Sticky Chicken Bowls for Weeknight Dinner (Print Version)
Sticky chicken bowls packed with protein and bold flavor. Ready in 30 minutes for a quick, healthy weeknight meal the whole family will love.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian
Dietary: Dairy-Free, Halal
# Ingredients:
→ Tender Glazed Chicken
01 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 -
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
03 -
1 tbsp sesame oil
04 -
1/2 tsp black pepper
05 -
1 tbsp cornstarch
→ Sticky Umami Sauce
06 -
3 tbsp honey
07 -
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
08 -
1 tbsp rice vinegar
09 -
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
10 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
11 -
1 tsp sriracha
→ Wholesome Bowl Base
12 -
2 cups dry brown rice
13 -
2 cups broccoli florets
14 -
1 cup shredded purple cabbage
15 -
1 medium carrot, julienned
→ Fresh Finish & Garnish
16 -
2 green onions, thinly sliced
17 -
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
18 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Start your Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls for Quick Weeknight Dinner by cooking 2 cups of dry brown rice according to package directions. This typically takes 35-40 minutes, so begin this first. Fluff with a fork when done and keep warm until ready to serve.
02 -
In a large bowl, toss 1 1/2 lbs of bite-sized chicken thigh pieces with 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Mix until every piece is evenly coated. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes while you prep the sauce.
03 -
Whisk together 3 tbsp honey, 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger, 3 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tsp sriracha in a small bowl. This bold, sticky umami sauce is the flavor backbone of your Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls for Quick Weeknight Dinner.
04 -
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and lightly coat with cooking spray or a drizzle of oil. Add the marinated chicken thigh pieces in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
05 -
Pour the prepared sticky umami sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes over medium heat, tossing frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats every piece in a glossy glaze. For the best Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls for Quick Weeknight Dinner, don't skip this caramelizing step.
06 -
While the chicken glazes, steam 2 cups of broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until bright green and just tender. Alternatively, microwave with a splash of water for 2 minutes. Keep the 1 cup shredded purple cabbage and 1 medium julienned carrot raw for a satisfying fresh crunch in your bowls.
07 -
Divide the cooked brown rice evenly among 4 bowls. Top each with a generous portion of sticky glazed chicken, steamed broccoli florets, shredded purple cabbage, and julienned carrot. These vibrant, colorful bowls make your Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls for Quick Weeknight Dinner as beautiful as it is nutritious.
08 -
Finish each bowl with a sprinkle of 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 2 thinly sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro leaves divided among the bowls. Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and saucy. A drizzle of extra sriracha on the side is perfect for heat lovers.
# Notes:
01 -
Storage Tip: Store leftover Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls for Quick Weeknight Dinner components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the chicken and rice together in a skillet with a splash of water to revive the sticky glaze.
02 -
Substitution Tip: Boneless skinless chicken breasts can replace chicken thighs for a leaner option, but reduce cook time by 1-2 minutes per side to prevent dryness. You can also swap brown rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa to lower carbs.
03 -
Meal Prep Tip: Double the sticky umami sauce and store half in a jar in the fridge for up to one week. It works beautifully as a stir-fry sauce, marinade, or dipping sauce, making future weeknight meals even faster.
04 -
Serving Tip: For extra creaminess, drizzle each bowl with a spoonful of natural peanut butter thinned with a little warm water, or add sliced avocado on the side. Both additions complement the sweet and savory glaze perfectly.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
large skillet or wok
02 -
medium saucepan with lid
03 -
cutting board
04 -
chef's knife
05 -
mixing bowls
06 -
measuring cups and spoons
07 -
microplane or grater
08 -
wooden spoon or spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 520 kcal
Total Fat: 14 g
Total Carbohydrate: 62 g
Protein: 38 g