Delicious Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

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When you need a dinner that satisfies both comfort and flavor, these Delicious Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are the way to go. The combination of tender chicken glazed in a glossy, garlicky, slightly sweet sauce over warm, fluffy rice makes every bite irresistible. The richness is balanced with hints of soy, brown sugar, and a splash of vinegar that gives the dish its signature sticky kick.

You can toss this together on a busy weeknight or prep it ahead for a week’s worth of satisfying lunches. It’s a dish that looks as good in your meal prep containers as it does on a big family dinner table, and the sticky sauce makes sure every grain of rice is loaded with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Sticky Chicken Rice Bowl

These bowls are quick, crave-worthy, and use ingredients you probably already have. They deliver restaurant-style flavor without the cost or wait, and they can be customized endlessly with your favorite veggies or grains. This is the kind of dish that becomes a weeknight staple, the one your family will ask for again and again.

What Cut of Chicken Works Best?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the absolute winner here. They soak up the sauce beautifully and stay juicy and tender when cooked. But if you have chicken breasts on hand, those will work just fine—just be careful not to overcook them. For a quicker option, leftover rotisserie chicken tossed in the sticky sauce makes a shortcut that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Ingredients for the Delicious Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together into something truly comforting. Each component brings depth and balance.

Chicken thighs bring rich flavor and tenderness, perfect for soaking in the sauce.

Soy sauce adds a salty umami base that anchors the sticky glaze.

Brown sugar gives sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize and cling to the chicken.

Garlic delivers bold, savory notes that balance the sweetness.

Ginger adds warmth and a hint of spice that livens up the dish.

Rice vinegar cuts through the richness with a little tang.

Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce to the perfect glossy texture.

Cooked white rice acts as a soft, neutral base to absorb all the sticky goodness.

Green onions are sprinkled over the top for freshness and color.

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How To Make the Delicious Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sticky Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and a bit of cornstarch mixed with water. Pour the mixture into the same skillet and cook until it thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 3: Toss the Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat every piece in the sticky glaze. Let it simmer for a minute or two to absorb the flavors.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Spoon warm cooked rice into bowls, then top with sticky chicken. Finish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra crunch and color.

How to Serve and Store Your Sticky Chicken Bowls

This recipe makes about 4 hearty bowls, perfect for a small family dinner or a few prepped lunches. Serve it hot right after cooking for the freshest flavor. For storage, let everything cool and then store in airtight containers in the fridge. It will keep for up to 4 days, and you can reheat in the microwave or in a pan with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls?

Steamed Broccoli

The classic pairing that adds color and crunch to your bowl.

Cucumber Salad

A cool, tangy salad contrasts beautifully with the warm, sticky chicken.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

A little caramelization and sweetness makes these a perfect side.

Kimchi

If you like heat and tang, kimchi will wake up your bowl in the best way.

Edamame

Lightly salted edamame gives a protein-packed bite and balances the richness.

Pickled Red Onions

These add acidity and color that brighten the whole dish.

Mango Slices

Surprisingly delicious, juicy mango cuts through the sauce and refreshes the palate.

Garlic Green Beans

Another crunchy and savory green that complements the glaze perfectly.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love these sticky chicken rice bowls, you’ll probably enjoy these other cozy favorites:

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl with a bright twist of fresh herbs.
No Peek Chicken Casserole for set-it-and-forget-it comfort.
Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms for something hearty and homey.
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for when you’re craving pasta.
White Chicken Enchilada Casserole if you want cheesy and satisfying with a Tex-Mex spin.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra heat? Toss in some veggies? Make it with tofu?

I love seeing how these bowls evolve in different kitchens. Share your tips and tweaks below!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to dinner idea!

Conclusion

These Delicious Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are a flavor-packed solution for when you want something comforting, quick, and deeply satisfying. The glossy, garlicky sauce is magic over tender chicken and fluffy rice, and the options to customize it are endless. Whether it’s dinner tonight or lunch tomorrow, this bowl never gets old.

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Delicious Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls


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  • Author: Janet Reynolds
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

These Delicious Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are packed with bold garlic and soy glaze, tender chicken, and fluffy rice. A perfect weeknight dinner or lunch meal prep idea, combining sticky sweetness and savory umami. Keywords: sticky chicken, chicken rice bowl, easy weeknight chicken, soy garlic glaze, Asian-inspired chicken recipe.


Ingredients

1.5 pounds chicken thighs

1/3 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ginger, grated

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)

3 cups cooked white rice

2 stalks green onions, chopped


Instructions

1. Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.

2. In a hot skillet with a splash of oil, sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water).

4. Pour sauce into the same skillet and cook until it thickens and turns glossy.

5. Return chicken to skillet and coat with the sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to absorb flavor.

6. Spoon warm cooked rice into bowls, top with sticky chicken, and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.

Notes

Sticky sauce thickens fast, so keep the heat at medium and stir constantly.

You can use chicken breast instead, just avoid overcooking.

This is great for meal prep and stays flavorful for up to 4 days in the fridge.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg

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