Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls for Meal Prep (Print Version)
Sticky chicken rice bowls packed with high-protein chicken, fluffy rice, and a savory-sweet glaze. Easy meal prep for the whole week.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian
Dietary: Dairy-Free, Halal
# Ingredients:
→ Fluffy Jasmine Base
01 -
2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed
02 -
2 and 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
03 -
1 tsp sesame oil
04 -
1/2 tsp salt
→ Golden Seared Chicken
05 -
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
06 -
1 tbsp avocado oil
07 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
08 -
1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Glossy Sticky Glaze
09 -
1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
10 -
3 tbsp honey
11 -
2 tbsp rice vinegar
12 -
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
13 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
14 -
1 tbsp cornstarch
15 -
2 tbsp water
→ Fresh Bowl Toppings
16 -
3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
17 -
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
18 -
1 cup shredded purple cabbage
19 -
1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
# Instructions:
01 -
Add 2 cups rinsed jasmine rice, 2 and 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 1/2 tsp salt to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let steam for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
02 -
Pat 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Drizzle with 1 tbsp avocado oil, then season evenly on both sides with 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Drying the chicken ensures a golden, caramelized sear rather than steaming in the pan.
03 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and sear undisturbed for 5-6 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
04 -
In the same skillet over medium heat, combine 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger, and 4 cloves minced garlic. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the garlic and ginger to bloom and the flavors to meld beautifully.
05 -
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp water until smooth to create a slurry. Pour it into the simmering glaze while stirring constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy, sticky consistency that coats the back of a spoon perfectly.
06 -
Slice the rested chicken thighs into strips and return them to the skillet with the sticky glaze. Toss well to coat every piece thoroughly. For the best Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls | High-Protein Meal Prep, let the chicken simmer in the glaze for 1-2 minutes so it absorbs maximum flavor before assembling.
07 -
While the chicken glazes, thinly slice 3 stalks of green onions, slice 1 medium cucumber, and measure out 1 cup shredded purple cabbage and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. These fresh toppings add crunch, color, and brightness that make your Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls | High-Protein Meal Prep visually stunning and nutritionally balanced.
08 -
Divide the fluffy sesame jasmine rice evenly among 4 bowls or meal prep containers. Top each with generous portions of sticky glazed chicken, shredded purple cabbage, and cucumber slices. Finish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. These Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls | High-Protein Meal Prep are ready to serve or store immediately.
# Notes:
01 -
🍗 Meal Prep Storage: Store assembled Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls | High-Protein Meal Prep in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the fresh toppings like cucumber and cabbage separate until ready to eat to prevent sogginess and maintain the best texture.
02 -
🔄 Protein Swap: Chicken thighs deliver the juiciest results, but boneless chicken breasts, salmon fillets, or extra-firm tofu work beautifully with this sticky glaze. Adjust cook times accordingly — breasts need about 6-7 minutes per side and tofu needs 4-5 minutes per side until golden.
03 -
🍯 Glaze Tip: For an extra-thick, restaurant-style glaze, double the cornstarch slurry. You can also add 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a sweet-heat kick that takes this recipe to the next level.
04 -
🥢 Serving Suggestion: Serve these bowls with a drizzle of sriracha mayo (2 tbsp mayo + 1 tsp sriracha) for a creamy contrast to the sticky glaze. A side of steamed edamame or a soft-boiled egg adds even more protein to make this a truly satisfying high-protein meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
medium saucepan with lid
02 -
large skillet or wok
03 -
cutting board
04 -
chef's knife
05 -
measuring cups and spoons
06 -
mixing bowl
07 -
microplane or grater
08 -
meal prep containers
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 620 kcal
Total Fat: 14 g
Total Carbohydrate: 72 g
Protein: 52 g