If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner option that combines sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, look no further than these Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls with Sesame Chili Sauce. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with wholesome ingredients that your whole family will love. With tender, marinated chicken thighs, fluffy jasmine rice, and a zesty sesame chili sauce, this meal brings the best of Asian-inspired cuisine right to your table. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, these rice bowls are sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with these Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls with Sesame Chili Sauce. Here are just a few:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, garlic, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering marinade that tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with a savory-sweet flavor.
- Healthy Ingredients: This recipe features boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which are a great source of protein, and plenty of fresh vegetables like green onions and carrots.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to cater to your family’s preferences. You can even swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different twist!
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 30 minutes and an easy cooking process, this dish is perfect for those busy nights when you want something nutritious and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These rice bowls store well in the fridge, making them an excellent option for meal prepping lunches for the week.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Trying out new recipes is one of the joys of cooking, and this Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls with Sesame Chili Sauce recipe is a must-try for several reasons. First and foremost, it gives you a delightful culinary experience with minimal effort. The marinade does all the heavy lifting in terms of flavor, allowing the simple ingredients to shine. You’ll love how the chicken caramelizes beautifully in the skillet, creating a delicious crust that locks in moisture.
Additionally, the sesame chili sauce provides a perfect balance to the sweetness of the honey garlic chicken. This sauce can easily be adjusted to your taste preferences; if you love a good kick, feel free to amp up the chili paste or sriracha. It’s versatile enough to enhance other dishes as well, so you may find yourself using it on grilled vegetables or seafood.
Moreover, this dish is visually appealing, making it great for serving to guests or family. The vibrant colors from the shredded carrots and green onions make for a stunning presentation. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a meal with the family, these rice bowls are sure to impress.
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- For the Rice:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
- For the Sesame Chili Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Recommended Tools or Utensils
- Large mixing bowl for marinating chicken
- Skillet or frying pan for cooking chicken
- Pot for cooking rice
- Small bowl for mixing the sesame chili sauce
- Cutting board and knife for slicing chicken and vegetables
- Spatula or tongs for flipping the chicken
Detailed Recipe Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to create a marinade. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use.
- Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice caramelized exterior. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Prepare the Rice
- In a separate pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add the cooked jasmine rice, green onions, and shredded carrots.
- Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through and the vegetables are slightly tender.
Step 4: Make the Sesame Chili Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, chili paste or sriracha, and sesame seeds until well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
- Divide the rice mixture among bowls. Top with the sliced honey garlic chicken and drizzle with sesame chili sauce.
- Garnish with additional green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy your Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls with Sesame Chili Sauce!
FAQs
What can I substitute for chicken in the Honey Garlic Rice Bowls?
You can substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or even beef for different flavors. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.
Can I make the Sesame Chili Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Sesame Chili Sauce up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
How can I make the dish spicier?
You can increase the amount of chili paste or sriracha in the sesame chili sauce. Additionally, add more red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade for extra heat.
What other vegetables can I add to the rice bowls?
Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, bok choy, or broccoli. Just make sure to cut them into small pieces and stir-fry them until tender.
Conclusion
These Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls with Sesame Chili Sauce are a delightful meal that satisfies your taste buds while being simple to prepare. The combination of flavors, textures, and colors makes this dish not only delicious but also visually appealing. We hope you give this recipe a try, and when you do, feel free to share your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, and check out our [Pinterest board](https://www.pinterest.com/cheflora1/) for more delicious ideas.
For more exciting recipes, take a look at our other dishes such as Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers with Chili Dip or Korean BBQ Beef Tips with Spicy Gochujang Dip. Happy cooking!

Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls with Sesame Chili Sauce
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Skillet
- Small Bowl
- Pan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken thighs Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups Cooked jasmine rice
- 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
- 1/2 cup Green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup Carrots, shredded
Sesame Chili Sauce
- 1/4 cup Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1 teaspoon Chili paste or sriracha Adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds
Instructions
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later.
- Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice caramelized exterior.
- Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and slice the chicken.
- In a separate pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add cooked jasmine rice, green onions, and shredded carrots. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through and the vegetables are slightly tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, chili paste or sriracha, and sesame seeds until well combined.
- Divide the rice mixture among bowls. Top with sliced honey garlic chicken and drizzle with sesame chili sauce. Garnish with additional green onions and sesame seeds if desired.