Hey there! If you’re looking for an easy healthy meal idea for dinner, you’ve come to the right place. My son, Jake, loves these Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls so much that he often asks for them twice a week. They’re packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- They’re quick to whip up, making them perfect for busy evenings.
- You can customize them with your favorite veggies and sauces.
- They’re a hit with both kids and adults, making family dinners enjoyable.
Pure Comfort
These Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are pure comfort food. The tender chicken, sticky rice, and savory sauce come together to create a warm and satisfying meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
What You Need
- 1 lb 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs – You can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred.
- 1 cup 1 cup jasmine rice – Other types of rice can work, but adjust cooking times.
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup soy sauce – Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp honey – Maple syrup can be used as a substitute.
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp sesame oil – Olive oil is a good alternative.
- 1 cup 1 cup broccoli florets – Feel free to swap with any favorite veggies.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup carrots, sliced – You can use frozen carrots if fresh aren’t available.
- 2 2 green onions, sliced – Chives can be a nice substitute.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 20 minutes | Total: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prep the chicken and rice a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy rice. Then, cook it according to package instructions, usually about 15 minutes.
- While the rice cooks, heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
- In the same skillet, add broccoli and carrots. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they’re vibrant and slightly tender. You want them to still have a bit of crunch for texture.
- Next, mix the soy sauce and honey in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the veggies and stir to coat them evenly. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet, tossing it with the veggies and sauce until everything is heated through. The aroma will be irresistible!
- To serve, spoon the fluffy jasmine rice into bowls, top with the sticky chicken and veggies, and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Enjoy the delightful colors and flavors!
Make It Perfect
- For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- If you have leftover rice, it makes a great base for fried rice the next day.
- You can easily double the recipe for meal prep or to feed a crowd.
Mix It Up
- Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein.
- Use brown rice instead of jasmine for a heartier option.
- Add bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a side of edamame for a complete meal.
- Pair with a light cucumber salad to balance the flavors.
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FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and rice a day in advance and just heat everything up when you’re ready to eat.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze these bowls?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken and rice separately. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative.
What’s the best way to reheat these bowls?
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep the rice moist.
Conclusion
These Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are a fantastic easy healthy meal idea for dinner that the whole family will love. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Give it a try and enjoy a satisfying meal!
Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- rice cooker
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs You can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred.
- 1 cup jasmine rice Other types of rice can work, but adjust cooking times.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
- 2 tbsp honey Maple syrup can be used as a substitute.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil Olive oil is a good alternative.
- 1 cup broccoli florets Feel free to swap with any favorite veggies.
- 1/2 cup carrots, sliced You can use frozen carrots if fresh aren’t available.
- 2 green onions, sliced Chives can be a nice substitute.
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy rice. Then, cook it according to package instructions, usually about 15 minutes.
- While the rice cooks, heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
- In the same skillet, add broccoli and carrots. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they’re vibrant and slightly tender. You want them to still have a bit of crunch for texture.
- Next, mix the soy sauce and honey in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the veggies and stir to coat them evenly. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet, tossing it with the veggies and sauce until everything is heated through. The aroma will be irresistible!
- To serve, spoon the fluffy jasmine rice into bowls, top with the sticky chicken and veggies, and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Enjoy the delightful colors and flavors!