Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen chicken works well, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking. This helps the chicken brown evenly and prevents excess water from diluting the sticky sauce.

How can I make this recipe low-sodium?

To reduce sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce or substitute with coconut aminos. You can also skip the added salt entirely and balance the flavor with more lemon juice or vinegar for brightness.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat the sticky chicken gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the glaze. For the rice, sprinkle with water and microwave covered to restore its soft texture. Store toppings like green onions separately for best freshness.

Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls – Easy Dinner Recipe

Name: Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken, cut into small pieces; 1 tbsp oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional); 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice; 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 cups cooked rice; 2 tbsp green onions, chopped; 1 tsp sesame seeds

Description

Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls are a quick, comforting, and flavorful dish made with tender chicken glazed in a sweet-savory sauce, served over rice and topped with fresh green onions and sesame seeds. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, this recipe brings bold flavor and nourishing ingredients together in one bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless chicken, cut into small pieces
1 tbsp oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups cooked rice
2 tbsp green onions, chopped
1 tsp sesame seeds

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Instructions

Cut the boneless chicken into small, even pieces.
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides.
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar (if using), and vinegar or lemon juice.
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and stir well to coat.
Allow the sauce to simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until it thickens into a sticky glaze.
Spoon the cooked rice into serving bowls.
Top the rice with sticky chicken, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
Substitute chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
Maple syrup or agave can replace honey for a vegan option.
To make it spicier, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
Best served immediately, but leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 559 kcal
Sugar: 34 g
Sodium: 1553 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 73 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 21 mg