Description
Sticky chicken rice bowls deliver a perfect harmony of sweet, savory flavors from Asian cuisine. Tender marinated chicken nestled over fluffy rice creates a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 large chicken breasts
- 2 cups uncooked rice
- 2 small heads broccoli, chopped
Spice and Seasoning Blend:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce and Condiments:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder
- 2 tablespoons water
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 2–3 tablespoons water
- Sesame seeds (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare fluffy rice according to package directions, ensuring each grain is perfectly cooked and separated.
- Trim and chop broccoli into bite-sized florets, then steam until vibrant green and tender with a slight crunch.
- Slice chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized pieces, creating consistent cooking potential.
- Create a robust spice blend by massaging olive oil and dry seasonings directly onto chicken, ensuring complete and even coating.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C), arranging seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding to guarantee crispy exterior.
- Cook chicken for approximately 12 minutes, rotating midway, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and exterior develops a golden-brown crust.
- Simultaneously craft sticky sauce by combining soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger in a saucepot.
- Bring sauce mixture to a rolling boil, then introduce arrowroot slurry to create a glossy, thickened consistency that clings beautifully to ingredients.
- Construct rice bowls by creating a foundation of fluffy rice, then strategically layering steamed broccoli and perfectly cooked chicken.
- Generously drizzle sticky sauce over the composed bowl, allowing it to cascade and infuse each component with rich, complex flavors.
- Whisk spicy mayo ingredients until smooth, creating a creamy, zesty condiment with a slight kick.
- Finish by decoratively drizzling spicy mayo across the bowl and garnishing with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Marinate chicken in spices up to 24 hours before cooking to enhance flavor depth and save time during meal preparation.
- Cooking Hack: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches perfect safe internal temperature without overcooking.
- Sauce Tip: Whisk arrowroot slurry thoroughly to prevent lumps and achieve smooth, glossy sauce consistency.
- Customization Option: Swap broccoli with other quick-cooking vegetables like snow peas or bell peppers for variety.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store components separately in airtight containers and assemble just before eating to maintain optimal texture and crispness.
- Spice Control: Adjust sriracha quantity in mayo and sauce to personalize heat level according to personal preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 80 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg