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Healthy sticky chicken bowls with fresh vegetables and rice served in a bowl.

Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls

These Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls balance sweet and savory with crisp veggies and a simple pantry sauce, perfect for busy evenings, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Healthy
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Sauce
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs Recommended for juiciness
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce Use low sodium if watching salt
  • 2 tablespoons honey Maple syrup or agave for vegan adaptation
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar Apple cider vinegar is an okay swap
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated Or 1 teaspoon ground ginger in a pinch
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil Neutral oil plus a teaspoon toasted sesame oil works too
For the Vegetables and Garnish
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 carrot shredded or julienned
  • 1 green onion sliced for garnish
  • to taste sesame seeds for garnish
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa Toasted quinoa adds a nutty note

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
  2. Put the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour half the sauce over the chicken and turn to coat. Reserve the other half of the sauce for finishing. Marinate at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
Cooking
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add a small drizzle of oil if your pan is not nonstick. Sear the marinated chicken thighs 5 to 7 minutes per side. Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let it rest 5 minutes before slicing.
  2. In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets, sliced red bell pepper, and shredded carrot. Stir-fry for 3 to 5 minutes until vegetables are bright and just tender.
  3. Pour in the reserved sauce and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, until it slightly thickens and coats the veggies. If the sauce needs more thickening, simmer a little longer or add a tiny slurry of cornstarch and water.
Assembly
  1. Divide the cooked brown rice or quinoa between bowls. Top each bowl with sliced chicken and the saucy vegetables.
  2. Sprinkle sliced green onion and sesame seeds over the top. Serve immediately while warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 700mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10g

Notes

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours in an airtight container. Stored properly, they keep 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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