I love making these Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo when I want something sweet, savory, and slightly spicy all in one satisfying meal. I coat tender chicken in a glossy sticky sauce, serve it over fluffy rice, and finish it with a creamy, flavorful spicy mayo drizzle that ties everything together beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy how the sticky sauce caramelizes around the chicken, creating bold flavor in every bite. The balance of sweet and savory with a hint of heat makes this bowl incredibly crave-worthy.
I also appreciate how customizable it is. I can add fresh vegetables, swap the rice for another grain, or adjust the spice level depending on what I am in the mood for. It works perfectly for meal prep or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup broccoli florets
1/2 cup shredded carrots
2 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For the spicy mayo:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
Directions
I begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I add the chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. I remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I sauté the garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant. I stir in the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. I let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.
I whisk in the cornstarch slurry and allow the sauce to thicken slightly. I return the chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until evenly coated and glossy.
While the chicken cooks, I steam or sauté the broccoli until tender-crisp.
In a small bowl, I mix together mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, and honey to create the spicy mayo.
To assemble the bowls, I divide the rice among serving bowls. I top each with sticky chicken, broccoli, shredded carrots, and green onions. I drizzle the spicy mayo over everything and sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.
Servings and Timing
I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
I sometimes swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa for added texture. When I want extra crunch, I add sliced cucumbers or shredded cabbage.
For more heat, I increase the sriracha in the spicy mayo or add a dash of chili oil to the chicken sauce. If I want a lighter option, I use Greek yogurt in place of half the mayonnaise.
storage/reheating
I store the chicken, rice, and vegetables in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I keep the spicy mayo in a separate container as well.
When reheating, I warm the rice and chicken in the microwave or skillet until heated through. I add fresh vegetables and drizzle the spicy mayo on top just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
I can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra tenderness and flavor.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
I add a little more cornstarch slurry and let the sauce simmer until it reaches the desired consistency.
Is this recipe very spicy?
I find it moderately spicy, but I can easily reduce the sriracha or red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
I often prepare the components in advance and assemble the bowls when ready to eat.
What vegetables work well in this bowl?
I like adding snap peas, bell peppers, edamame, or shredded cabbage depending on what I have available.
Conclusion
I love how these Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls with Spicy Mayo bring together bold flavors and comforting textures in one balanced dish. The glossy chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy drizzle make every bite satisfying. Whenever I make this recipe, it quickly becomes a favorite at the table.
