The Ultimate Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe Everyone Loves

Crafting delectable sticky chicken rice bowls can turn an ordinary dinner into a flavor-packed adventure.

Tender marinated chicken pieces dance with glossy, caramelized edges over fluffy grains.

Authentic Asian-inspired seasonings infuse each bite with complex, mouthwatering notes.

Layers of savory and sweet harmonize perfectly in this simple yet impressive dish.

Fresh herbs and crunchy vegetable garnishes add vibrant textures that complement the rich protein.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

You’ll find yourself craving these irresistible bowls again and again.

Ingredients For Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein for the dish.

• Soy Sauce, Honey, Brown Sugar: Combination of salty, sweet, and caramelizing ingredients that create a flavorful coating for the chicken.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and warmth to the marinade.

• White Rice: Neutral base that absorbs the chicken's delicious marinade.
• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh and crunchy toppings that provide additional flavor and texture to the rice bowl.

How To Make Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Explosion

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated ginger

Stir these ingredients until they form a smooth, glossy mixture that promises incredible taste.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Transfer chicken breasts into a zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over them. Ensure every inch of chicken gets coated with the flavor-packed liquid. Seal the bag and slide it into the refrigerator. Let the chicken soak up the delicious marinade for at least half an hour, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor depth.

Step 3: Fire Up the Cooking Surface

Heat your grill or skillet to medium-high temperature. You want a surface hot enough to create a beautiful golden-brown exterior on the chicken.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade for food safety. Place chicken on the hot cooking surface and grill for 6-7 minutes on each side. The goal is a perfectly cooked chicken with a caramelized exterior.

Step 5: Slice and Prepare

Once chicken is fully cooked, remove from heat and let it rest briefly. Slice the chicken into mouth-watering strips that will look gorgeous atop your rice.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowl

Spread fluffy white rice in a bowl and arrange the sliced chicken on top. The rice will catch all those incredible juices.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches

Sprinkle chopped green onions and a generous shower of sesame seeds over the chicken. These final garnishes add a pop of color and extra layer of flavor and texture.

Tips To Help With Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

• Marinate chicken overnight for deeper, richer flavor absorption and more tender meat.
• Pat chicken dry before grilling to achieve perfect golden-brown caramelization and crispy exterior.
• Replace honey with maple syrup for a different sweet profile or use agave nectar for vegan option.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after grilling to lock in juices and maintain maximum moisture.

Fun Twists On Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

• Spicy Korean Edition: Replace honey with gochujang sauce and add red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap soy sauce with olive oil, add oregano, lemon zest, and serve over quinoa instead of rice.
• Teriyaki Japanese Style: Use teriyaki sauce instead of homemade marinade, add pickled cucumber slices, and sprinkle with nori strips.
• Caribbean Jerk Remix: Substitute marinade with jerk seasoning, serve over coconut rice, and top with fresh mango salsa.

Best Pairings For Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

• Elevate Your Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl Experience
• Pair with Crisp Sake: Select a chilled, dry sake that cuts through the sweetness of the honey-soy marinade, refreshing your palate with each sip.
• Complement with Asian Slaw: Prepare a tangy cabbage slaw with rice vinegar and cilantro to balance the rich, sticky chicken and add a bright, crunchy contrast.
• Match with Jasmine Green Tea: Brew a light, fragrant jasmine green tea that cleanses the palate and enhances the ginger and garlic notes in the dish.
• Serve with Cucumber Pickles: Quick-pickle thinly sliced cucumbers in rice vinegar and sugar to provide a cool, acidic counterpoint to the sticky, sweet chicken.

How To Store Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the rice separate to prevent sogginess.
• Pack chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers. Will maintain quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place chicken and rice in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm chicken in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle a few drops of water to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent burning.

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls FAQs

• How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is best for deeper flavor absorption and more tender meat.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great and can be even more flavorful and juicy for this recipe.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free, as traditional soy sauce contains wheat.

• What if I don't have a grill?

No problem! You can cook the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop or bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.

Why You’ll Love Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

• Unleash Flavor Explosion: Marinade transforms ordinary chicken into a taste sensation with sweet, tangy Asian-inspired ingredients that infuse every bite with incredible depth.
• Customize Your Comfort: Flexible recipe allows quick weeknight dinner or weekend meal prep, perfect for personalizing with additional toppings like sliced cucumbers or pickled vegetables.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for beginners, with simple grilling technique ensuring tender, juicy chicken every single time.
• Quick Protein-Packed Meal: Delivers a satisfying one-bowl dinner that combines lean protein with delicious rice, creating a balanced meal that keeps hunger at bay and provides essential nutrients.

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 47-49 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Irresistible Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls bring Korean-inspired flavors dancing across your plate with succulent marinated chicken and perfectly glazed grains. Savory, sweet, and packed with umami, this dish delivers restaurant-quality comfort that satisfies your craving for bold, authentic tastes you’ll want to devour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Base Carbohydrates:

• 2 cups cooked white rice

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

Garnish:

• Green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small mixing vessel.
2. Transfer chicken breasts into a sealed plastic bag and thoroughly coat with the prepared marinade.
3. Allow chicken to marinate in refrigerator for minimum 30 minutes, preferably overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
4. Heat grill or skillet to medium-high temperature (around 375°F).
5. Extract chicken from marinade, discarding remaining liquid to prevent cross-contamination.
6. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior develops caramelized edges.
7. Let chicken rest for 3-4 minutes after cooking to retain moisture.
8. Slice chicken into uniform diagonal strips for elegant presentation.
9. Arrange cooked white rice in serving bowls as foundational layer.
10. Carefully place marinated chicken strips atop rice.
11. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds as final garnish.
12. Serve immediately while chicken remains warm and rice fluffy.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, letting ingredients meld together perfectly.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Create gluten-free alternative by replacing soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for sensitive diets.
• Transform leftovers into a quick salad or wrap by shredding remaining chicken and adding fresh vegetables.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 878 kcal
• Sugar: 76 g
• Sodium: 5090 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 131 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 49 g
• Cholesterol: 93 mg