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To make Sticky Honey Chicken Rice Bowls, you need these key ingredients: - 2 cups jasmine rice - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/3 cup honey - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons sesame oil These ingredients create that sweet and savory flavor profile everyone loves. To boost the taste, consider adding: - 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (for heat) - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) - Steamed broccoli or stir-fried mixed vegetables (for serving) These extras add texture and color to your meal. You can swap some ingredients if needed: - For jasmine rice, use basmati or brown rice. - Instead of chicken thighs, try chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian option. - If you need a soy sauce alternative, use tamari for a gluten-free version. These substitutions keep the dish tasty and adaptable to your needs. {{ingredient_image_2}} To cook jasmine rice, start by measuring out 2 cups. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch. Next, follow the package instructions for cooking. Usually, this means combining the rice with water in a pot, bringing it to a boil, then covering and simmering on low heat. After about 15 minutes, check if the rice is tender. Once cooked, fluff it gently with a fork and set it aside to keep warm. For the honey sauce, grab a medium mixing bowl. Add 1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons rice vinegar. Next, mince 3 cloves of garlic and grate 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger. Stir these into the bowl. If you like heat, toss in 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes. Whisk everything together until well mixed. Set the sauce aside for later. Now, heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to the hot skillet. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning frequently. You want the chicken to brown and cook all the way through. Once done, pour the honey sauce over the chicken. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. This thickens the sauce and makes it sticky. To serve, take individual bowls. Add a generous portion of jasmine rice to the bottom of each bowl. Spoon the sticky honey chicken over the rice. Make sure to drizzle any extra sauce on top for added flavor. Finally, it’s time to garnish. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the honey chicken. This adds a nice crunch and fresh taste. For extra color and nutrition, serve the rice bowls with steamed broccoli or stir-fried mixed vegetables. Enjoy your delicious meal! To get the perfect sticky sauce, focus on the timing. When you cook the chicken, add the sauce at the right moment. Wait until the chicken turns golden brown. Then, pour the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken well. If the sauce is too thin, cook it longer. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water. I prefer using chicken thighs for this recipe. They have more fat, which makes them tender and juicy. Chicken breasts can dry out if not cooked carefully. If you choose breasts, cook them on lower heat for longer. Cut them into smaller pieces to help with even cooking. Either way, make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F for safety. Leftover chicken and rice are perfect for this dish. If you have cooked chicken, just cut it into bite-sized pieces. Heat the chicken in a skillet with a bit of sesame oil. Pour the sticky sauce over the heated chicken. For the rice, you can use any leftover rice. Just heat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. This makes a quick meal without starting from scratch. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Rice: For the best texture, use day-old jasmine rice. It’s drier and will hold its shape better when combined with the sticky sauce. Marinate the Chicken: For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the chicken pieces in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to suit your taste. Add more for a sweeter dish or less for a savory kick. Experiment with Vegetables: Mix and match your favorite vegetables for added nutrition and color. Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots work wonderfully! {{image_4}} You can easily switch the chicken for tofu. Use firm tofu for the best texture. Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess water. Cut it into bite-sized cubes. Then, marinate the tofu in the same honey sauce. Cook it in sesame oil until golden brown. This gives you a tasty and satisfying vegetarian meal. Serve it over the jasmine rice, just like the chicken version. If you love heat, add more chili! Use fresh chili or more red chili flakes. Mix the extra chili into your honey sauce for a fiery kick. You can also add sliced jalapeños when cooking the chicken. This will boost the flavor and heat. Adjust the spice level to your taste. This variation is perfect for spice lovers! For a fun twist, throw in some pineapple. Use fresh or canned pineapple chunks. Add them to the skillet while cooking the chicken. The sweet and tangy fruit pairs well with the honey sauce. This adds a bright flavor to your rice bowl. It also makes the dish colorful and vibrant. Enjoy this tropical twist for a burst of sunshine in your meal! To keep your Sticky Honey Chicken Rice Bowls fresh, start with proper storage. Allow the dish to cool down first. Then, place the chicken and rice in an airtight container. You can also add the veggies in a separate container. This helps keep them crisp. Store everything in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to label your containers with the date. This way, you know when to eat them. When reheating, I recommend using the microwave for quick results. Place the rice and chicken in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. This helps heat it evenly. You can also reheat in a skillet over low heat. Just add a little water or oil to keep it moist. Freezing is a great way to save time. You can freeze the chicken and rice separately or together. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn. The dish can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. To prepare Sticky Honey Chicken Rice Bowls in under 20 minutes, use quick-cook jasmine rice. This rice cooks faster than regular rice. Start cooking the rice while you prepare the sauce and chicken. Use a large skillet for the chicken. This allows for even cooking and quick sauce thickening. If you want alternatives to quinoa or rice, try cauliflower rice or farro. Cauliflower rice is a low-carb option and cooks quickly. Farro gives a nutty flavor and chewy texture. Both pair well with the sticky chicken. Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs. Chicken breast is leaner and will cook faster. Cut the chicken breast into small pieces for even cooking. Just watch the cooking time, as it may take less time than thighs. To make Sticky Honey Chicken Rice Bowls gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Be sure to check the label on rice vinegar. Most are gluten-free, but it's good to confirm. Great vegetable options include steamed broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas. These veggies add color and crunch to the dish. You can also stir-fry a mix of your favorites for extra flavor. You learned how to make Sticky Honey Chicken Rice Bowls with simple steps. We covered essential and optional ingredients, along with substitutions. I detailed the cooking process and shared tips for the best results. You can also explore variations like vegetarian or spicy options and learned how to store leftovers. These bowls are fun to make and treat to enjoy. Experiment with flavors and find your favorite twist! Now, go cook and enjoy a delicious meal!

Sticky Honey Chicken Rice Bowls

A delicious and easy-to-make rice bowl featuring sticky honey chicken, served over jasmine rice and garnished with fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups jasmine rice
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 serving sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 1 serving steamed broccoli or stir-fried mixed vegetables (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Rice: Begin by cooking the jasmine rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork, then set it aside to keep warm.
  • Make the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes if you're looking for a bit of spice. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended, then set the sauce aside for later use.
  • Cook the Chicken: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked thoroughly inside. Make sure to stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
  • Add Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, pour the previously prepared honey sauce over it. Stir well to coat the chicken pieces evenly with the sauce. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, letting it bubble for 3-4 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes sticky.
  • Assemble the Bowls: To serve, take individual bowls and place a generous portion of jasmine rice at the bottom of each. Spoon the sticky honey chicken over the rice, ensuring to drizzle any additional sauce on top for extra flavor.
  • Garnish: Enhance the visual appeal and flavor by sprinkling chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the honey chicken. This adds a delightful crunch and freshness to the dish.
  • Serve with Veggies: Complete your meal by serving the rice bowls alongside steamed broccoli or a colorful mix of stir-fried vegetables for added nutrition and texture.

Notes

For an appealing display, use a variety of colored vegetables to contrast with the golden honey chicken. A small lime wedge can also be added on the side for an optional zesty finish.
Keyword chicken, easy dinner, honey, rice bowl