, and easy for kids to enjoy. Serve with a side of steamed veggies for a balanced plate.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes. Just sauté it briefly to warm, then add the sauce and simmer until thick.
For another comforting, family-friendly meal, try this Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl is your new go-to for fast, flavorful dinners. It brings together juicy chicken, rich umami flavor, and fluffy rice in every bite. Whether it’s a weeknight rush or a lazy weekend lunch, this dish delivers big taste with little effort. Try it once, and you’ll keep coming back.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, don’t hesitate to join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
