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sticky chicken bowls with glazed chicken rice broccoli and spicy mayo drizzle topped with sesame seeds

Sticky Chicken Bowls

Tender seasoned chicken strips coated in a glossy sweet and spicy sauce, served over fluffy rice with broccoli and spicy mayo
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Asian-Inspired
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups uncooked rice jasmine or white rice
  • 2 small heads broccoli chopped into small florets, about 1 to 1.5 lbs total
  • 3 large chicken breasts about 1.5 to 2 lbs total, sliced into strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce use tamari for gluten-free
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha adjust to heat preference
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tablespoons water, or use cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha for spicy mayo
  • 2 tablespoons water for spicy mayo, adjust for consistency
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds for topping

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Medium saucepan for rice
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small whisk or fork
  • Small bowl for spicy mayo

Method
 

  1. Cook rice according to package directions in a medium saucepan. This usually takes 15 to 20 minutes for white rice. Start this first so it's ready when you need it. The 2 cups uncooked rice will yield about 6 cups cooked.
  2. While rice cooks, slice chicken breasts into thin strips, about 1/2 inch thick. In a large bowl, toss chicken strips with salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano until evenly coated.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once oil shimmers, add seasoned chicken strips in a single layer. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature.
  4. Chop broccoli into small florets. Steam in a steamer basket over the rice pot during the last 5 minutes of cooking, or saute separately. Broccoli should be bright green and tender-crisp.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger until smooth.
  6. Pour sauce mixture over cooked chicken in the skillet. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Once sauce is bubbling and has simmered for about 30 seconds, add arrowroot slurry while stirring constantly. Sauce will thicken within 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off heat and let chicken sit in sauce for 3 to 5 minutes.
  7. Toast sesame seeds in a small dry pan over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, shaking frequently, until golden and fragrant.
  8. Mix together mayonnaise, sriracha, and water in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Add more water if needed for drizzling consistency.
  9. Assemble bowls with rice base, top with sticky chicken, add steamed broccoli, drizzle with spicy mayo, and finish with toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

Can use chicken thighs for juicier meat. Cornstarch or tapioca starch can substitute arrowroot powder. Store components separately for best texture up to 4 days. Use tamari for gluten-free version. Adjust spice level by reducing or increasing sriracha. Perfect for meal prep. 2 cups uncooked rice yields about 6 cups cooked.