Sticky, savory, and a touch sweet, these Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls are your new go-to for a satisfying, flavor-packed dinner. Juicy chicken bites are seared until golden, then coated in a luscious honey garlic glaze that clings to every piece. Paired with fluffy white rice and a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds, it’s a takeout-style meal you can make faster than delivery arrives.
The charm of this dish is in the balance. You get the umami richness from soy sauce, a hit of sweetness from honey, and the punch of fresh garlic. It comes together in a single pan and works beautifully for both a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. Even picky eaters won’t complain.
Ingredients for this Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or sesame)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Toss them in a bowl with cornstarch until evenly coated. This step gives the chicken a light crisp when cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes so it absorbs the glaze fully.
Step 5: Serve
Spoon the honey garlic chicken over bowls of hot cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
What rice works best for this bowl?
Steamed white jasmine rice is perfect, but brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice also work.
Is this gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh and follow the same sauce steps.
Can I double the sauce?
Definitely. If you like extra saucy bowls, feel free to double the sauce ingredients.
Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
Looking for a quick dinner idea that delivers flavor in every bite? This Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowl is just what your weeknight needs. With tender chunks of chicken glazed in a sticky-sweet garlic sauce and served over warm, fluffy rice, it brings comfort and ease to your table. This easy recipe checks every box: fast to make, packed with flavor, and great for lunch leftovers. Whether you’re chasing healthy snack inspiration or need simple dinner ideas that satisfy, this bowl delivers.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or sesame)
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
3 cups cooked white rice
Green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds, toasted
Instructions
- Pat chicken pieces dry and toss with cornstarch until coated.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add soy sauce, honey, garlic, vinegar, and ginger. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the glaze.
- Serve chicken over rice. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.