If you’re anything like me, you want dinner to be flavorful, satisfying, and easy to make after a long day. That’s exactly what this chicken rice bowl delivers. I’m Chef Greg, and let me tell you, this recipe is a weeknight game-changer. Packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant broccoli, and a sticky-sweet sauce that clings to every bite, it’s got everything you need in one comforting bowl.
The best part? You don’t have to be a professional chef to pull this off. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, this dish fits the bill with simple ingredients and bold flavor. The chicken is spiced to perfection and cooked until juicy, the rice soaks up every drop of that irresistible sauce, and the spicy mayo drizzle adds a kick that makes each bite unforgettable.
Table of Contents
This chicken rice bowl is perfect for picky eaters, spice lovers, and everyone in between. And with minimal prep, it’s ready to hit your table in under 30 minutes. You’ll be surprised how something so easy can taste so indulgent.
Ready to level up your dinner routine? Let’s dive into why this dish will become your new go-to.

Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe That Amazes in 25 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the rice: Start by preparing the rice according to the instructions on the package. Set it aside and keep warm.
- Steam the broccoli: Steam the broccoli until it is fork-tender. You can do this in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Season the chicken: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cut chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano until evenly coated.
- Cook the chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for about 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Prepare the sticky sauce: While the chicken is cooking, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then stir in the arrowroot slurry. Boil for 4-5 minutes until thickened.
- Make the spicy mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, and water until smooth and pourable.
- Assemble the bowls: Layer the rice, steamed broccoli, and cooked chicken in serving bowls. Drizzle with the sticky sauce, then top with spicy mayo and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
For a visually stunning bowl, arrange components artfully and garnish with green onions, a lime wedge, or crushed peanuts. This recipe is perfect for meal prep; simply portion components into airtight containers.Storage Tips
To store leftovers, keep the rice/chicken/broccoli mix in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Store sauces separately. Reheat the bowl in the microwave and add sauces after. Avoid freezing the spicy mayo.Why You’ll Love This Recipe “chicken rice bowl”
There’s a reason this chicken rice bowl has become a favorite in so many kitchens. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of hungry friends, it delivers flavor and convenience in every bite. Here’s what makes it a standout:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few steps and simple ingredients, this meal comes together fast. Perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
- One-Bowl Wonder: Everything you need for a complete meal is in one bowl – protein, grains, veggies, and sauce. No need for extra sides or complicated pairings.
- Irresistible Sauce: The sticky soy-honey-garlic sauce is rich and balanced, coating the chicken in a flavor-packed glaze that makes every bite pop.
- Customizable: You can tweak the spice level, swap veggies, or add toppings like avocado or scallions to make it your own.
- Meal Prep Friendly: It stores well, reheats beautifully, and tastes just as good the next day. Ideal for lunches or prepping ahead for the week.
- Satisfying Yet Light: It’s hearty enough to satisfy your cravings but won’t leave you feeling sluggish. The perfect balance of clean eating and comfort food.
This chicken rice bowl isn’t just another dinner option. It’s the kind of meal you’ll crave again and again for its taste, simplicity, and flexibility.
Tasty ideas you’ll fall in love with
https://www.cookingrecip.com/chocolate-chip-zucchini-bread
or go to my Pinterest.
Ingredients Needed for “chicken rice bowl”
This chicken rice bowl recipe uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients to deliver bold, satisfying flavors. To help with preparation, the ingredients are grouped by component.
For the Chicken and Bowl Base
- 3 large chicken breasts, cut into small bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for coating the chicken
- 1 teaspoon salt, for seasoning the chicken
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, adds mild heat
- 1 teaspoon chili powder, brings warmth and depth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, gives a subtle smokiness
- 1 teaspoon onion powder, enhances savory notes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano, for a hint of herbaceous flavor
- 2 cups uncooked rice, white or jasmine recommended
- 2 small heads of broccoli, chopped into florets
For the Sticky Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce, use low-sodium if preferred
- 1/2 cup honey, for sweetness that balances the soy
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar, adds brightness and tang
- 3 garlic cloves, minced finely
- 2 tablespoons sriracha, for that kick of heat
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil, enhances the Asian-inspired flavor
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger, adds warm spice
- 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder, mixed with 2 tablespoons water to form a slurry (can substitute with cornstarch)
For the Spicy Mayo Drizzle
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise, base for the drizzle
- 1 tablespoon sriracha, or adjust to your spice preference
- 2 to 3 tablespoons water, to thin the sauce for drizzling
- Sesame seeds, for garnish and light crunch
These ingredients work together to create layers of flavor in every bite. With this foundation, you’ll have everything you need to build a crave-worthy bowl from scratch.
How to Make Chicken Rice Bowl
Follow these simple steps to bring together this hearty and flavor-packed chicken rice bowl. Each stage is optimized for both taste and efficiency.
1. Cook the rice
Start by preparing the rice according to the instructions on the package. Set it aside and keep warm.
2. Steam the broccoli
Steam the broccoli until it is fork-tender. You can do this in the microwave with a splash of water in a covered bowl, or on the stovetop using a steamer basket.
3. Season the chicken
Cut the chicken into small bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Make sure every piece is evenly coated.
4. Cook the chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the seasoned chicken in a single layer inside the basket. Cook for about 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Flip halfway through if needed for even cooking.
5. Prepare the sticky sauce
While the chicken is cooking, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, sriracha, sesame oil, and ground ginger in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, stir in the arrowroot slurry. Let the sauce boil for 4 to 5 minutes until it thickens enough to coat a spoon.
6. Make the spicy mayo
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, and water until smooth and pourable. Adjust the water for your desired consistency.
7. Assemble the bowls
Layer the rice, steamed broccoli, and cooked chicken in serving bowls. Drizzle with the sticky sauce, then top with spicy mayo and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
This recipe is designed to be easy to follow with no complicated techniques, ensuring success for home cooks of all levels.
Serving and Storage Tips for chicken rice bowl
Serving Suggestions
For a visually stunning and satisfying bowl, start with a warm base of fluffy rice, then arrange the vibrant green broccoli and golden, spice-rubbed chicken on top. Drizzle generously with the glossy sticky sauce for an eye-catching glaze, and finish with a creamy ribbon of spicy mayo. A final touch of sesame seeds adds both crunch and a polished presentation.
Serve your chicken rice bowl hot, ideally right after assembling. For a gourmet touch, you can garnish with finely chopped green onions, a wedge of lime, or a sprinkle of crushed roasted peanuts for added texture.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Simply portion the cooked components into airtight containers for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners during the week.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, transfer the rice, chicken, and broccoli into an airtight container. Keep the sauce and spicy mayo in separate small containers to preserve texture and freshness. Refrigerated, the components will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
When ready to eat, reheat the rice bowl in the microwave in 1-minute increments until warmed through. Add the sauces afterward for best flavor and texture. If you’re reheating on the stovetop, use a covered pan with a tablespoon of water to steam the rice and keep it from drying out.
Avoid freezing the spicy mayo, as it may separate after thawing. However, the chicken and rice freeze well for up to 1 month if stored in freezer-safe containers.
Helpful Notes for chicken rice bowl
Tips for Best Results
- Cut Even Chicken Pieces: Make sure to dice the chicken breasts into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking and prevents some chunks from drying out while others remain undercooked.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: If needed, cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding can lead to uneven browning and soggy textures.
- Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: For maximum flavor in the sticky sauce, opt for freshly minced garlic and freshly grated ginger over powdered substitutes.
- Adjust the Heat Level: This recipe has a medium spice level thanks to the sriracha. For a milder dish, reduce the sriracha or omit it entirely. For more heat, add red pepper flakes or an extra spoonful of sriracha.
- Customize Your Bowl: Feel free to add extra toppings like shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, avocado, or a soft-boiled egg to enhance both the flavor and nutrition.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Rice: White jasmine or basmati rice works great, but brown rice or even cauliflower rice can be used for a lower-carb alternative.
- Arrowroot Powder: If you don’t have arrowroot, cornstarch makes a perfect substitute to thicken the sauce.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless chicken thighs can be used for juicier meat, though they may require a slightly longer cook time.
- Soy Sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version of the sticky sauce.
Conclusion of chicken rice bowl recipe
If you’ve been searching for a go-to meal that’s healthy, satisfying, and full of flavor, this Chicken Rice Bowl might just become your new favorite. With its golden spice-crusted chicken, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice all draped in a rich sticky sauce and spicy mayo drizzle, every bite delivers an irresistible mix of textures and bold flavors.
What makes this bowl truly special is its balance of comfort and versatility. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner, prepping lunches for the week ahead, or impressing guests with a casual yet elevated meal, it fits the occasion perfectly. It’s also customizable, allowing you to tweak the spice level or add your favorite toppings without sacrificing its core deliciousness.
The best part? You don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients or hours in the kitchen. This recipe is designed for real life: fast, flexible, and incredibly rewarding. It’s perfect for families, meal preppers, or anyone craving something hearty without the fuss.
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What toppings did you add to your bowl? Did you go mild or bring the heat? Let us know in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for chicken rice bowl
What to put in a chicken bowl with rice?
A chicken bowl with rice pairs well with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers. Add crunchy toppings such as sesame seeds or shredded cabbage, and drizzle with sauces like spicy mayo, teriyaki, or a tangy vinaigrette. Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions also boost the flavor and presentation.
Do you eat rice bowls hot or cold?
Rice bowls are typically enjoyed hot for the best taste and texture, especially when they include grilled chicken and warm sauces. However, they can also be eaten cold, particularly if you’re using leftover rice or serving the bowl as a chilled meal prep lunch.
How long does a chicken rice bowl last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, a chicken rice bowl can last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, store the sauce and spicy mayo separately and reheat the chicken and rice before combining when ready to eat.
What makes a great rice bowl?
A great rice bowl balances flavors, textures, and nutrition. It should include a flavorful protein like seasoned chicken, a grain base such as fluffy rice or quinoa, vibrant vegetables, and a bold sauce. Toppings like herbs, seeds, or pickled vegetables add crunch and freshness.
What can make chicken and rice taste better?
Marinating the chicken with spices or sauces, cooking it until perfectly golden, and using a flavorful sauce like honey soy glaze or spicy mayo can instantly elevate chicken and rice. Seasoning the rice or using a broth to cook it also adds depth to the overall flavor.
What is chicken rice served with?
Chicken rice is often served with a variety of sides and toppings including steamed vegetables, spicy or creamy sauces, fresh herbs, pickles, and sesame seeds. A wedge of lime or a side of miso soup can also enhance the meal experience.