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If you’re craving a meal that checks all the boxes—flavorful, satisfying, and nourishing—look no further than this Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe! Bursting with vibrant colors and a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes, these bowls are my go-to when I want something wholesome yet indulgent. The tender chicken glazed in a luscious sticky sauce pairs beautifully with fluffy rice and fresh broccoli, creating a dish that’s not only comforting but also packed with nutrients. Once you try this Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe, I bet it’ll quickly become one of your favorite weeknight dinners too!

Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients—all easy to find and each playing an essential role in building flavor, texture, and color. From the tender chicken breasts and fresh broccoli to the zesty sticky sauce ingredients, every component pulls together for a satisfying and healthy meal.

2 cups uncooked rice: A fluffy base that soaks up the sticky sauce perfectly, making every bite comforting.
2 small heads broccoli, chopped: Adds a vibrant green pop and satisfying crunch that balances the richness.
3 large chicken breasts: Lean protein that becomes tender and flavorful when coated with spices and sauce.
2 tbsp olive oil: Used to cook the chicken and broccoli, adding a subtle fruity richness.
1 tsp salt: Enhances the depth of flavor in the chicken and overall dish.
1/2 tsp pepper: Gives a gentle spice that complements the savory-sweet sauce.
1 tsp chili powder: Introduces a warm, smoky heat that elevates the chicken’s flavor.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a delicious smoky undertone that enhances the dish’s complexity.
1 tsp onion powder: Brings subtle aromatic notes without overpowering the other spices.
1 tsp oregano: Offers a hint of herbaceous freshness to the chicken seasoning.
Sticky Sauce:
1/2 cup soy sauce: The salty backbone of the sauce that ties all the flavors together.
1/2 cup honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally and helps create that irresistible sticky texture.
1/4 cup rice vinegar: Adds a bright acidity that balances the honey’s sweetness.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a punch of savory flavor.
2 tbsp sriracha: Packs a spicy kick that wakes up the taste buds.
2 tsp sesame oil: Imparts a nutty aroma that’s classic in Asian-inspired dishes.
1 tsp ground ginger: Warms the sauce with a subtle spicy zest.
2 tsp arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tbsp water: This slurry thickens the sauce beautifully while keeping it gluten-free.
Spicy mayo:
1/2 cup mayo: Creates a creamy contrast to the sticky chicken.
1 tbsp sriracha: Adds heat and vivid flavor.
2–3 tbsp water: Used to thin the mayo to the perfect drizzling consistency.
Sesame seeds for topping: A final touch of crunch and nuttiness that makes every bowl look incredible.

How to Make Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe!

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by cooking your rice according to package instructions. Having perfectly fluffy rice is key because it soaks up the sticky sauce like a champ, making every bite a flavor-packed delight. Once done, set it aside to keep warm.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

Chop the broccoli into small florets to ensure even cooking and easy eating. You can steam or sauté the broccoli until it’s just tender, keeping its vibrant green color and slight crunch. This step brings freshness and balance to your bowl.

Step 3: Season and Cook the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts into strips and season generously with salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano. The combination ensures every piece has a punch of flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the chicken strips, and cook until golden and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Sticky Sauce

While the chicken cooks, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, ground ginger, and the arrowroot slurry in a bowl. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the cooked chicken and simmer gently until the sauce thickens into a luscious, glossy glaze that clings to every strip.

Step 5: Prepare the Spicy Mayo

In a small bowl, stir together mayo, sriracha, and water until you get a smooth, pourable consistency. This creamy, spicy sauce will add a cool, fiery contrast to the sticky chicken.

Step 6: Assemble Your Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe!

Time to bring it all together! Layer fluffy rice at the bottom of your bowl, add a generous portion of sticky chicken, then top with tender broccoli florets. Drizzle the spicy mayo over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds for that extra pop of texture and flavor. Enjoy every mouthwatering bite!

How to Serve Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe!

Garnishes

To elevate your Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe, consider fresh garnishes like thinly sliced green onions or chopped cilantro. These add a bright, fresh contrast making the dish pop visually and flavor-wise. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can also brighten the rich sticky sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish is perfectly balanced on its own but if you want to serve sides, a simple cucumber salad or a light Asian slaw with a tangy dressing complements the sticky chicken’s rich flavors without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Feel like making it special? Serve your Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe in cute mason jars for a laid-back picnic vibe, or on large platters family-style so everyone can build their own bowls. Experiment with colorful veggies like shredded carrots or edamame for added visual appeal and nutrients.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe components can be refrigerated separately. Keep the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and the rice and broccoli in separate containers to maintain freshness and texture for up to 3 days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze for later, store cooked chicken with the sticky sauce and rice in freezer-safe containers. Avoid freezing broccoli as it tends to become mushy. When properly stored, these freeze well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For the best taste, reheat the chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Reheat rice and broccoli separately in the microwave or on the stove to preserve texture. Add fresh spicy mayo garnish after reheating for that perfect finishing touch.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice can be substituted for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. Just keep in mind it takes longer to cook, so prepare it ahead of time or adjust your cooking plan accordingly.

Is this Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, this recipe is gluten-free. The arrowroot powder thickener also helps avoid gluten-containing starches.

Can I make the sticky sauce less spicy?

Definitely! Adjust the sriracha amount to suit your heat preference. You can also omit it altogether for a milder sweet and savory sauce that still tastes fantastic.

What if I don’t have arrowroot powder? Can I use cornstarch?

Cornstarch works well as a substitute for arrowroot powder in this recipe. Mix it with water to create the slurry and use the same quantity to thicken the sauce.

How long does this meal take to prepare?

This Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe comes together in about 30-40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet wholesome weekday dinner.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about a bowl packed with tender, flavorful chicken, fresh veggies, and that irresistible sticky sauce that keeps you coming back for more. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those dishes that makes both your body and your taste buds happy—give it a try and watch it become a staple in your kitchen!

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