Sweet and Spicy Chicken Rice Bowl: The Ultimate Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Name: Sweet and Spicy Chicken Rice Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder; 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce; 0.33 cup tamari or soy sauce; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 0 Black pepper (to taste); 2 tablespoons orange juice; 0.25 cup honey; 3 tablespoons chili paste; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger; 2 cloves garlic, chopped; 4 cups cooked rice; 0 Cucumber, avocado, kimchi, and fried wontons (for serving); 0.33 cup olive oil mayo (for Yum Yum Sauce); 2 tablespoons ketchup (for Yum Yum Sauce); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for Yum Yum Sauce); 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (for Yum Yum Sauce); 0.25 teaspoon cayenne (for Yum Yum Sauce)

Introduction to Sweet and Spicy Chicken Rice Bowl

Are you in the mood for a flavorful dish that’s both sweet and spicy? Look no further than the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Rice Bowl! This delightful meal combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a mouth-watering sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for any weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it suitable for cooks of all ages!

A Personal Story Behind My Sweet and Spicy Chicken Rice Bowl Journey

My journey with Sweet and Spicy Chicken Rice Bowls began during a family gathering where my aunt prepared a similar dish. The aroma filled the kitchen, and the vibrant colors of the ingredients were so inviting. As I took my first bite, the combination of sweet honey and spicy chili paste created an explosion of flavors that I couldn’t forget. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to perfect this dish, adding my own twists while keeping that unforgettable flavor intact.

What Makes This Sweet and Spicy Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe Special?

What sets this recipe apart is the unique balance of sweet and spicy flavors, complemented by fresh ingredients like cucumbers and avocados. The homemade Yum Yum sauce adds a creamy, tangy element that brings everything together beautifully. Plus, it’s adaptable! You can modify it to suit your taste by adjusting the spice level or adding your favorite toppings. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress.

The Full Sweet and Spicy Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
1 tablespoon, plus 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons orange juice
1/4 cup honey
2-3 tablespoons chili paste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3-4 cups cooked rice
Cucumber, avocado, kimchi, and fried wontons – for serving
Yum Yum Sauce:
1/3 cup olive oil mayo
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help to achieve a nice char on the chicken.
On a large sheet pan, toss the sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon of tamari and 1 tablespoon of orange juice. Season generously with black pepper. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken, lightly toss to coat, and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 15 minutes.
While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup tamari, 2 tablespoons orange juice, honey, chili paste, garlic, and ginger until well combined. This sauce is where the magic happens!
Once the chicken is ready, pour two-thirds of the sauce over it. Toss to coat and return to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. If you want to add a little char, switch the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes until the edges are slightly crispy. You can also spoon over the remaining sauce for extra flavor.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Yum Yum sauce by combining all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Taste and adjust the cayenne and salt according to your preference.
To assemble your bowls, add a generous scoop of rice to each bowl. Top with sliced cucumber, avocado, the baked chicken, kimchi, and a handful of fried wontons for that perfect crunch. Finally, drizzle the Yum Yum sauce over the top to finish!

Serving Suggestions and Variations for Sweet and Spicy Chicken Rice Bowl

This Sweet and Spicy Chicken Rice Bowl is incredibly versatile! You can serve it with a variety of toppings to enhance the experience. Consider adding sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or even some fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. You can also switch up the vegetables based on what you have on hand; bell peppers or snap peas work great too! For a heartier meal, serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or a simple salad. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more chili paste to the chicken or Yum Yum sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet and Spicy Chicken Rice Bowl

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a great option for added fiber and nutrients. Just ensure it’s cooked before adding it to your bowls.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce, this dish can easily be made gluten-free.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Simply reheat the chicken before serving it over the rice with your toppings.

How can I adjust the spice level?
To make it milder, reduce the amount of chili paste. For a spicier version, feel free to add more chili paste or even red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Recipe Stats

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories per Serving: 450

Servings: 4