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Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls

Enjoy a nutrient-packed meal with these flavorful Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls featuring tender chicken, crunchy broccoli, and fluffy rice in a sweet-savory sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Bowls
  • 2 cup uncooked rice (white or brown), rinsed Use brown rice for more fiber.
  • 2 small heads broccoli, cut into bite-size florets Aim for crisp-tender florets to avoid mushy texture.
  • 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips Turkey breast is a leaner option.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste) Adjust salt according to preference.
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.33 cup low-sodium soy sauce Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.
  • 0.25 cup honey or pure maple syrup Agave syrup can be used for lower glycemic index.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or 0.5 tsp ground ginger)
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
For Garnish (Optional)
  • 0.25 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (for optional drizzle)
  • 1 tsp sriracha or hot sauce (more to taste, for optional drizzle)
  • 2 tbsp sliced green onions (for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Method
 

Cook the Rice
  1. Cook the rice according to package instructions, then fluff with a fork and set aside, keeping it warm while assembling the bowls.
Prepare the Broccoli and Chicken
  1. Cut the broccoli into bite-size florets and slice the chicken breasts into even strips so they cook quickly and evenly.
Season the Chicken
  1. In a bowl, toss the chicken with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano until all pieces are well coated.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden on the outside and cooked through in the center.
Prepare the Sauce
  1. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, leaving any browned bits in the skillet. In the same pan, whisk together soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, then bring to a gentle simmer.
Thicken the Sauce
  1. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and turns glossy enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Coat the Chicken
  1. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss until every piece is coated in the sticky glaze. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Cook the Broccoli
  1. Meanwhile, steam or sauté the broccoli florets just until crisp-tender and bright green, then season lightly with salt.
Prepare the Optional Drizzle
  1. For an optional drizzle, stir together the Greek yogurt or mayonnaise with sriracha and a splash of water until smooth and pourable.
Assemble the Bowls
  1. Assemble the bowls by adding a scoop of rice to each, topping with sticky chicken and broccoli, then finishing with the spicy drizzle, green onions, and sesame seeds.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in a skillet to maintain the chicken's texture.