If you’re craving a meal that bursts with flavor, texture, and color, look no further than this Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe. It’s a vibrant medley of tender chicken glazed in a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce, served over fluffy rice with perfectly cooked broccoli. Every bite sings with rich umami, balanced heat, and a satisfying crunch from toasted sesame seeds. This recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser and feels exciting enough for weeknights or casual get-togethers with friends, making it one of my all-time favorite dishes to whip up and share.

Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a dynamic and satisfying meal. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to contribute essential flavors, textures, and visual appeal that make the dish truly shine.

2 cups uncooked rice: The perfect base to soak up all the delicious sticky sauce and provide a comforting texture.

2 small heads broccoli (chopped): Adds vibrant green color and a fresh, slightly crunchy vegetable element.
3 large chicken breasts: Your main protein, sliced to absorb all the seasoning and sauce for juicy bites.

2 tbsp olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken and broccoli, adding a subtle richness.
1 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors just right.

1/2 tsp pepper: Adds a mild kick and earthiness to the chicken seasoning.
1 tsp chili powder: Brings a smoky warmth to the dish without overpowering it.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Infuses a deep, smoky flavor that complements the sticky sauce beautifully.

1 tsp onion powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth to the seasoning blend.
1 tsp oregano: Offers a hint of herbal brightness balancing the spices.
1/2 cup soy sauce: Provides the salty umami backbone of the sticky sauce.

1/2 cup honey: The key sweetness that creates the irresistible sticky glaze.
1/4 cup rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that cuts through the sweetness for balance.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Injects a punch of bold, savory flavor into the sauce.

2 tbsp sriracha: Delivers a nice spicy kick, perfect for heat lovers.
2 tsp sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that elevates the whole dish.
1 tsp ground ginger: Gives a warm, zesty brightness to the sauce.

2 tsp arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry): Used to thicken the sauce to the ideal sticky consistency without clumps.
1/2 cup mayo: Essential for the creamy, spicy mayo drizzle that adds richness and cooling contrast.
1 tbsp sriracha: Mixed with mayo for that perfect spicy mayo balance.

2–3 tbsp water: Adjusts the spicy mayo to a drizzling consistency.
Sesame seeds for topping: Provides a delightful crunch and nutty finish to the bowls.

How to Make Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions until it’s tender and fluffy. Set it aside to keep warm because this will be the solid foundation holding all the sticky, flavorful components together in the bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

Chop your broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. You can either steam or sauté it until just tender, so it retains a lovely crunch and vibrant green color. Cooking the broccoli in the same pan after the chicken cooks enhances its flavor with all those lovely browned bits.

Step 3: Season and Cook the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts into strips and generously season with salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Heating olive oil in a skillet, cook the chicken pieces until golden and fully cooked through. This seasoning mix forms the base layer of flavor that works beautifully with the sticky sauce.

Step 4: Make the Sticky Sauce

Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, ground ginger, and the arrowroot slurry in a bowl. Pour this sauce into the skillet with the chicken and simmer it until thickened and glossy. This luscious sticky sauce is the heart of the dish, pulling all the flavors into one harmonious bite.

Step 5: Prepare the Spicy Mayo Drizzle

Mix together mayo, sriracha, and water until you get a creamy yet pourable spicy mayo. This little drizzle adds a creamy, spicy contrast to the sticky chicken and fresh broccoli, taking the bowl up a notch in flavor and indulgence.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowls

Layer cooked rice, sticky chicken, and tender broccoli into bowls. Drizzle generously with the spicy mayo and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. These finishing touches bring texture and visual appeal, making the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.

How to Serve Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe

Garnishes

Sesame seeds are classic, but adding freshly chopped green onions or a handful of chopped cilantro can brighten and freshen up each bite. A squeeze of lime over the top adds a lovely zesty kick that complements the sticky sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

Keep sides light and simple to balance the richness of the Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe. A crisp cucumber salad or quick pickled veggies offer a refreshing contrast, while some steamed edamame adds extra protein and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish in a large family-style bowl for sharing, or arrange in individual glass jars for a fun lunchbox twist. For an extra treat, serve alongside crunchy wonton chips or toasted nori strips for scooping and dipping into that sticky sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken, rice, and broccoli in an airtight container and refrigerate. The sticky sauce quality holds up very well, making next-day meals just as tasty and convenient to enjoy.

Freezing

This Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe freezes nicely if separated from the rice, which can become a bit mushy. Freeze the chicken and broccoli in a tightly sealed container and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken tender and sauce sticky. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. Microwave works too, but stirring occasionally helps maintain the perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables besides broccoli?

Absolutely! Snap peas, bell peppers, or green beans all work wonderfully and add their own unique crunch and flavor to the Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce for regular soy sauce to keep the dish safely gluten-free without compromising taste.

Can I substitute arrowroot powder with cornstarch?

Definitely. Cornstarch can be used in place of arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce. Just mix it with cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the sauce to avoid lumps.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is moderate thanks to the sriracha in both the sticky sauce and the spicy mayo. You can easily adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your personal spice preference.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the rice and chicken ahead and store them in the fridge. The sauce is quick to make when you’re ready to eat, so assembly is fast and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

This Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe is an absolute winner for anyone who loves dishes layered with flavors and textures. It’s straightforward, adaptable, and absolutely delicious, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or impressing friends with a home-cooked meal. I encourage you to try it soon and savor every sticky, spicy, tender bite!