WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Looking for a quick, tasty meal that hits all the right spots? These Soy Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls are savory, satisfying, and packed with flavor! With tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and salty mix of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, you’ve got a delicious dish ready in no time. Add in some colorful veggies and fluffy jasmine rice, and you have a meal the whole family will love. Let’s dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Flavorful Marinade: The combination of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger creates a deliciously rich flavor that elevates the chicken.
- Colorful and Nutritious: With vibrant bell peppers and broccoli, this dish not only looks good but also packs a nutritional punch.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out the vegetables or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 cups jasmine rice
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Marinade Ingredients
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Vegetable Ingredients
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– 1 cup assorted bell peppers, sliced (any color)
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Gathering these ingredients is easy. You can find jasmine rice at most stores. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and cook quickly. The marinade adds a sweet and savory taste. Soy sauce brings depth, while honey adds a nice touch of sweetness. Fresh garlic and ginger give the dish its character.
For the veggies, broccoli adds crunch, and bell peppers bring color. Green onions are a great garnish and add mild flavor.
These ingredients come together to create a flavorful, filling meal. You can adjust the veggies based on what you have at home. This dish is versatile and can cater to your taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Rice
First, rinse the jasmine rice. Place it in a fine-mesh sieve and run cold water over it. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and keeps the rice fluffy. Next, cook the rice according to the package instructions. Usually, use a ratio of 1 cup rice to 1.5 cups water. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover and let it simmer until all the water absorbs. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and set it aside to keep warm.
Marinating the Chicken
In a medium bowl, mix the marinade ingredients. Combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk until well combined. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, making sure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature. Aim for a soaking time of 15-30 minutes. This step lets the flavors soak into the chicken.
Cooking the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil when the skillet is hot. Once the oil shimmers, add the marinated chicken pieces. Spread them out in a single layer for even cooking. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Cook until the pieces turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Cover it to keep warm while cooking the vegetables.
Sautéing the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add sesame oil. Let it heat up before adding the vegetables. Toss in broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers. Sauté these veggies for about 4-5 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp. Season with salt and black pepper to taste during cooking. This enhances the flavors and adds a nice kick.
Combining the Dish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss everything together well. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This step helps to meld the flavors of the chicken and vegetables, making every bite delicious.
Serving the Bowls
To serve, start with a generous scoop of fluffy jasmine rice in each bowl. Top the rice with the savory chicken and vegetable mix. For a great finish, sprinkle sliced green onions on top. Add a few sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor. This will make your meal look vibrant and appetizing.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfectly Cooked Rice
To make the best jasmine rice, use the right water ratio. A good rule is 1 cup of rice to 1.5 cups of water. This mix helps the rice cook fully and stay fluffy. Cooking time is usually around 15-20 minutes. Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork. This breaks up clumps and makes it light.
Enhancing Flavor Profiles
To boost flavor, consider adding spices like red pepper flakes or black pepper. A splash of rice vinegar or lime juice can also brighten the dish. You can adjust sweetness by adding more honey or a dash of brown sugar. If it’s too sweet, add a pinch of salt or more soy sauce. Balance is key for great flavor.
Cooking Times and How to Check Doneness
To check chicken doneness, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have one, cut a piece open. The meat should be white, with no pink. For vegetables, aim for a tender-crisp texture. They should be bright and colorful, not mushy. This keeps the dish fresh and appealing.
Pro Tips
- Marinating Time: Allow the chicken to marinate for the full 30 minutes if possible; this enhances the flavor significantly.
- Cooking Chicken: Ensure the chicken is in a single layer in the skillet for even cooking and browning.
- Vegetable Crispness: Avoid overcooking the vegetables; they should be tender but still crisp for the best texture.
- Rice Fluffing: Fluff the rice gently with a fork after cooking to keep the grains separate and light.

Variations
Protein Alternatives
You can easily swap out chicken for other proteins. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based meal. Just make sure you press it to remove water before marinating. For shrimp lovers, use peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them for just 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. Each protein brings a unique taste and texture.
Vegetable Mix-Ins
You can add many different vegetables to your rice bowl. Try using snap peas or carrots for a crunchy bite. Zucchini or mushrooms can also work well, giving a nice earthy flavor. Always choose seasonal veggies to enhance freshness. For summer, add fresh corn or cherry tomatoes. In fall, consider using roasted butternut squash.
Cooking Method Variations
You can use an Instant Pot for a quick meal. Just combine the rice, water, and seasonings in the pot. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, then let it release naturally. If you prefer oven-baked chicken, season it and place it in a baking dish. Bake at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes. Both methods can save you time while keeping the dish tasty.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Soy Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place the bowls in the fridge. They will stay good for about three to four days. Make sure to cool them down before sealing the container. This helps reduce moisture and keeps the food safe.
Reheating Tips
When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat them easily. The stovetop method works best. Just place the rice bowl in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally to warm everything evenly. If you use a microwave, cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, you keep the chicken juicy and the veggies crisp.
Freezing the Dish
To freeze the Soy Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls, follow these steps:
1. Let the dish cool to room temperature.
2. Divide the food into portions for easy thawing later.
3. Place the portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
4. Label the bags with the date and type of dish.
When you’re ready to eat, take a bowl out of the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, follow the same stovetop or microwave tips mentioned earlier. Enjoy your meal just as tasty as the first time!
FAQs
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can make Soy Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls gluten-free. Just swap regular soy sauce for gluten-free soy sauce. Look for tamari, a type of soy sauce that is often gluten-free. It offers the same rich flavor without the gluten. Check the label to be sure it meets your needs.
How can I adjust the spiciness?
To change the heat level, you can add or reduce spice. For more heat, add red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili. You can also use sriracha in the marinade for a kick. If you prefer less heat, skip the spicy additions. You can also balance spice with a bit of honey.
What can I serve with Soy Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls?
These bowls pair well with many sides. Try a simple cucumber salad for crunch. Steamed edamame adds a nice touch too. You could also serve it with spring rolls for a light appetizer. Each of these sides complements the flavors in the rice bowls.
How long can I store the dish in the fridge?
You can store these bowls in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to keep the chicken and rice in airtight containers. This will help maintain their freshness. If you see any changes in smell or texture, it’s best to toss it.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep this meal ahead. Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Cook the rice and veggies a few hours before serving. Store everything separately to keep it fresh. When you’re ready, just combine and heat them up for a quick meal.
In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious Soy Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls. We covered essential ingredients like jasmine rice, chicken thighs, and a tasty marinade. You learned step-by-step instructions to prepare the dish, enhance flavors, and store leftovers properly.
Using the tips and variations, you can customize and enjoy this meal any time. Cooking can be fun and easy. Try this recipe to impress your family and friends. Happy cookin
Soy Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls
A delicious and savory rice bowl featuring marinated chicken, sautéed vegetables, and fluffy jasmine rice.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup assorted bell peppers, sliced
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish sesame seeds
Prepare the Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water appears clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions, generally using a ratio of 1 cup rice to 1.5 cups water. Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork and set aside to keep warm.
Marinate the Chicken: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is coated in the marinade. Cover and let marinate for 15-30 minutes at room temperature.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sesame oil. When hot, add broccoli florets and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until tender yet crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated evenly.
Serve the Bowls: In each serving bowl, place a scoop of fluffy jasmine rice as the base. Top with the chicken and vegetable stir-fry. Finish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.
Choose a colorful bowl to enhance visual appeal. Optionally drizzle extra soy sauce for added flavor.
Keyword chicken, garlic, healthy, rice bowl, soy sauce
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?