If you’ve been on the lookout for a meal that checks all the boxes—nutritious, bursting with flavor, and simple enough for a weeknight dinner—you’re going to adore this Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe! It’s the perfect balance of tender, spiced chicken coated in a glossy sticky sauce, paired beautifully with bright, crisp broccoli and fluffy rice. Each bite delivers a satisfying mix of textures and layers of flavor that feel like a special treat without any fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to comfort food that also supports your healthy eating goals.

Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making this dish truly shine. Each component, from the fragrant spices to the hearty chicken and vibrant broccoli, plays a crucial role in building a bowl that’s both visually appealing and deliciously wholesome.

2 cups uncooked rice: The perfect fluffy base to soak up all the sticky sauce goodness.
2 small heads broccoli, chopped: Adds a pop of green and a satisfying crunch to the bowl.
3 large chicken breasts: Your lean protein that becomes tender and flavorful when seasoned and cooked right.
2 tbsp olive oil: Helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken while keeping it moist.
1 tsp salt: Enhances and balances the flavors throughout the dish.
1/2 tsp pepper: Brings a subtle heat and depth to the chicken seasoning.
1 tsp chili powder: Adds a smoky warmth that elevates the flavor profile.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Contributes a rich, slightly sweet smokiness.
1 tsp onion powder: Builds savory complexity without overpowering other flavors.
1 tsp oregano: Infuses an earthy herbal note to complement the chicken.
Sticky Sauce: A luscious glaze made from soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, ground ginger, and a thickening arrowroot slurry that perfectly coats the chicken.
Spicy mayo: Creamy mayo blended with sriracha and thinned out for drizzling, adding a cool, spicy kick.
Sesame seeds: A final sprinkle for crunch and a nutty finish that makes every bite pop.

How to Make Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe!

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by preparing the rice according to the package instructions—this will be your sturdy, comforting base to hold all the delicious toppings. Set it aside once done to keep it warm and fluffy.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

Chop the broccoli into small, manageable florets. Whether you steam it lightly to keep that vibrant green or sauté it in the pan for a bit more texture, broccoli adds a fresh crunch that perfectly balances the richness of the chicken and sauce.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts into strips and generously season them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and oregano. This combination creates a deliciously aromatic and slightly smoky crust when cooked.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook them until they turn golden brown and are completely cooked through. This step locks in moisture and develops incredible flavor from the spices.

Step 5: Cook the Broccoli

In the same skillet or in a separate pan, steam or sauté the broccoli florets until they become tender but still hold a slight crunch. This ensures the broccoli doesn’t get too soft and retains its vibrant color and nutrients.

Step 6: Make and Add the Sticky Sauce

Whisk together the sticky sauce ingredients—soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, ground ginger, and arrowroot slurry. Pour this mix into the skillet with the chicken and let it simmer gently until it thickens into a glossy glaze that coats every piece beautifully.

Step 7: Mix the Spicy Mayo

Combine mayo, sriracha, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of water in a small bowl, stirring until you get a smooth, pourable sauce. This spicy mayo adds a luxurious, cool contrast to the sticky chicken bowls.

Step 8: Assemble the Bowls

Layer cooked rice at the bottom, top with broccoli florets and the sticky chicken, then drizzle generously with the spicy mayo. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add a lovely crunch and a touch of elegance.

How to Serve Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe!

Garnishes

For added freshness and a burst of brightness, sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh cilantro over the assembled bowls. A wedge of lime on the side can also elevate the flavors with a zesty tang.

Side Dishes

Though this bowl is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with a crisp cucumber salad or a light Asian slaw can add complementary textures and extra freshness that brighten the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the healthy sticky chicken bowls in individual mason jars for a fun, portable lunch option. Or jazz up family dinners by creating a build-your-own bowl station where everyone can add their favorite garnishes and sauces.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra chicken, rice, and broccoli in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this wholesome meal again without any hassle.

Freezing

If you want to save some for longer, freeze the cooked chicken and sticky sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Rice and broccoli don’t freeze as well, so it’s best to cook fresh when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Microwave rice and broccoli separately, then assemble your bowls as fresh as the first time.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds more fiber and a nuttier flavor, making your Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe even heartier. Just be sure to cook it according to package instructions since it usually takes a bit longer.

How spicy is this dish?

The dish has a nice balanced heat thanks to the chili powder in the chicken seasoning and the sriracha in both the sauce and spicy mayo. If you prefer milder flavors, feel free to adjust or omit the sriracha.

Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?

Definitely! This recipe works beautifully with tofu for a vegetarian option or shrimp for a seafood twist. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is properly cooked.

Is arrowroot powder necessary in the sticky sauce?

Arrowroot powder helps thicken the sauce to that perfect sticky consistency. If you don’t have arrowroot, cornstarch works as a great substitute and will yield similar results.

What’s the best way to make the spicy mayo less thick?

The water added in the spicy mayo is key to achieving a pourable consistency. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more a little at a time until you get the flow that’s just right for drizzling.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls Recipe! is truly one of those meals that feels like a great hug on a plate—simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and wonderfully satisfying. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy night or meal prepping for the week, these bowls deliver comfort and nutrition in every bite. Go ahead and treat yourself to this delicious recipe; I promise you’ll come back to it again and again!