Honey Sesame Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Ingredients:

Let’s gather everything to bring this dish to life. Here’s your shopping list:

For the Chicken and Sauce:

• Chicken: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Soy Sauce: ¼ cup, for a savory base.
• Honey: 3 tablespoons, for that signature sweetness.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, to add depth.
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon, freshly grated for warmth and spice.
• Sesame Oil: 2 teaspoons, for a nutty aroma.
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon mixed with 2 tablespoons water, to thicken the sauce.

For the Rice Bowl:

• Cooked Rice: 2 cups (jasmine, brown, or basmati—your choice).
• Vegetables: 2 cups of your favorites (broccoli, snap peas, carrots, or bell peppers).
• Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon, toasted for garnish.
• Green Onions: 2, thinly sliced for a fresh finish.

Preparing the Dish: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve got the ingredients ready, let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
• Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat them evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. If you have more time, marinate for up to 2 hours in the fridge.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

• While the chicken marinates, cook your rice according to the package instructions. For extra flavor, use chicken broth instead of water.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

• Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of sesame oil.
• Toss in your chosen vegetables and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until they’re vibrant and slightly tender. Set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

• In the same skillet, add the marinated chicken. Cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

• Mix the cornstarch and water into a slurry, then pour it into the skillet with the chicken.
• Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.

Assembly: Bringing It All Together

Here’s where the magic happens—assembling your rice bowl!

1. Start with Rice: Scoop a generous portion of cooked rice into your bowl.
2. Add the Vegetables: Arrange the sautéed veggies around the edges for a colorful presentation.
3. Top with Chicken: Place the saucy honey sesame chicken right in the center.
4. Garnish: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for that final touch.