Name: Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls with Spicy Mayo and Sesame Seeds Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked rice; 2 small heads broccoli, chopped into florets; 3 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp oregano; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp sriracha; 2 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp ground ginger; 2 tsp arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry; 1/2 cup mayo; 1 tbsp sriracha; 2 – 3 tbsp water (to thin); Sesame seeds for topping

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowl combines tender, flavorful chicken with fresh broccoli and fluffy rice, all coated in a deliciously sticky sauce. Topped with a spicy mayo drizzle and toasted sesame seeds, it’s a satisfying and vibrant meal perfect for any day of the week.

A white bowl filled at the bottom with a thick layer of fluffy white rice, topped by a mix of bright green broccoli florets and golden-brown glazed chicken pieces that have a shiny, slightly sticky texture. Drizzled over the dish is a light-colored creamy sauce with a smooth texture, and small white sesame seeds are sprinkled on top, adding texture and contrast. A silver fork is resting on the rice near the chicken, partially dipped in the food. The bowl sits on a surface with a white marbled texture, and the soft natural light highlights the colors and textures of the food photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked rice
2 small heads broccoli, chopped
3 large chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp oregano
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup rice vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp sriracha
2 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry (substitute cornstarch)
1/2 cup mayo
1 tbsp sriracha
2–3 tbsp water
Sesame seeds for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the rice according to the package instructions and set aside.
Step 2: Chop broccoli into small florets and set aside.
Step 3: Slice chicken breasts into strips and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, and oregano.
Step 4: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 5: Steam or sauté broccoli in the same pan or separately until tender but still crisp.
Step 6: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, ground ginger, and the arrowroot slurry. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken and simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 7: In a separate bowl, stir together mayo, sriracha, and water until smooth and pourable to make the spicy mayo sauce.
Step 8: To assemble, divide rice into bowls. Top with sticky chicken strips and broccoli. Drizzle with the spicy mayo and sprinkle sesame seeds over everything.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Add sliced green onions or fresh cilantro for extra brightness.
Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat.
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the sriracha in the sauce and spicy mayo.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add fresh spicy mayo and sprinkle sesame seeds only before serving to keep toppings fresh.

How to Serve

A white bowl with three main layers: at the bottom is a bed of plain white rice, fluffy and evenly spread. On one half above the rice, there are bright green broccoli pieces, slightly steamed and topped with a light drizzle of orange sauce. On the other half, several crispy golden-brown pieces of grilled chicken are laid out in a neat row, each piece glazed and shining, sprinkled with white and black sesame seeds and finished with more of the same orange sauce drizzled on top. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken, rice, and broccoli in advance and assemble the bowls when ready to eat. Keep sauces separate until serving to maintain their texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for arrowroot powder?

Cornstarch is a common and effective substitute for arrowroot powder in this recipe and will help thicken the sauce similarly.