Ugh, weeknights. Am I right? After a long day, who wants to spend hours in the kitchen? I definitely don’t! That’s why I’m *obsessed* with this Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver. When you’re craving something flavorful and easy, this is IT.

We’re talking tender chicken, fluffy rice, perfectly steamed broccoli, all smothered in the most delicious sticky sauce *ever*. My family? They go nuts for it. I stumbled upon a similar recipe years ago, tweaked it (of course, I always tweak!), and now it’s a staple. Trust me; after years of cooking for picky eaters, I know what works!

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

Okay, so why should *you* make these Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls? Let me tell you…

Quick and Easy

Seriously, from fridge to table in under an hour! Prep is a breeze, and the cooking? Super simple. Perfect for those crazy weeknights when you’re starving.

Customizable to Your Taste

Don’t like broccoli? Swap it for bell peppers! Want it spicier? Add more sriracha! This recipe is totally flexible. Make it *your* own!

Flavor Packed

That sticky sauce? OMG. It’s sweet, savory, a little spicy… just the right balance. And it coats everything beautifully. My favorite part is how the sesame oil smells while it’s cooking!

Family Friendly

Even my pickiest eater loves this! The mild flavors and customizable toppings make it a winner for everyone. Plus, it’s fun to assemble your own bowl!

Ingredients for Your Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls. Don’t worry if you’re missing something; I always say cooking is about getting creative! But these are the basics, and trust me, they work *perfectly* together.

For the Rice

You’ll want 2 cups of uncooked long-grain rice. Jasmine rice is my personal fave; it gets so fluffy and smells amazing while it cooks, but any long-grain rice will do the trick!

For the Chicken

Grab 3 large chicken breasts. Make sure they’re boneless and skinless! You’re gonna dice them into bite-sized pieces, so don’t make ’em too big.

For the Sticky Sauce

This is where the magic happens! You’ll need ½ cup low sodium soy sauce (trust me, the regular stuff is TOO salty!), ½ cup honey, ¼ cup rice vinegar, 3 cloves of minced garlic (fresh is best!), 2 tablespoons of sriracha (adjust to your heat preference!), 2 teaspoons of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 2 teaspoons of arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tablespoons of water.

For the Spicy Mayo

Okay, this is optional, but SO worth it! You’ll need ½ cup light mayo (cuts down on the calories a bit!), 1 tablespoon of sriracha (again, adjust to your liking!), and 2–3 tablespoons of water to thin it out.

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How to Prepare This Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through it. It’s easier than you think!

Cooking the Rice

First things first, the rice! Follow the package directions. Usually, it’s about 2 cups of water for every cup of rice. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover it, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Fluff it with a fork when it’s done. Pro tip: Don’t peek while it’s simmering! That lets the steam out!

Preparing the Broccoli

While the rice is cooking, let’s get the broccoli ready. I like to steam it because it keeps it nice and crisp-tender. You can use a steamer basket over boiling water, or even microwave it with a little water in a covered dish. Just cook it until it’s fork-tender, about 5-7 minutes. You don’t want it mushy!

Cooking the Chicken

Now for the star of the show: the chicken. Toss those bite-sized pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Get it all nicely coated! I LOVE using my air fryer for this. It’s so quick and easy. Pop the chicken in at 400F for about 12 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160F. If you don’t have an air fryer, no worries! You can pan-fry it in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s cooked through. Just be careful not to overcrowd the pan!

Making the Sticky Sauce

This sauce is seriously addictive. In a saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then add the arrowroot slurry (that’s the arrowroot powder mixed with water). Let it boil for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens up. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely. If it’s too thin, add a *tiny* bit more arrowroot slurry. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water. Easy peasy!

Assembling the Bowls

Okay, the fun part! Grab your bowls and layer in the rice, broccoli, and chicken. Drizzle generously with that amazing sticky sauce. Then, mix together the mayo, sriracha, and water for your spicy mayo, and drizzle that on top too. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for extra flavor and a pretty look. And there you have it! Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls, ready to devour!

Tips for the Best Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

Want to take these Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls from good to *amazing*? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that I’m happy to share!

Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency

That sauce is key, right? If it’s too thin, it’ll be watery. Too thick, and it’ll be gloppy. The arrowroot slurry is your best friend here. Add it *slowly*, a tiny bit at a time, until you get that perfect coating consistency. Trust me, you’ll know it when you see it!

Keeping the Chicken Moist

Dry chicken? No thanks! A quick marinade (even just soy sauce and ginger!) can work wonders. Also, a meat thermometer is your best friend. Pull the chicken off the heat when it hits 160F; it’ll continue to cook as it rests.

Adjusting the Spice Level

Spice is a personal thing, isn’t it? Start with the amount of sriracha I recommend, then taste and add more to both the sauce *and* the mayo until it’s just right for *you*. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Variations for Your Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

Okay, so you’ve made the basic Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe, and you’re loving it! But feeling a little adventurous? Wanna mix things up? I get it! Here are some fun variations to try. Think of it as building blocks for your own culinary masterpiece!

Different Protein Options

Chicken’s great, but why not try shrimp? Or some crispy tofu for a vegetarian twist? Ground turkey works really well too! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, and you’re golden!

Vegetable Substitutions

Broccoli not your thing? No problem! Bell peppers add a nice crunch and sweetness. Snap peas are another great option. Or how about some shredded carrots for extra color and nutrients? Seriously, get creative!

Flavor Enhancements

Want even *more* flavor? A little fresh ginger grated into the sauce? YES! A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top? Always a good idea. Or how about a dash of garlic powder in the chicken seasoning? The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

These Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are pretty much a complete meal on their own, but if you’re feeling fancy (or just extra hungry!), here are a few things that go perfectly with them.

Appetizer Ideas

Crispy spring rolls are *always* a winner. Or how about some steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt? Yum!

Side Dish Options

A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great way to add some extra freshness. Plus, it balances out the richness of the sauce. I love a simple cucumber and tomato salad!

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep ’em fresh and delicious for another meal.

Storing Leftovers

My advice? Store the rice, chicken, and broccoli separately in airtight containers. That way, nothing gets soggy in the fridge overnight! The sauce can go with the chicken, or in its own little container.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to dig in again, just pop the chicken and rice in the microwave or heat them up on the stovetop. A little splash of water in the rice can help keep it moist. Then, drizzle with that leftover sauce and enjoy! So easy!

Nutritional Information for Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

Okay, quick heads-up! Nutrition info can vary *a lot* depending on the brands you use. So, consider these numbers a general guide, not an exact science, okay?

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

Got questions about these Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things folks ask me. Don’t be shy, if you have another question, drop it in the comments!

Can I substitute the rice with quinoa?

Totally! Quinoa is a great, healthy alternative. Just keep in mind that quinoa cooks a bit differently than rice, so follow the package directions for the best texture. It’ll be a bit chewier than rice, but still super yummy with the sticky chicken!

How long can I store the sticky chicken rice bowls in the fridge?

Okay, food safety first! You can safely store the cooked chicken, rice, broccoli, and sauce in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure everything’s in airtight containers, and don’t leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Nobody wants food poisoning!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe is perfect for meal prepping! You can cook the rice, steam the broccoli, and cook the chicken ahead of time, then just store everything separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and assemble! The sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge.

What if I don’t have arrowroot powder?

No arrowroot powder? No problem! You can use cornstarch instead. Just use the same amount (2 teaspoons mixed with 2 tablespoons of water). The sauce might be *slightly* less glossy, but it’ll still thicken up nicely and taste delicious!

Ready to Make Your Own Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and whip up these Easy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls! Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how they turned out! Sharing is caring, so post your creations on social media too!