Honey Garlic Chicken Bowl

There's something magical about that perfect balance of sweet and savory in a honey garlic glaze. This Honey Garlic Chicken Bowl brings together tender chunks of chicken coated in a sticky, irresistible sauce that clings to each bite. The combination of caramelized honey, aromatic garlic, and savory soy creates a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with each forkful.

Pin It

The beauty of this bowl lies in its simplicity. Each component plays a vital role—fluffy jasmine rice soaks up the delicious sauce, crisp-tender vegetables add freshness and color, and the chicken delivers satisfying protein with that crave-worthy honey garlic coating. A final sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions adds the perfect finishing touch of texture and visual appeal.

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 250g (1 1/4 cups) jasmine or short-grain white rice
• 500ml (2 cups) water
• Pinch of salt
• 200g (about 1 1/2 cups) broccoli florets
• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
• 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
• 2 spring onions, sliced

Instructions

1. Cook the rice

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rice, water, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

2. Prepare the sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, ginger, and sesame oil. Set aside.

3. Prepare the chicken

Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

4. Cook the chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through.

5. Add the sauce

Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Stir and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.

6. Steam or sauté vegetables

While the chicken cooks, steam broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper until just tender (about 4-5 minutes), or sauté in a separate pan with a splash of oil for extra flavor.

7. Assemble the bowls

Divide cooked rice among 4 bowls. Top with glazed chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and spring onions.

8. Serve immediately

Enjoy while hot!

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

The key to perfectly glazed chicken is getting a good sear before adding the sauce. Make sure your pan is hot and don't overcrowd the chicken pieces—cook in batches if necessary. This creates a delicious caramelization that enhances the flavor of the final dish. For the vegetables, aim for crisp-tender rather than soft; they should still have a pleasant bite to them.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This versatile recipe welcomes many variations. For a healthier version, use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber. To make it gluten-free, simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Vegetarians can replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh—just press well before cooking and follow the same glazing method. For additional vegetables, snow peas, baby corn, or mushrooms all work beautifully in this dish.

Serviervorschläge

These honey garlic chicken bowls stand perfectly well on their own as a complete meal, but can be enhanced with simple sides. A small cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing makes a refreshing complement. For entertaining, serve family-style with the components in separate dishes, allowing guests to build their own bowls. Leftovers store well for up to 3 days in airtight containers and make excellent packed lunches.

Pin It

This Honey Garlic Chicken Bowl captures the essence of comfort food while maintaining a balanced, colorful plate. The combination of textures—from the tender chicken to the crisp vegetables to the fluffy rice—makes each bite interesting and satisfying. It's the kind of recipe that becomes a regular in your meal rotation, offering both familiar comfort and endless possibilities for personalization to suit your taste and what you have on hand.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking?

Coating the chicken in cornstarch helps create a light crust and prevents sticking. Use medium-high heat with oil and avoid overcrowding the pan.

→ Can I substitute jasmine rice with other grains?

Yes, brown rice or quinoa are great alternatives that add different textures and nutritional profiles to the dish.

→ What vegetables work best with this dish?

Broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers provide a nice crunch and color, but snap peas or baby corn can also be added for variety.

→ How can I add a spicy kick to the sauce?

Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce mixture to introduce a gentle heat without overpowering the flavors.

→ Is there an allergen to be aware of in this dish?

This dish contains soy and sesame ingredients, so those with allergies should ensure suitable substitutions or avoid accordingly.