I’m always on the lookout for flavorful meals that are easy enough for weeknights but satisfying enough to crave again and again. That’s exactly what inspired these Delicious Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls. With juicy chicken glazed in a sweet and savory sticky sauce, fluffy rice, and bright, crunchy broccoli, this dish checks all the right boxes: comfort, convenience, and a touch of indulgence.

The beauty of this bowl is in the contrast of textures and bold flavors. The sticky glaze caramelizes beautifully on the chicken, creating a glossy coating packed with umami. Paired with tender-crisp broccoli and a creamy drizzle of spicy mayo, every bite is an explosion of balance — warm, rich, tangy, and just a little heat. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to sit down and savor every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl
This dish is fast enough for a weeknight dinner but feels like a takeout treat. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and ideal for meal prep. The sticky chicken is incredibly flavorful, and the addition of vegetables keeps it light and wholesome. It’s a one-bowl wonder that both adults and kids will be excited to dig into.
What Kind of Chicken Works Best?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my favorite for this bowl because they stay juicy and soak up the sticky sauce beautifully. But chicken breasts can work too — just be mindful not to overcook them. The key is slicing the chicken thin enough so it cooks quickly and evenly while still getting that perfect sear.
Options for Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Just be sure to press the tofu well and pan-fry it for some texture before glazing.
- Grains: Instead of white rice, try brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Veggies: Swap broccoli for snap peas, carrots, or bok choy.
- Sauce: No soy sauce? Coconut aminos work well. Honey or brown sugar can replace the maple syrup in the glaze.
- Heat Level: Add chili flakes or sriracha for more heat, or tone it down by skipping the spicy mayo drizzle.
Ingredients for this Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl
Each ingredient plays a key role in bringing this flavorful rice bowl together:
- Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless, these are juicy and tender — perfect for soaking up the sticky glaze.
- Soy sauce: Adds deep umami flavor and saltiness to the marinade.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
- Ginger: Brings warmth and a slight spiciness to the glaze.
- Honey or brown sugar: For that signature sticky sweetness and beautiful caramelization.
- Rice vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a light tang.
- Sesame oil: Just a dash adds a rich, toasty note.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and give it that signature glossy finish.
- Cooked white rice: The neutral base that soaks up all the flavorful sauces.
- Broccoli florets: Lightly steamed for a crisp-tender bite that adds freshness.
- Spicy mayo: A creamy, mildly spicy topping that ties it all together.
- Sesame seeds & chopped chives: Optional garnishes for extra texture and color.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well until everything is fully incorporated. Add the chicken thighs and let them marinate for at least 15–30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Place the marinated chicken thighs in the pan, shaking off excess marinade (but reserve it for later). Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through. Remove and let rest before slicing.
Step 3: Make the Sticky Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the reserved marinade and bring it to a simmer. Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water) and stir until thickened and glossy. Return the sliced chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sticky sauce.
Step 4: Steam the Broccoli
While the sauce thickens, steam the broccoli florets until just tender but still vibrant green, about 3–4 minutes. You want a little crunch to balance the textures.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Scoop a generous amount of cooked white rice into bowls. Top with sliced sticky chicken, a handful of steamed broccoli, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped chives if desired.
How Long to Prepare the Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl
Prep Time: The total prep time is around 15 minutes, especially if your ingredients are already gathered. Marinating the chicken for at least 15 minutes is ideal but optional if you’re in a rush.
Cooking Time: Expect about 20–25 minutes of cooking. The chicken sears quickly, the sauce thickens in minutes, and the broccoli only takes a few minutes to steam. Overall, the dish is ready in about 35–40 minutes total.
Tips for Perfect Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
- Marinate the chicken for more flavor — even 30 minutes can make a big difference.
- Sear the chicken until it’s caramelized for that perfect sticky texture.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry; it’s the secret to a thick, glossy glaze.
- Use day-old rice if you want a firmer texture and less stickiness.
- Drizzle spicy mayo at the end — not before heating — to keep it creamy and bold.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
- Overcrowding the pan: This causes steaming instead of searing. Cook chicken in batches if needed.
- Not reserving marinade: Don’t forget to save some for the glaze before cooking the chicken.
- Using cold rice straight from the fridge: It clumps up. Warm it slightly before serving.
- Overcooking the broccoli: It should still have bite and vibrant color.
- Too much sauce: The glaze should coat the chicken, not drown the bowl.
What to Serve With Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls?
1. Miso Soup
A light, umami-packed starter that complements the rice bowl without overwhelming it.
2. Edamame with Sea Salt
Simple, protein-rich, and a great finger food to serve alongside.
3. Asian Cucumber Salad
Cool and refreshing — helps balance out the richness of the sticky chicken.
4. Pickled Ginger or Kimchi
Adds a pop of acidity and brightness to reset the palate.
5. Spring Rolls
Light, crunchy, and full of veggies — a great textural contrast to the main bowl.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Keep rice and chicken separate from the spicy mayo for best texture.
Reheating: Microwave on medium heat or reheat in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water to loosen the glaze if needed.
Freezing: The chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Freeze separately from rice and sauce for best results. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Estimated Nutrition
(Per serving — estimated)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sugar: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, just be careful not to overcook them. Slice thinly and reduce searing time slightly.
Is this dish spicy?
Only the spicy mayo has heat. You can adjust or omit it to make the dish mild.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely — use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce, and ensure your spicy mayo is gluten-free.
Can I meal prep this?
Definitely. Cook the components separately, then assemble when ready to eat. It stores well for 3–4 days.
What if I don’t have sesame oil?
You can skip it or substitute with olive oil, though the flavor will be less rich.
Conclusion
Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are a total game changer when you want something comforting, flavorful, and quick. The balance of savory chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant broccoli, and creamy spicy mayo makes each bite seriously addictive. Whether you’re meal prepping or making a casual dinner, this dish delivers every time. Try it once — it might just end up in your regular rotation!

Delicious Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
If you’re hunting for quick dinner ideas that hit the sweet, savory, and satisfying trifecta — these *Delicious Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls* are a must-try. Juicy chicken glazed in a thick sticky sauce, paired with fluffy rice, steamed broccoli, and drizzled spicy mayo. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, meal prep champion, or easy recipe for a healthy snack or lunch. Whether you’re craving something cozy or need fresh food ideas, this bowl delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 cups cooked white rice
1 1/2 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons spicy mayo
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon chopped chives
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Add chicken thighs and marinate for at least 15–30 minutes.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with oil. Sear chicken on both sides until cooked and caramelized, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and let rest.
3. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet. Add cornstarch slurry and simmer until thick and glossy.
4. Slice the chicken and return to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sticky sauce.
5. Steam broccoli for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
6. Assemble bowls with rice, sliced sticky chicken, steamed broccoli, and spicy mayo.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped chives.
Notes
Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor — up to overnight is ideal.
Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best punch of flavor.
If you don’t have spicy mayo, mix mayonnaise with sriracha to your heat preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: easy dinner, chicken rice bowl, sticky chicken, weeknight meal, quick recipe