Why make this recipe
This bowl is fast, tasty, and full of simple flavors. It uses common ingredients and cooks quickly on the stove. You can pair it with other easy dishes like a rice casserole for a full meal, for example a chicken and broccoli rice casserole makes a good side.
Introduction
Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls bring sweet and savory together. The honey and soy glaze makes the chicken sticky and shiny. Serve it over warm jasmine rice and add green onions or sesame seeds for a little crunch. This meal works for weeknights and for easy meal prep.
How to make Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
Cook the rice first so it is ready when the chicken is done. Mix the honey, soy sauce, and garlic to make a simple glaze. Brown the chicken in olive oil, then pour the glaze in and stir until it gets thick and coats the chicken. For a crispier version, you can try a different cooking method like air frying small pieces of chicken first, see this air fryer chicken bites idea and then toss them in the glaze.
Ingredients :
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Directions :
- Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic to create the glaze.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet.
- Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Pour the honey-soy glaze over the chicken and stir to coat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens.
- Serve chicken over cooked jasmine rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
How to serve Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
Spoon warm jasmine rice into bowls. Top with the sticky chicken. Add green onions and sesame seeds for color and texture. You can serve with steamed veggies on the side like broccoli or snap peas.
How to store Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
Cool the chicken and rice before storing. Put into airtight containers. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet or microwave until hot. For longer storage, freeze the chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Tips to make Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
- Cut chicken into even pieces so it cooks the same time.
- Low and steady heat helps the glaze thicken without burning.
- If the glaze is too thin, cook a little longer to reduce it.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.
- For a different texture, try cooking the chicken in the oven or air fryer before glazing.
Variation
- Add vegetables in the skillet like sliced bell peppers or snap peas for a one-pan meal.
- Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweet note.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breast for more juiciness.
FAQs
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
A: Yes. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so plan ahead and cook it first.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Not with regular soy sauce. Use a gluten-free tamari or soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Q: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
A: Yes. Mix the honey, soy sauce, and garlic and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm before using.
Q: How do I stop the glaze from burning?
A: Keep the heat medium and stir often. If it starts to stick, lower the heat and add a splash of water.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Thaw the chicken first so it cooks evenly.
Conclusion
For another simple take on sticky chicken bowls, you can see a similar home-style recipe at Erin Lives Whole. If you want a different family-tested version with notes and photos, check the recipe at Alaska from Scratch.
Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces Use chicken thighs for more juiciness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey Can be substituted with maple syrup.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce Use gluten-free tamari for a gluten-free option.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust as necessary.
For serving
- 2 cups jasmine rice Cook according to package instructions.
- Chopped green onions for garnish Optional
- Sesame seeds for garnish Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic to create the glaze.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet.
- Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Pour the honey-soy glaze over the chicken and stir to coat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens.
Serving
- Spoon warm jasmine rice into bowls.
- Top with the sticky chicken.
- Add green onions and sesame seeds for color and texture.