Savory Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe You’ll Love

Short, Catchy Intro

So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen huh Same. These savory healthy sticky chicken bowls are the perfect mix of comfort and minimal effort. You get sticky, slightly sweet glaze, tender chicken, crunchy broccoli, and rice that soaks up all the good stuff like a tiny edible sponge. Want to pair this vibe with another noodle version sometimes Try the sticky garlic chicken noodles recipe for carb variety and zero regrets.

Why are we doing this You want flavor fast and you want it to feel fancy without actually trying too hard Right on.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

• It sticks to your rice like your favorite show sticks to your weekend plans.
• It balances sweet heat and salty umami so well you might get ideas about making it weekly.
• It is idiot proof and forgiving if you forget to set a timer or do a tiny dance in the kitchen mid-cook.
• You can make it healthy and still get that sticky, indulgent mouthfeel. No greasy guilt here.
• Want a similar vibe with a different sauce Try the sweet and satisfying energy of teriyaki chicken rice bowls for a mood shift.

Bottom line You get a meal that impresses guests or your inner critic and still leaves time to binge one episode of whatever you are pretending not to be obsessed with.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups Sticky Rice Provides the perfect texture to absorb the delicious sauce
• 2 cups Broccoli Adds fiber and a nutritious crunch can be steamed or sautéed
• 1 pound Chicken Breasts A lean source of protein that’s tender and flavorful
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Great for cooking chicken can be replaced with any vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances the overall flavor beautifully
• 1 teaspoon Pepper Adds just the right amount of mild spice
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder Provides warmth feel free to adjust for desired spice
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Brings a subtle smokiness to the dish
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Adds depth of flavor for a savory touch
• 1 teaspoon Oregano Offers a herby complexity to the seasoning
• 1/2 cup Soy Sauce The base for the sticky glaze tamari works for gluten free needs
• 1/4 cup Honey Acts as a natural sweetener maple syrup is a delicious alternative
• 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar Balances sweetness with a hint of acidity
• 3 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic intensifies the flavor of the sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha Gives the sauce an enticing spicy kick adjust to your preference
• 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil Adds a nutty depth swap for another oil if desired
• 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger Provides warmth and enhances the flavor profile
• 1 tablespoon Arrowroot Powder A great thickener for the sauce cornstarch is a common substitute
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise The base for creamy Spicy Mayo Greek yogurt can lighten it up
• 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds A delightful garnish that adds a lovely crunch and texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Make Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls

1. Cook the rice. Rinse the sticky rice until the water runs clear then cook according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and keep warm. Rice patience is a skill and you got this.
2. Season the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into bite sized pieces. Toss with salt pepper chili powder smoked paprika onion powder and oregano. Be generous but not dramatic.
3. Sear the chicken. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken pieces and sear until golden and cooked through about 5 to 7 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove and set aside.
4. Steam or sauté broccoli. In the same pan toss the broccoli with a splash of water and cook covered for a few minutes until bright green and just tender or sauté in a little oil if you prefer crisp edges.
5. Make the sticky sauce. In a small bowl whisk together soy sauce honey rice vinegar minced garlic sriracha sesame oil and ground ginger until smooth. Taste and tweak the heat or sweetness.
6. Thicken the glaze. Mix arrowroot powder with a tablespoon of cold water to form a slurry. Return the pan to medium heat pour in the sauce and stir in the slurry. Let it simmer until it thickens and becomes glossy. Do not walk away it goes from perfect to glue in a minute.
7. Combine chicken and sauce. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and toss to coat until everything gets that sticky sheen. Heat through for 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors hang out together.
8. Make the spicy mayo. Mix mayonnaise with a touch of sriracha and a pinch of salt to taste. Serve on the side or drizzle over the finished bowls. Pro tip keep it light if you want healthier macro balances.
9. Assemble the bowls. Spoon sticky rice into bowls top with broccoli and the glazed chicken. Add a drizzle of spicy mayo and sprinkle sesame seeds for that final sizzle. Enjoy immediately while it still clings delightfully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not rinsing sticky rice and wondering why it is gummy in a bad way. Rinse it people.
• Skimping on the sear. If you skip browning the chicken you lose flavor points that sauce cannot fully recover.
• Letting the sauce boil too hard. It thickens fast and can go from glossy to sad in seconds. Low and steady wins the glaze race.
• Overcooking broccoli into mash. You want bite and color not sadness.
• Adding arrowroot while it is hot without mixing it first. That creates lumps and an angry stove. Mix slurry first then add it slowly.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• No sticky rice Try jasmine or brown rice for a heartier chew. Brown rice will need a longer cook time but still delicious IMO.
• Want it plant based Swap chicken for firm tofu or tempeh and crisp it up in the pan before glazing. Tofu soaks in the sauce like a champion.
• No honey Use maple syrup or agave for a vegan friendly swap. Flavor will shift slightly but still excellent.
• No arrowroot Use cornstarch in the same ratio. Works fine unless you are feeling fancy.
• Need more herb kick Add fresh cilantro or scallions on top right before serving for brightness.
• Want bolder flavors Try adding a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for texture and acidity. For a completely different regional twist check out my thoughts on Peruvian chicken with creamy green sauce to get inspired.

FAQ

• Can I make this ahead of time and reheat later Would the sauce get weird No worries. You can make the components ahead and store separately. Reheat chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce then toss. Rice reheats well in a microwave with a damp paper towel.
• Is this healthy Yes you get lean protein veggies and control over fats and sugar Use less mayo or switch to Greek yogurt to cut calories.
• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts Absolutely Thighs stay juicier and can handle bolder cooking times. Season the same and adjust cook time until done.
• How spicy will this be If you use a tablespoon of sriracha expect mild to medium heat You can dial it down to a teaspoon or omit entirely if you hate thrill.
• Can I freeze leftovers Yes freeze the chicken and sauce in airtight containers for up to three months Thaw and reheat slowly to keep texture decent.
• What about storing the spicy mayo Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge and use within a week It is basically flavored mayo so treat it like one.

Final Thoughts

You just made a meal that tastes like effort but did not actually require a weeklong culinary retreat. That sticky glaze is the crowd pleaser here and the broccoli keeps you from claiming you ate nothing nutritious. Toss on extras like scallions sesame seeds or crushed peanuts if you feel fancy. FYI this dish scales nicely so cook once enjoy twice maybe thrice If you are feeling generous invite friends or hoard it for solo bliss Either way enjoy the sticky happiness and go pat yourself on the back You earned it.

Conclusion

If you want a slightly different take on sticky chicken for a buttery spin check this out Sticky Garlic Butter Chicken Bowls for extra inspiration and sauce jealousy.

Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

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Description

Savory, healthy sticky chicken bowls with a sweet glaze, tender chicken, crunchy broccoli, and rice that absorbs all the delicious flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups Sticky Rice
• 2 cups Broccoli
• 1 pound Chicken Breasts
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Oregano
• 1/2 cup Soy Sauce
• 1/4 cup Honey
• 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha
• 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
• 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
• 1 tablespoon Arrowroot Powder
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds

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Instructions

1. Rinse the sticky rice until the water runs clear, then cook according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Toss with salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and sear until golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, toss the broccoli with a splash of water and cook covered for a few minutes until bright green and just tender.
5. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger until smooth.
6. Mix arrowroot powder with a tablespoon of cold water to form a slurry. Pour the sauce into the pan and stir in the slurry, simmer until thickened.
7. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan and toss to coat until everything is sticky. Heat through for 1 to 2 minutes.
8. Mix mayonnaise with sriracha and a pinch of salt. Serve on the side or drizzle over the finished bowls.
9. Spoon sticky rice into bowls, top with broccoli and glazed chicken. Drizzle with spicy mayo and sprinkle sesame seeds. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

Make sure to rinse the sticky rice to avoid gummy texture. You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chicken, sticky, rice, healthy, broccoli