Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe! Recipe

If you’re craving something wholesome, flavorful, and downright addictive, look no further than this Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe! This dish brings together tender, spice-kissed chicken coated in a luscious sticky sauce, paired perfectly with fluffy rice and vibrant broccoli. It’s a beautiful medley of textures and flavors that feels both comforting and fresh, making it an instant favorite for lunch or dinner. Best of all, it’s easy to make and packed with nutritious ingredients that fuel your body without sacrificing any of the fun.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, but each plays a crucial role in building the complex layers of flavor and texture in this dish. From the aromatic spices that coat the chicken to the sticky, tangy sauce and the fresh, crisp broccoli, each item adds something special to every bite.

• 2 cups uncooked rice: The perfect base to soak up all those delicious sauces and bring heartiness to the bowl.
• 2 small heads broccoli, chopped: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant green color that balances the richness.
• 3 large chicken breasts: The lean protein star of the bowl, tender and flavorful with the right seasoning.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps achieve a beautiful golden sear on the chicken and adds healthy fats.
• 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish without overpowering.
• 1/2 tsp pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the chicken seasoning.
• 1 tsp chili powder: Brings a mild smoky warmth that plays beautifully with the sweetness of the sauce.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: Infuses a deep, smoky flavor that really elevates the chicken.
• 1 tsp onion powder: Adds savory complexity without the texture of fresh onions.
• 1 tsp oregano: A fragrant herb that brightens the overall flavor profile.
• Sticky Sauce Ingredients: 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 3 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp sriracha, 2 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp ground ginger, 2 tsp arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry (can substitute cornstarch).
• Spicy Mayo: 1/2 cup mayo, 1 tbsp sriracha, 2–3 tbsp water to thin, plus sesame seeds for topping.

How to Make Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe!

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by cooking your rice according to the package instructions. The rice serves as the perfect canvas for the chicken and sauce, so make sure it’s fluffy and perfectly cooked.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. This makes it easier to cook evenly and enjoy alongside every forkful of chicken and rice.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts into strips, then generously season with salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano. These spices blend to create a flavor-packed crust that makes every bite irresistible.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken strips. Cook them until golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside. This step locks in those flavorful spices and creates a wonderful texture contrast to the sticky sauce.

Step 5: Cook the Broccoli

Steam or sauté the broccoli in the same pan or separately until tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp. This keeps the broccoli fresh and nutritious, adding a welcome crunch to the bowls.

Step 6: Prepare and Add the Sticky Sauce

Combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger in a bowl. Whisk them together until smooth. Pour this sticky sauce into the skillet with the cooked chicken and simmer gently, adding the arrowroot slurry to thicken it. This sauce wraps the chicken strips in a shiny, flavorful glaze that is nothing short of addictive.

Step 7: Mix the Spicy Mayo

In a small bowl, stir together mayo, sriracha, and enough water to make a pourable sauce. This spicy mayo adds a creamy, cooling kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweet heat of the sticky chicken.

Step 8: Assemble the Bowls

Place a bed of rice in each bowl, top with the sticky chicken and broccoli, then drizzle with spicy mayo and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for a final burst of flavor and crunch. You will want to dig right in!

How to Serve Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe!

Garnishes

To elevate your bowls, consider adding fresh garnishes like sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime. These add brightness and a fresh finish that balances the rich, sticky chicken sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple cucumber salad or a side of pickled vegetables. These sides cut through the richness and bring refreshing contrast to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these bowls in colorful containers for meal prep or family-style on a large platter allowing everyone to customize their portions with extra spicy mayo or garnishes. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken, rice, and broccoli separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps textures intact and flavors fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken strips and rice in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the broccoli if possible, as it can become mushy. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and rice gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwave works too, just cover to keep moisture in and reheat in short intervals for best results.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, which complements the sticky chicken beautifully. Just adjust cooking times according to package instructions.

Is this recipe spicy?

The sticky sauce has a gentle heat from sriracha and chili powder, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha or omitting it altogether for a milder version.

Can I prepare this recipe with chicken thighs?

Yes! Chicken thighs remain juicy and flavorful and work wonderfully in this recipe if you prefer dark meat. Just adjust cooking times to ensure they’re cooked through.

What can I substitute if I don’t have arrowroot powder?

Cornstarch is a perfect substitute for arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce. Use the same ratio to create the slurry before adding it to the sauce.

Is the spicy mayo necessary?

While optional, the spicy mayo provides a delightful creamy contrast and an extra layer of flavor that really takes these Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe! to the next level. It’s worth trying!

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe! is truly a gem in everyday cooking. It comes together quickly, tastes incredible, and is packed with nutrients and textures that satisfy all cravings. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and find yourself coming back to it again and again, just like I do with my closest favorites.

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