Description
These Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls feature juicy, tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, served over fluffy rice with colorful vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this dish combines protein-packed chicken with vibrant veggies and a flavorful glaze for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
For the Bowls
- 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated fresh ginger until well combined to create the honey garlic sauce.
- Mix Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth; this will be used to thicken the sauce later.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the bite-sized chicken pieces, ensuring all are well coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared honey garlic sauce into the skillet with the chicken and bring it to a gentle simmer on medium heat.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken cooks, steam or lightly sauté the broccoli florets, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced red bell pepper until they are crisp-tender.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked white or brown rice among four bowls. Top each bowl with the honey garlic chicken and the cooked vegetables.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the bowls. Serve immediately with lime wedges and any extra honey garlic sauce on the side for added flavor.
Notes
- Opt for chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat; chicken breasts work well for a leaner meal.
- Enhance the bowls by adding edamame, cucumber, avocado, or steamed green beans for extra texture and nutrition.
- For a spicy kick, incorporate Sriracha or red pepper flakes into the honey garlic sauce.
- Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.
- Store chicken, rice, and vegetables separately in airtight containers for meal prepping; consume within 3 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Lunch, Rice Bowls, Meal Prep
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
