Sticky Sesame Chicken and Rice Bowls

Golden, crispy chicken bites coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sesame sauce—this dish is the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal prep option, this one-pan recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort.

The combination of soy sauce, honey, and brown sugar creates a deep umami richness, while a touch of rice vinegar adds the perfect hint of tang. Fresh garlic and ginger bring a burst of warmth, and sesame seeds provide a satisfying crunch. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice with crisp, colorful veggies for a well-rounded and visually appealing meal.

This Sticky Sesame Chicken is not only delicious but also completely customizable. Swap out the chicken for tofu, shrimp, or beef, and experiment with different vegetables to suit your taste. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation time, this dish will become a go-to favorite in your dinner rotation!

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Sticky Sesame Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated) OR ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

For Serving:

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 cup steamed broccoli
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• Sliced green onions for garnish
• Extra sesame seeds

How to Make It

1. Prep the Chicken – Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels before tossing in cornstarch, salt, and pepper. This helps create an extra crispy texture when cooked and ensures even seasoning.
2. Sear the Chicken – Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 5–6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside, keeping it warm.
3. Make the Sauce – In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. Let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes to develop the flavors.
4. Make the Slurry – In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water until completely smooth. This will help thicken the sauce evenly without lumps.
5. Thicken the Sauce – Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. Let the sauce cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes thick, glossy, and coats the back of a spoon.
6. Coat the Chicken – Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it in the thickened sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and stir to distribute them evenly.
7. Assemble the Bowls – Spoon a generous portion of rice into serving bowls, top with sticky sesame chicken, steamed broccoli, and shredded carrots. Garnish with sliced green onions and extra sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

• No Fresh Ginger? Swap in ½ teaspoon ground ginger as an easy substitute.
• Crispier Chicken? Use an air fryer at 400°F for 10–12 minutes instead of pan-frying.
• Make It Spicy! Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.
• Meal Prep Friendly – Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days; reheat in the microwave.
• Veggie Swap – Try snap peas, bell peppers, or edamame for extra color and crunch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes!
✔️ One-Pan Wonder – Minimal cleanup for a stress-free meal.
✔️ Sweet & Savory – The perfect balance of flavors in every bite.
✔️ Customizable – Easily swap proteins or veggies to fit your taste!

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