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Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls

Section: Nutritious & Delicious

These vibrant bowls feature bite-sized chicken coated in a glossy honey garlic sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. The chicken is served over fluffy rice alongside fresh vegetables like steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, red cabbage, cucumber, and creamy avocado.

Everything comes together in just 35 minutes using simple ingredients and straightforward steps. The dish combines multiple textures - tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and fluffy rice - all tied together by the irresistible sticky sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests without complicated techniques.

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Last revised on Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:39:01 GMT
Healthy sticky chicken bowl with honey garlic glazed chicken, rice, broccoli, avocado, shredded carrots, red cabbage and sesame seeds Bookmark
Healthy sticky chicken bowl with honey garlic glazed chicken, rice, broccoli, avocado, shredded carrots, red cabbage and sesame seeds | tryplately.com

This hearty Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bowl has become my weeknight savior whenever I need a quick but impressive dinner that satisfies everyone at the table. The glossy honey-garlic sauce coats tender chicken pieces, creating that perfect balance of sticky sweetness with savory depth that keeps everyone coming back for more.

I first created this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something that felt special but didn't require hours in the kitchen. Now my family requests these bowls at least twice a month, and I've started prepping components ahead for even faster assembly.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite size pieces provide the protein foundation and stay juicy even when reheated
  • Garlic adds essential aromatic flavor that becomes mellow and sweet when cooked properly
  • Honey creates that signature sticky glaze and balances the savory elements
  • Soy sauce brings umami depth and saltiness to round out the flavor profile
  • Rice vinegar adds brightness that cuts through the richness
  • Cornstarch creates that restaurant quality thickness for the sauce
  • White rice absorbs all the delicious sauce and provides the perfect base
  • Fresh vegetables add color texture and nutrition look for the brightest produce available

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Chicken
Heat your olive oil until it shimmers slightly in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer with a bit of space between each piece to promote browning rather than steaming. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes total stirring occasionally until the exterior develops a light golden color and the interior reaches 165°F. The chicken should be just cooked through but still tender.
Create the Aromatic Base
Add minced garlic directly to the cooked chicken and stir continuously for exactly 30 seconds. This quick cooking prevents the garlic from burning while releasing its essential oils into the pan. You should immediately smell the fragrant aroma rising from the pan this is your indication that the garlic is properly activating.
Prepare and Add the Sauce
In a separate bowl combine soy sauce honey rice vinegar black pepper and cornstarch if using until completely smooth. The cornstarch should be fully dissolved with no visible lumps. Pour this mixture over the chicken and garlic allowing it to bubble gently around the edges. The transformation begins immediately as the sauce hits the hot pan.
Develop the Sticky Glaze
Allow the sauce to simmer while continuously tossing the chicken for 2 to 4 minutes. Watch carefully as the sauce changes from thin and watery to glossy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. The magic happens when the sauce reduces just enough to cling beautifully to each piece of chicken creating that irresistible sticky coating.
Assemble with Intention
Start with a foundation of warm fluffy rice divided among four bowls. Position the glazed chicken in the center as the star ingredient. Arrange the colorful components broccoli carrots cabbage cucumber and avocado in separate sections around the chicken creating a visually appealing color wheel effect. This presentation makes each bowl look professionally crafted.
Ingredients for healthy sticky chicken bowls including diced chicken, rice, broccoli, shredded carrots, red cabbage, cucumber, avocado, garlic, soy sauce, honey, green onions, sesame seeds and lime Bookmark
Ingredients for healthy sticky chicken bowls including diced chicken, rice, broccoli, shredded carrots, red cabbage, cucumber, avocado, garlic, soy sauce, honey, green onions, sesame seeds and lime | Tryplately.com

The honey in this recipe is truly the secret ingredient that transforms ordinary chicken into something craveable. I once made this for my sister who claimed she never liked Asian inspired dishes but she ended up asking for the recipe before dinner was even finished. There's something about the way the honey caramelizes slightly that creates an irresistible depth of flavor.

Perfect Make-Ahead Strategy

These bowls excel as meal prep because you can prepare all components separately and store them properly for quick assembly throughout the week. Cook the chicken with its sauce and store in one container the rice in another and keep all fresh vegetables separate. When ready to eat simply reheat the chicken and rice then add the fresh components. The sauce will actually continue to develop flavor as it sits making day two and three equally delicious.

Customization Options

The beauty of these bowls lies in their adaptability. While the honey garlic chicken remains the star you can easily customize the base and toppings to suit preferences or use what you have available. Try quinoa brown rice or cauliflower rice as alternatives to white rice. Swap vegetables based on seasonality try edamame bell peppers roasted sweet potatoes or sautéed spinach. For extra flavor add a drizzle of sriracha mayo spicy peanut sauce or additional soy sauce.

Nutrition Boost

These bowls offer a well balanced approach to eating with protein carbs healthy fats and plenty of fiber rich vegetables. The chicken provides lean protein while the rainbow of vegetables delivers essential vitamins minerals and antioxidants. Add extra broccoli for more fiber or include more avocado for healthy fats. This is comfort food you can feel good about enjoying regularly as it satisfies both nutrition goals and cravings for something delicious.

Healthy sticky chicken bowl with honey garlic glazed chicken over rice, topped with broccoli, avocado, shredded carrots, red cabbage, cucumber, green onions and sesame seeds Bookmark
Healthy sticky chicken bowl with honey garlic glazed chicken over rice, topped with broccoli, avocado, shredded carrots, red cabbage, cucumber, green onions and sesame seeds | Tryplately.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, both boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs work perfectly in this dish. Thighs tend to be more tender and juicy, while breasts are leaner. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them to prevent dryness.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce. All other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.

→ What vegetables can I substitute in these bowls?

These bowls are extremely flexible! Try edamame, snap peas, bell peppers, spinach, kale, or shredded Brussels sprouts. Use whatever vegetables you have on hand or are in season for a personalized bowl.

→ Can I meal prep these bowls?

Absolutely! Prepare the chicken, rice, and cooked vegetables up to 3 days ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers. Add fresh components like avocado, cucumber, and garnishes just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

→ What can I use instead of honey?

Maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar can substitute for honey. Each will create a slightly different flavor profile but will still give you that delicious sweet-savory balance in the sauce.

→ How do I make the sauce thicker?

The recipe includes optional cornstarch for thickening. For an even thicker glaze, increase cornstarch to 2 teaspoons, or simmer the sauce longer to reduce it naturally. Remember that the sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.

Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls

Glazed chicken with honey-garlic sauce served over rice with fresh vegetables - perfect for weeknights or meal prep.

Preparation Time
15 mins
Cooking Time
20 mins
Total Time
35 mins
By: Chima

Category: Healthy Recipes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Yield: 4 Servings (4 bowls)

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken & Sauce

01 450g boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
02 1 tbsp olive oil
03 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 3 tbsp soy sauce
05 3 tbsp honey
06 1 tbsp rice vinegar or fresh lime juice
07 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thicker glaze)
08 ¼ tsp black pepper

→ For the Bowls

09 2 cups cooked white rice
10 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
11 ½ cup shredded carrots
12 ½ cup shredded red cabbage
13 ½ cup sliced cucumber
14 1 ripe avocado, sliced
15 2 green onions, sliced
16 1 tsp sesame seeds
17 Lime wedges, for serving

Steps

Step 01

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden and cooked through.

Step 02

Add the garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar (or lime juice), black pepper, and cornstarch if using.

Step 03

Pour the sauce into the skillet and toss the chicken to coat. Let it simmer for 2–4 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy and sticky.

Step 04

Divide the rice between four bowls. Top with sticky chicken, then arrange broccoli, carrots, red cabbage, cucumber, and avocado around the bowl.

Step 05

Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve with a lime wedge for squeezing over the top.

Notes

  1. These bowls are great freshly assembled for dinner, packed into containers for lunch, or served warm or at room temperature.
  2. They hold their texture well and look appetizing even after storage.
  3. Store components in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  4. Reheat chicken and rice gently before assembling bowls.
  5. Fresh toppings can be added just before serving.

Needed Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Serving bowls
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Allergen Information

Double-check each ingredient for potential allergens. Consult a health professional if you're unsure.
  • Soy
  • Sesame

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are provided as a guide and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbs: 45 g
  • Proteins: 28 g