Thank you so much for stopping by! You have no idea how excited I am to share this one. This Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl is one of those meals that hits every note—sweet, savory, sticky, comforting, and packed with flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that tastes like takeout but comes together faster (and cheaper!) right at home.
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What Is an Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl?
This dish is basically your dream combination of tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory sticky glaze, served over a bed of fluffy rice and topped with your favorite garnishes. It’s inspired by those classic Asian-inspired sticky chicken dishes but simplified for a quick weeknight meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
We’re talking about a 30-minute, one-pan, lick-the-bowl-clean kind of recipe here. Perfect for busy nights or whenever you need a warm, satisfying bowl of something truly YUM.
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Chicken Bowl
- Easy and fast – Done in about 30 minutes start to finish.
- One-pan cleanup – Less mess, more dinner joy.
- Balanced flavor – Sweet, salty, umami-rich sauce clings to every bite of chicken.
- Totally customizable – Add veggies, swap rice for noodles or quinoa, go spicy or mild.
What Does It Taste Like?
It’s bold, comforting, and deeply savory with just the right amount of sweetness. The chicken gets that glossy, caramelized coating from the sticky sauce—garlicky, gingery, and umami-packed with a kiss of brown sugar and soy. It’s sweet and sticky in the best way.
Serve it over rice to soak up all that saucy goodness, and trust me—every spoonful is pure comfort.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Budget-friendly and better than takeout
- Can be made gluten-free or dairy-free
- Naturally high in protein
- A hit with kids and adults alike
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this bowl to life:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
- 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Optional toppings: green onions, sesame seeds, steamed broccoli, shredded carrots
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or nonstick pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula or tongs
- Rice cooker or pot for rice
Additions and Substitutions
✨ Switch it up to match your taste or pantry!
- Use tofu, shrimp, or tempeh instead of chicken for a meatless option.
- Swap brown sugar with maple syrup for a refined sugar-free version.
- Try coconut aminos if you’re soy-free.
- Add veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or baby corn to bulk it up.
How to Make an Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl (Step-by-Step)
1. Prep the Chicken
Toss your chicken pieces in cornstarch to coat lightly—this helps get that golden crust and thickens the sauce later.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning to brown all sides until cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add soy sauce, honey/brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sriracha. Stir to combine and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Toss and Coat
Return chicken to the pan and toss in the sauce until evenly coated and sticky. Let it bubble for another 2–3 minutes until glossy and caramelized.
5. Assemble the Bowls
Scoop hot rice into bowls, pile on that sticky chicken, and finish with your favorite toppings like scallions, sesame seeds, or veggies.
What to Serve with Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
This sticky chicken is so versatile—you can keep it simple or create an epic dinner spread!
Here are a few of my favorite sides that truly level it up:
- Garlic Flatbreads – Warm, chewy, and perfect for sopping up that extra sauce!
- Buttery German Potato Pancakes – A crispy, savory side that contrasts beautifully with the sticky glaze.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo – For a fresh, citrusy side dish or protein-packed companion to your bowl.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the cornstarch—it gives the chicken that crispy, golden finish and helps thicken the sauce naturally.
- Use chicken thighs for extra juicy bites, or breasts for a leaner version.
- Double the sauce if you like things extra saucy.
- Add fresh veggies to stretch the recipe and boost nutrition.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Microwave or reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Meal prep: This one packs beautifully into containers with rice and veggies for an easy grab-and-go lunch!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap in tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce.
Can I use something other than chicken?
Totally—shrimp, tofu, or even chickpeas work well in this recipe.
Can I freeze it?
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately. Reheat gently to preserve that sticky texture.
Is it spicy?
Only if you want it to be! The sriracha is optional—great for customizing heat levels.
Final Thoughts: You’ll Crave This Bowl Again and Again
This Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl is a go-to for flavor-packed, feel-good food that comes together without a fuss. It’s bold, balanced, and SO satisfying—whether you’re eating solo or feeding the whole fam.
It’s one of those dishes you make once and immediately add to your weekly rotation. Sticky, saucy, and packed with joy. 🥢
Still hungry? Here are a few more flavor-forward recipes to try next:
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo – Fresh and zesty with big Mediterranean vibes.
- Garlic Flatbreads – Soft, garlicky, and dangerously addictive.
- Buttery German Potato Pancakes – Crispy edges, fluffy centers, and pure comfort.
Show Off Your Sticky Bowl Style! 🍚💥
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Sticky Rice Chicken Bowl
This Sticky Rice Chicken Bowl is a flavor-packed, one-pan dinner you’ll be coming back to week after week. Juicy chicken bites are glazed in a sweet-savory sticky sauce, then served over fluffy rice with all your favorite toppings. It’s fast, customizable, and the ultimate answer to “what’s for dinner?” If you’re hunting for quick dinner ideas with rice, this one’s a keeper!
- 1 lb boneless (skinless chicken thighs or breasts, diced)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
- 1 tbsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
- 3 –4 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions (sesame seeds, shredded carrots, steamed broccoli)
- Coat the chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken with cornstarch until lightly coated.
- Sear the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Remove from pan.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan, lower heat to medium. Add soy sauce, honey (or sugar), vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sriracha. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Combine: Return chicken to the pan. Toss to coat in the sticky sauce. Let simmer another 2–3 minutes until sauce is thick and glossy.
- Serve: Spoon rice into bowls, top with sticky chicken, and garnish with your favorite toppings. Serve hot!
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Cornstarch helps create a light crust and thickens the sauce—don’t skip it!
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Chicken thighs are extra juicy, but breasts work great too.
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Double the sauce if you love extra sauciness for your rice.
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Spice it up with more sriracha, or keep it mild for the kids.
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Want to stretch the meal? Toss in stir-fried veggies or steamed greens.