Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

Sweet & Spicy Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

If you’re craving a meal that’s satisfying, full of protein, and bursting with flavor, these Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls are exactly what you need. Tender bites of air-fried chicken are tossed in a sweet and savory sticky sauce, served over a base of fluffy rice and crisp broccoli, and topped with a creamy spicy mayo drizzle. Every bite is a perfect balance of textures and tastes — salty, sweet, spicy, and comforting all at once.

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These bowls make a fantastic weeknight dinner or meal prep option. The recipe comes together in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings when you want something quick but crave-worthy. Plus, it’s made in the air fryer, so you’ll get juicy chicken with that golden, slightly crisp exterior — no deep frying required.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping lunches for the week, this easy sticky chicken rice bowl will soon become a regular in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love These Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

• Quick & Easy: Done in about 40 minutes with simple steps.
• High Protein: Chicken, rice, and broccoli make a filling and balanced meal.
• Customizable: You can swap veggies or protein to fit your taste.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Packed with Flavor: The homemade sticky sauce and spicy mayo are irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish has three main components: the bowl base, the sticky sauce, and the spicy mayo topping. Here’s what you’ll need to make it all come together:

Bowl Base

• 2 cups uncooked rice: Any type works — jasmine, long grain, or even brown rice. Quinoa is a great substitute.
• 2 small heads of broccoli, chopped: Adds texture, fiber, and freshness.
• 3 large chicken breasts: Cut into small pieces for even cooking.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps coat the chicken and bind the spices.
• Seasonings: 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp oregano.

Sticky Sauce

• ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium works well)
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to your spice tolerance)
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening; you can use arrowroot instead)

Spicy Mayo

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 2–3 tbsp water (to thin it out for drizzling)

Toppings (Optional but Highly Recommended)

• Sesame seeds for a nutty crunch
• Avocado slices for creamy richness

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before you start, gather a few basic kitchen tools:

• Air fryer
• Saucepan
• Cutting board and knife
• Stirring utensil
• Microwave-safe bowl (for steaming broccoli)
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls

This recipe comes together quickly and easily. Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Cook the Rice:
   Start by preparing your rice according to the package directions. You can use a rice cooker or stovetop method — whichever you prefer.
2. Steam the Broccoli:
   Steam or microwave your broccoli until tender but still bright green. Set it aside while you cook the chicken.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
   Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil and all the listed seasonings until evenly coated.
4. Air Fry the Chicken:
   Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F).
5. Make the Sticky Sauce:
   While the chicken cooks, place a saucepan over medium heat. Add soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ginger. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it to the pan. Stir continuously for about 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
6. Combine Everything:
   Once the chicken is done, toss it in the sticky sauce until every piece is coated.
7. Assemble the Bowls:
   Layer rice at the bottom, followed by broccoli and sticky chicken. Drizzle spicy mayo on top and sprinkle with sesame seeds and avocado slices.

Optional Add-Ins

You can make your Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls even more exciting by mixing in or topping with:

• Fresh cilantro
• Green onions or scallions
• Cucumber slices
• Red onion
• Snap peas or edamame
• Chopped cashews or peanuts

Want a lighter version? Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or use tofu or shrimp instead of chicken.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

These bowls are perfect for meal prep! Once cooled, divide into individual airtight containers and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for 3–4 days.

To reheat, simply microwave until warm and drizzle with a little fresh sauce or mayo if desired.

You can also freeze the chicken and sauce portion separately (without rice or mayo) for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Benefits

Each bowl provides a balanced meal packed with lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and healthy fats. The sauce gives flavor without relying on heavy frying or unnecessary additives — making this a wholesome and nourishing option for any day of the week.

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