Looking for a fast, flavorful, and family-friendly meal that checks all the boxes?
The Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowl might just be your new go-to dinner. This dish offers the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with juicy chicken coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze served over fluffy rice and crisp vegetables.
What makes it even better? It’s ready in about 30 minutes, customizable to your taste, and ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Garlic is known not just for its rich flavor but also for its health-boosting benefits, and when paired with the natural sweetness of honey, the result is a mouthwatering glaze that’s hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowl
- Quick and easy prep—ready in 30 minutes
- Well-balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables
- Great for meal prepping and leftovers
- Sweet, savory flavors that appeal to both kids and adults
- Customizable for different diets and preferences
Ingredients You’ll Need
To build a well-rounded and delicious honey garlic chicken rice bowl, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients:
- Chicken: Boneless skinless thighs or breasts both work great. Thighs tend to be juicier.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for bold flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Adds savory umami and balances the sweetness.
- Rice Vinegar: Gives the sauce a bit of acidity and depth.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce.
- Cooked Rice: Jasmine, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
- Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, snap peas, bell peppers—choose your favorites.
- Optional Toppings: Green onions, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, or sriracha.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to bring this dish together from start to finish:
- Cook the Rice
- Start by preparing your rice of choice according to package instructions so it’s ready when the chicken is done.
- Sauté the Chicken
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch mixed with a bit of water to thicken the sauce.
- Simmer for a few minutes until it bubbles and becomes glossy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it well in the honey garlic sauce.
- Steam or Sauté Vegetables
- Quickly steam or stir-fry your chosen vegetables until just tender, but still vibrant and crisp.
- Assemble the Bowls
- Add a scoop of rice to each bowl, top with the honey garlic chicken and veggies, and garnish with toppings of your choice.
Variations and Customization Ideas
Make this dish your own with these creative variations:
- Swap the Protein: Try tofu, shrimp, or even ground turkey instead of chicken.
- Spice it Up: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or a spoonful of gochujang to the sauce.
- Change the Base: Use quinoa, farro, or soba noodles instead of rice.
- Vary the Veggies: Use whatever you have—zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or frozen stir-fry blends all work well.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all condiments are gluten-free.
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage Instructions
This bowl is great for prepping ahead and storing:
- Prep Ahead: Cook the rice and chop veggies in advance. The sauce can also be made a day ahead.
- Storage: Store the assembled bowl components separately in airtight containers. Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Cooked chicken and sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Microwave or reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce and keep the chicken moist.
Nutrition Info and Health Benefits
This dish offers a great balance of macros:
- Protein: Lean chicken provides essential protein for muscle repair.
- Carbs: Rice offers energy, while brown or cauliflower rice can reduce the glycemic impact.
- Healthy Fats: Minimal oil is needed, keeping it light.
- Garlic & Honey: Garlic may help support immunity and heart health, and honey adds antioxidants and natural sweetness.
Want to lighten it up? Use low-sodium soy sauce, reduce honey slightly, or serve with extra steamed vegetables instead of rice.
Serving Suggestions and Toppings
Round out your meal or elevate the flavor profile with these additions:
- Toppings: Crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or pickled red onions
- Sides: Serve with miso soup, edamame, or a crisp cucumber salad
- For Kids: Keep it mild and serve the sauce on the side
- For Guests: Make a build-your-own rice bowl bar with different toppings and sauces
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breast works just as well, but be careful not to overcook it to keep it juicy.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely. Just thaw and stir-fry as usual, or steam if you prefer a softer texture.
Can I meal prep this?
Yes! Store the rice, veggies, and chicken separately or together in meal prep containers. Makes a great grab-and-go lunch.
Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls (30-Minutes)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for sautéing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce low-sodium preferred
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water mixed to make a slurry
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or brown rice
- 2 cups mixed vegetables e.g., broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, carrots
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil or olive oil optional, for stir-frying vegetables
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Red pepper flakes or sriracha
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
- Prepare your rice according to package directions. Keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Add chicken to the pan and cook until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In the same pan, lower the heat to medium.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Let simmer for another 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Cook the Vegetables
- In a separate pan or the same skillet (wiped clean), add a little oil and stir-fry vegetables until tender-crisp, about 3–5 minutes.
Step 6: Assemble the Bowls
- In each bowl, add a scoop of rice, a portion of stir-fried vegetables, and honey garlic chicken.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or chili flakes if desired. Serve warm.