Sticky Garlic Chicken Bowl with Fluffy Rice & Steamed Broccoli

A Weeknight Dinner That Feels Like Takeout—Without Leaving Home

There’s something comforting about digging into a warm, flavorful bowl of food after a long day. Whether it’s a chilly evening when you crave something cozy or a busy weeknight when you need something satisfying but easy to prepare, this Sticky Garlic Chicken Bowl is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Inspired by classic Asian takeout dishes, this bowl blends the deep umami of soy sauce, the mellow sweetness of honey, and the punch of fresh garlic and ginger to create a glaze that clings perfectly to golden chicken bites. Balanced with fluffy rice and steamed broccoli, it’s a wholesome and crave-worthy meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes.

This dish first came to life during a late-night dinner craving. Instead of ordering in, I reached for a few pantry staples and decided to create something fresh and flavorful at home. What started as a quick fix became a family favorite—and now, it’s yours to enjoy.

---

Why You’ll Love This Sticky Garlic Chicken Bowl

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, including prep and cook time.

• Wholesome Ingredients: Lean chicken breast, fiber-rich broccoli, and no deep frying.

• Incredibly Flavorful: A sticky-sweet glaze infused with garlic and ginger.

• Versatile: Swap rice for brown rice, cauliflower rice, or even noodles.

• Great for Meal Prep: Make a double batch and enjoy it for lunch the next day.

---

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Sticky Garlic Chicken:

• 2 medium chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or green onion, for garnish

For the Bowl Base:

• 1 cup uncooked white rice (yields ~2.5 cups cooked)

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed until tender

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Rice

Begin by cooking the rice according to package instructions. For perfect fluffy rice:

• Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

• Add rice to a pot with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt.

• Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.

• Turn off the heat and let it steam (covered) for another 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Tip: You can also use a rice cooker or instant pot for a hands-off method.

2. Steam the Broccoli

While the rice is cooking:

• Steam the broccoli in a steamer basket for about 4–5 minutes until it turns bright green and is just tender.

• Alternatively, microwave the florets with a splash of water in a covered bowl for 3–4 minutes.

Don’t overcook—the broccoli should retain a bit of crunch.

3. Prepare the Sticky Garlic Chicken

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

• Add the diced chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown on all sides (about 6–7 minutes).

• Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.

• Pour in the soy sauce and honey, stirring well to coat the chicken.

• Lower the heat and simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.

Pro tip: If the sauce needs a bit more thickening, let it reduce uncovered for another minute. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it.

4. Assemble the Bowls

• Divide the fluffy rice into two serving bowls.

• Top with steamed broccoli on one side and sticky garlic chicken on the other.

• Drizzle a bit of extra sauce from the pan over the rice for added flavor.

• Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of freshness.

---

Flavor Boosters and Variations

Looking to change things up or tailor the recipe to your preferences? Here are some easy swaps and upgrades:

Make It Spicy

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha while simmering the sauce for a spicy kick.

• Stir in some chopped chili garlic paste if you love bold flavors.

Low-Carb Option

• Replace white rice with cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage for a keto-friendly version.

• Use tamari or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free and soy-free.

Add More Veggies

• Toss in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra crunch and nutrients.

• Stir-fry the veggies with the chicken before adding the sauce for more complexity.

Protein Swaps

• Use tofu, shrimp, or boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast.

• Thin slices of beef also work beautifully with this sticky glaze.

---

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This recipe makes two hearty servings, but it’s easy to scale up for weekly meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Reheat: Warm in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and rice separately for up to 2 months. Steamed broccoli may lose texture when frozen, so add it fresh when reheating.

---

Nutrition at a Glance (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~490

• Protein: 36g

• Carbs: 45g

• Fat: 18g

• Fiber: 4g

Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredient brands and quantities.

---

Serving Suggestions

This bowl is delicious on its own, but you can enhance your dinner with:

• A crisp side salad with sesame dressing

• Miso soup or a light cucumber salad

• Pickled ginger or kimchi for a tangy contrast

• A fried egg on top for extra richness

---

Why This Recipe Works for Everyone

Whether you’re cooking for your partner, your kids, or just for yourself, this dish is guaranteed to please. The flavors are bold yet familiar, and the textures—tender chicken, crunchy broccoli, and soft rice—create a deeply satisfying experience in every bite.

It’s also perfect for those trying to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor. No deep-frying, no mystery ingredients—just real food, made delicious.

---

What Readers Are Saying

“This was better than takeout! The glaze on the chicken was so flavorful and easy to make.” — Jessica H.

“My kids devoured it! Definitely adding this to our weekly dinner rotation.” — Marcus T.

“Meal prepped it for lunches and it held up beautifully. The sauce is addictive!” — Rachel P.

---

Final Thoughts

The Sticky Garlic Chicken Bowl with Fluffy Rice & Steamed Broccoli proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something special. It’s quick, easy, and full of bold flavors that make it feel like a treat—even when you’re just cooking at home on a Tuesday night.

If you’re looking for a go-to chicken dinner recipe that’s comforting, versatile, and packed with flavor, this bowl checks every box. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen

Print