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Sticky Honey Garlic Ground Chicken Bowls - Fast, Flavorful, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken, preferably thigh for extra juiciness
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado, canola, or light olive oil)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or sriracha, to taste
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for slurry)
  • 1 cup finely diced vegetables (such as bell pepper, zucchini, or carrots), optional
  • Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
  • Green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
  • Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, optional, for brightness

Method
 

  1. Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and water. In a separate cup, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to make a slurry. Set both aside.
  2. Cook the aromatics. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add garlic and ginger. Stir for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
  3. Brown the chicken. Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook 5–7 minutes until no longer pink and lightly browned. If using lean breast meat, avoid overcooking to keep it tender.
  4. Add veggies (optional). Stir in finely diced vegetables and cook 2–3 minutes until just tender. Keep some bite for better texture.
  5. Coat with sauce. Pour the sauce into the skillet. Stir and let it bubble for 1–2 minutes.
  6. Thicken. Stir the cornstarch slurry, then add it to the pan. Cook, stirring, for 1–2 minutes until the sauce turns glossy and thick, clinging to the chicken. If it gets too thick, splash in a bit more water.
  7. Taste and adjust. Add more honey for sweetness, soy for salt, or chili for heat. A squeeze of lime brightens everything.
  8. Assemble bowls. Spoon chicken over warm rice or quinoa. Top with green onions, sesame seeds, and extra chili if you like.