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Delicious Sticky Chicken Bowls with tender chicken and flavorful sauce

Sticky Chicken Bowls

A delightful and simple family meal featuring tender chicken in a sweet and savory sauce over warm rice and fresh broccoli.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Asian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless chicken (thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon oil (avocado or vegetable oil)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for extra stickiness)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, adjust to taste)

For the Serving

  • 3 cups cooked rice (jasmine or basmati)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (for steaming)
  • 2 stalks green onions (sliced, for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cooking Rice and Chicken

  • Start cooking rice according to package directions (this usually takes 15-20 minutes).
  • While rice cooks, cut chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • Add chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through (165°F).
  • If using chicken thighs, add an extra 3-4 minutes to total cooking time.

Making the Sauce

  • Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 20-30 seconds until fragrant.
  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and rice vinegar until sugar dissolves.
  • Pour sauce mixture over chicken and stir to coat. Let simmer for 5-6 minutes until sauce reduces and thickens.
  • If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, stir in, and simmer for 1 more minute.

Steaming Broccoli

  • Steam broccoli florets for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp and bright green.
  • Taste sauce and adjust seasonings as needed.

Serving

  • Divide warm rice among serving bowls (about 1.5 cups per bowl) and top with sticky chicken and steamed broccoli.
  • Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

For crispy chicken, pat it dry before cooking. You can substitute chicken for tofu or shrimp for variations.
Keyword Easy Dinner, family meal, Quick Recipe, Sticky Chicken