Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls combine a variety of textures and flavors: tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and sticky rice topped with a flavorful sauce and spicy mayo. The sticky sauce is sweet, savory, and a little spicy, while the spicy mayo adds a creamy kick. This recipe is not only delicious but also customizable—add more veggies, adjust the spice level, or use your favorite rice. It’s a quick, balanced meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even serving at a gathering.

Ingredients

For the Bowl:

2 cups uncooked rice
2 small heads broccoli (chopped)
3 large chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon oregano

For the Sticky Sauce:

½ cup soy sauce
½ cup honey
¼ cup rice vinegar
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons sriracha
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon ground ginger
2 teaspoons arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to make a slurry) (substitute cornstarch if needed)

For the Spicy Mayo:

½ cup mayo
1 tablespoon sriracha
2-3 tablespoons water
Sesame seeds (for topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook rice according to package instructions.
Steam broccoli in the microwave or on the stove until fork-tender. Set aside.
Cut chicken into small bite-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil and all spices (salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano).
Lay the chicken in a flat layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 12 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
While the chicken is cooking, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger in a sauce pot. Bring to a boil.
Once boiling, add the arrowroot slurry to thicken the sauce. Let it boil for 4-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened significantly.
Prepare bowls by layering cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and the cooked chicken. Pour the sticky sauce over the top.
In a separate bowl, mix mayo, sriracha, and water to make the spicy mayo. Drizzle over the bowls.
Top with sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 5 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the rice, chicken, and broccoli, then drizzle with the sticky sauce and spicy mayo before serving. You can also store the sauce and spicy mayo separately and add them just before serving to maintain their texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs or tenders instead of chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the cut you use.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sticky sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just heat it up before using.

3. Can I use a different type of rice?

Absolutely! You can substitute white rice with brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

4. How do I make the dish less spicy?

You can reduce the amount of sriracha in the sticky sauce and spicy mayo or substitute it with a milder hot sauce for less heat.

5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.

6. Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it properly before adding it to the bowl.

7. Can I skip the sesame oil in the sauce?

The sesame oil adds a distinct nutty flavor to the sauce, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can skip it and use olive oil instead for a lighter taste.

8. Can I make the spicy mayo ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the spicy mayo ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

9. Can I add other vegetables to the bowl?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra flavor and nutrition.

10. Can I make this dish in advance for meal prep?

Yes, Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are great for meal prepping. Assemble the bowls without the sauce and mayo, and store the sticky sauce and mayo separately to keep the dish fresh for a few days.

Conclusion

Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, all in one bowl. The tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and fluffy rice are complemented by a rich sticky sauce and creamy spicy mayo, making each bite a delicious experience. Whether you’re making it for dinner or preparing it in advance for meal prep, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy a flavorful, balanced meal that’s easy to make and packed with taste!