Sticky Rice Chicken Bowl – Sweet, Savory & Satisfying

Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s as comforting as it is crave-worthy? This Sticky Rice Chicken Bowl is the answer. It features tender bites of chicken glazed in a sticky-sweet soy garlic sauce, nestled over soft, perfectly steamed sticky rice. It’s rich in flavor, fast to make, and customizable with your favorite veggies or toppings.

Inspired by Asian takeout favorites, this dish balances savory umami notes with a hint of sweetness and a satisfying texture from the rice. Whether you prep it in advance for lunch or serve it fresh out of the pan for dinner, it’s a bowl that delivers warmth, flavor, and soul in every bite.

 Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
  
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for depth)
  
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
  
• 1 tbsp sesame oil or cooking oil
  
• ½ tbsp cornstarch (for coating)
  
• Sesame seeds & chopped green onions (for garnish)
  

For the Sticky Rice:

• 1 cup glutinous (sticky) rice
  
• Water for soaking & steaming
  
• Pinch of salt
  

 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sticky Rice:

• Rinse sticky rice several times until the water runs clear. Soak in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  
• Drain and steam in a bamboo or regular steamer for 20–25 minutes, until soft and chewy.
  

2. Cook the Chicken:

• In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch.
  
• Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until browned and cooked through (5–7 mins).
  
• Add garlic and ginger, cook 1 min. Stir in soy sauce, honey, and oyster sauce. Simmer until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken.
  

3. Assemble the Bowl:

• Add a scoop of sticky rice to a bowl.
  
• Top with glazed chicken. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and optional chili flakes or pickled veggies.
  

 Tips & Variations:

• Use pre-cooked frozen sticky rice for speed.
  
• Add steamed broccoli, bok choy, or cucumber slices for crunch.
  
• Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp.
  

 Image Prompt:

A deep bowl filled with glossy, sticky rice topped with glazed chicken pieces, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. A drizzle of sauce on top, with steamed greens on the side and chopsticks resting on the bowl. Warm, natural lighting with a modern kitchen background.