Name: Delicious Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces); Cooked white or jasmine rice; Soy sauce; Honey or brown sugar; Garlic (minced); Fresh ginger (grated); Rice vinegar or lime juice; Cornstarch; Water; Sesame oil or vegetable oil; Optional toppings: Green onions; Sesame seeds; Shredded carrots; Cucumber slices; Sriracha; Fresh cilantro

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These delicious sticky chicken rice bowls are one of my go-to meals when I’m craving something comforting, flavorful, and satisfying. The chicken is coated in a sticky, sweet-savory sauce that clings to every bite, served over fluffy rice with fresh toppings. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet tasty enough that I’d gladly serve it to friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines rich, bold flavors with simple ingredients. The sticky sauce is the star — it’s the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and umami with just the right amount of depth. The rice bowl format makes it incredibly versatile, so I can add veggies, pickles, or herbs to change it up each time. Plus, it all comes together in under 30 minutes, which makes it ideal for busy days.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Cooked white or jasmine rice
Soy sauce
Honey or brown sugar
Garlic (minced)
Fresh ginger (grated)
Rice vinegar or lime juice
Cornstarch
Water
Sesame oil or vegetable oil
Optional toppings: green onions, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, cucumber, sriracha, cilantro

Directions

I cook the rice first so it’s ready to go when the chicken is done.
In a small bowl, I whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and a splash of water.
I mix cornstarch with a bit of water to make a slurry and set it aside for thickening the sauce later.
I heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
I pour in the sauce and let it simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
I assemble the bowls by layering rice, sticky chicken, and my favorite toppings.
I serve immediately while everything is hot and fresh.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on what I’m in the mood for:

I use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken for a vegetarian version
I add steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or edamame for extra veggies
I make it spicy by adding chili flakes or drizzling sriracha over the top
I use brown rice or quinoa if I want a whole grain base
I sometimes swap the soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit as it sits. When I’m ready to reheat, I microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until it’s hot. If the sauce has thickened too much, I add a splash of water to loosen it up. It reheats well and still tastes great the next day.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, I often use either depending on what I have. Thighs are juicier, but breasts work great and cook quickly.

How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

If I want it thicker, I add a little more cornstarch slurry. To thin it out, I stir in a splash of water or broth.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely. I make a batch and portion it into containers with rice and veggies for easy lunches during the week.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, I freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the rice. I thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it for a fast meal.

What other toppings go well with this bowl?

I love adding sliced avocado, radishes, pickled onions, or even a soft-boiled egg for more flavor and texture.

Conclusion

These sticky chicken rice bowls hit all the right notes — savory, sweet, comforting, and endlessly customizable. Whether I’m feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick dinner, this recipe delivers every time. It’s a dish I come back to again and again because it’s simple, delicious, and always satisfying.

Delicious Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls