⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe (Quick Overview)
This Spicy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Bowl is a high-protein, flavor-packed, meal prep-friendly recipe made with juicy chicken tossed in a sticky umami sauce, perfectly cooked broccoli, fluffy rice, and topped with creamy spicy mayo. It’s ideal for busy people, fitness enthusiasts, spice lovers, and anyone who wants a delicious and satisfying bowl in under 30 minutes.
✅ Recipe Highlights
| Feature | Why It’s Amazing |
|---|---|
| ✅ High-protein | Great for muscle gain & weight management |
| ✅ Balanced macros | Protein + fiber + complex carbs |
| ✅ Sticky, spicy, umami sauce | Restaurant-style flavor |
| ✅ Simple ingredients | Easy-to-find pantry items |
| ✅ Perfect for meal prep | Stays fresh for 4 days |
| ✅ Customizable heat level | Mild to fiery |
🛒 Ingredients (with Swaps & Explanation)
🍗 For the Spicy Chicken:
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose | Substitute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast or thigh | 500g | Protein base | Tofu, shrimp, turkey |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For searing | Avocado oil |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | Aromatic | Garlic powder |
| Ginger (minced) | 1 tsp | Heat & depth | Optional |
🥦 For the Broccoli & Rice:
| Ingredient | Amount | Substitute |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli florets | 2 cups | Green beans, zucchini |
| Cooked rice | 3 cups | Brown rice, jasmine, quinoa, cauliflower rice |
🍯 For the Sticky Sauce:
| Ingredient | Amount | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Soy sauce | 3 tbsp | Umami |
| Honey or brown sugar | 2 tbsp | Stickiness & sweetness |
| Sriracha | 1-2 tbsp | Heat |
| Rice vinegar or lemon juice | 1 tbsp | Balance |
| Cornstarch + 2 tbsp water | 1 tbsp | Thickener |
🌶 For the Spicy Mayo:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 3 tbsp |
| Sriracha or chili paste | 1-2 tsp |
| Lime juice | ½ tsp |
🌿 Garnishes (Optional but Recommended):
✅ Sesame seeds | ✅ Spring onions | ✅ Cilantro | ✅ Red chili flakes
📍 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions (With Pro Tips)
Step 1: Cook the Rice
- Cook rice using preferred method (stovetop, rice cooker, instant pot).
- Let it rest for 3–5 minutes for fluffiness.
✅ Pro Tip: Add a pinch of salt or a dash of soy sauce to boost flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic & ginger; sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add chicken, cook until golden (about 6–8 minutes).
- Set aside.
✅ Pro Tip: Use chicken thighs for juicier, tender results.
Step 3: Prepare Sticky Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, sriracha, vinegar.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry.
- Pour into the same pan and simmer until thick and glossy.
- Add chicken back and coat well.
✅ Pro Tip: Let the sauce slightly caramelize for deeper flavor.
Step 4: Cook Broccoli
✔ Steam, stir-fry, or microwave with a splash of water for 2–3 mins.
✅ Pro Tip: Don’t overcook—keep it bright green for crunch.
Step 5: Make Spicy Mayo
✔ Mix mayo, sriracha, and lime juice until creamy.
✅ Adjust spice based on tolerance.
Step 6: Assemble the Bowls
Layer it like this:
🍚 Rice → 🍗 Sticky chicken → 🥦 Broccoli → 🌶 Spicy mayo drizzle → 🌿 Garnish
🌍 Flavor Variations (Beat the Competition!)
| Variation | Replace/Add | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Korean | Add gochujang | Smoky-spicy-sweet |
| Japanese Teriyaki | Swap honey with mirin | Mild & savory |
| Thai | Add sweet chili sauce | Sweet & tangy |
| Mexican Chipotle | Add chipotle & lime | Smoky & zesty |
🥡 Meal Prep & Storage Guide
| Storage | Duration | Reheat |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge | 3–4 days | Microwave/pan |
| Freezer (without mayo) | 2 months | Defrost + reheat |
| Mayo | Store separately | Add after reheating |
✅ Keep sauce slightly moist to maintain tenderness.
💪 Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480–520 kcal |
| Protein | 35–40g |
| Carbs | 50–55g |
| Fat | 15–18g |
| Fiber | 5–7g |
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Result | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Overcooking chicken | Dry texture | Use medium-high heat & remove early |
| Sauce not thick | Watery | Add more cornstarch |
| Mayo too spicy | Overpowering | Balance with lime |
❓ FAQ Section
✅ Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and stir-fry quickly.
✅ Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—use vegan mayo.
✅ Can I reduce calories?
Use light mayo or Greek yogurt.
✅ Is it good for weight loss?
Yes, if portion-controlled and served with brown rice or quinoa.
🎨 Serving & Presentation Tips (For Instagram/Pinterest)
✨ Serve in deep bowls
✨ Drizzle mayo in zig-zag pattern
✨ Add sesame seeds & chili flakes
✨ Place broccoli symmetrically
✅ Final Thoughts & Call to Action
This Spicy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Bowl is your new go-to for meal prep, healthy weeknight dinners, or a gym-friendly protein boost. Packed with sticky flavor, customizable heat, and creamy contrast from the spicy mayo, it’s a must-try dish.
👉 Loved this recipe? Comment below which version you’ll try first—Korean, Thai, or the original!
👉 Want more high-protein, sauce-loaded meal bowl recipes? Let me know, and I’ll create a full meal prep series.
