Ingredients
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients, especially fresh chicken and vibrant vegetables. I always recommend choosing skin-on chicken thighs if you can—they tend to stay juicier and develop that wonderful sticky crust better than breasts. When it comes to the sauce, a balance between sweet and savory is crucial, so quality soy sauce and a touch of honey or maple syrup make all the difference. I often swap out or add whatever greens I have on hand, which keeps this recipe feeling fresh and adaptable.
- 1.5 pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)
- 2 cups jasmine or basmati rice, cooked
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (I love using bell peppers, snap peas, and shredded carrots)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Start by cooking your rice according to package instructions. Jasmine or basmati works best for that fluffy texture I love.
- While the rice cooks, mix together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes in a small bowl. This sauce will be your sticky glaze.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Place the chicken skin-side down and sear until golden and crispy, about 6-7 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Pour the sticky sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer, spooning the sauce over the chicken frequently. The sauce will thicken and become beautifully sticky, coating the chicken tenderly. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- While the chicken simmers, quickly sauté your chosen vegetables in a separate pan with a splash of oil until just tender but still vibrant—around 3-4 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened, remove from heat. Slice the chicken and serve it over the warm rice with sautéed vegetables on the side.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for that extra pop of flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
