Save to Pinterest This Honey Garlic Chicken Bowl is a vibrant, Asian-inspired dish that brings together tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a luscious sweet-savory glaze. Served over a bed of fluffy rice and topped with sesame seeds, it offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that is sure to satisfy the whole family.
Save to Pinterest The secret to this dish lies in the glossy honey garlic sauce. By coating the chicken in cornstarch before cooking, the meat stays succulent while the sauce thickens perfectly, clinging to every bite. It's a simple technique that elevates a home-cooked bowl into something truly special.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 500 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, salt and pepper.
- Honey Garlic Sauce: 4 tablespoons honey, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated), 1 teaspoon sesame oil.
- Rice: 250 g jasmine or short-grain white rice, 500 ml water, pinch of salt.
- Vegetables: 200 g broccoli florets, 1 medium carrot (thinly sliced), 1 small red bell pepper (thinly sliced).
- Garnishes: 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds, 2 spring onions (sliced).
Instructions
- 1. Cook the rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine rice, water, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- 2. Prepare the sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, ginger, and sesame oil. Set aside.
- 3. Prepare the chicken
- Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- 4. Cook the chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- 5. Add the sauce
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken. Stir and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
- 6. Steam or sauté vegetables
- While the chicken cooks, steam broccoli, carrots, and bell pepper until just tender (about 4-5 minutes), or sauté in a separate pan with a splash of oil for extra flavor.
- 7. Assemble the bowls
- Divide cooked rice among 4 bowls. Top with glazed chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and spring onions.
- 8. Serve
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Using a large skillet or wok ensures the chicken has enough space to sear properly without steaming. For the vegetables, using a steamer basket maintains their vibrant color and snap, though sautéing them in an additional skillet can add a deeper flavor profile.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a heartier base, swap jasmine rice for brown rice or quinoa. You can also customize the vegetable mix by adding snap peas or baby corn for extra color and crunch. If you are sensitive to gluten, ensure you use a certified gluten-free soy sauce.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dish immediately for the best texture. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce during the simmering stage. This meal pairs wonderfully with a light and crisp white wine, such as a Riesling.
Save to Pinterest Whether it's for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this Honey Garlic Chicken Bowl is a reliable recipe that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Enjoy your delicious home-cooked meal!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well in this bowl. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Breasts may cook slightly faster than thighs, so watch closely to prevent drying.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, and warm the rice and vegetables separately before assembling.
- → Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely. Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture, or drizzle with sriracha when serving. For a milder heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cornstarch coating.
- → What vegetables work best in this bowl?
Broccoli, carrots, and red bell pepper provide great color and texture. You can also add snap peas, baby corn, snow peas, sliced cabbage, or bok choy. Choose vegetables that hold their shape when steamed or sautéed briefly.
- → Can I prep this in advance?
Cut the chicken and vegetables up to a day ahead. Mix the sauce and store it separately. The rice cooks quickly, so make it fresh. When ready to eat, simply cook the chicken, heat the sauce, and steam the vegetables.
- → Is this bowl freezer-friendly?
The glazed chicken and rice freeze well for up to 2 months. Freeze in portion-sized containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently. Add fresh vegetables and garnishes after reheating for best texture.