Sticky Korean Fried Chicken and Rice Bowls: The Ultimate Flavor-Packed Meal Prep
If you’ve ever craved the bold, sweet heat of Korean fried chicken but wanted a meal that fits into your weekly prep routine, these Sticky Korean Fried Chicken and Rice Bowls deliver everything you need—flavor, texture, and total satisfaction in one tidy bowl. With tender air-fried chicken glazed in a sticky, gochujang-based sauce and paired with fragrant jasmine rice and quick-pickled cucumbers, this Korean-inspired bowl doesn’t just satisfy cravings—it crushes them.
From the irresistible crunch of the air-fried coating to the tangy-sweet glaze that clings to every bite, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a crave-worthy experience you’ll want to repeat week after week. And the best part? It’s just as practical for meal prep as it is impressive for dinner.
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Sticky Korean Fried Chicken and Rice Bowls: The Ultimate Flavor-Packed Meal Prep
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Sticky Korean Fried Chicken and Rice Bowls are the ultimate sweet, spicy, and savory combo—perfect for weekly meal prep or an easy dinner with bold Korean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
4 teaspoons garlic powder
4 teaspoons ground paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
¼ cup tamari (or soy sauce)
¼ cup water
¼ cup keto-friendly honey substitute
2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
3 tablespoons brown sugar substitute
2 teaspoons ground ginger
For the Pickled Cucumbers:
2 cups thinly sliced Persian cucumbers (or any cucumber)
2 tablespoons tamari (or soy sauce)
1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
½ tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon garlic salt
½ tablespoon white sesame seeds
For the Rice:
4 cups cooked jasmine rice
Optional Toppings:
Sliced green onions
Red pepper flakes
Extra sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl. Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, flour, and cornstarch. Toss well to coat evenly.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange half the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 17 minutes, flipping occasionally. Repeat with the second batch.
3. While chicken is cooking, prepare jasmine rice in a rice cooker or on the stovetop according to package instructions.
4. In a bowl, combine sliced cucumbers with tamari, vinegar, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, garlic salt, and sesame seeds. Stir and set aside to marinate.
5. In a saucepan, whisk together tamari, water, honey substitute, gochujang, brown sugar substitute, and ginger. Bring to a quick boil, then reduce heat to simmer until thickened.
6. Once all chicken is cooked, add it to the sauce and stir until well coated.
7. Divide rice into 4 containers or bowls. Top with saucy chicken, pickled cucumbers, and your choice of garnishes like green onions or sesame seeds.
Notes
For crispier reheats, store cucumbers separately and reheat chicken and rice only.
You can adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the gochujang or red pepper flakes.
Use tamari for a gluten-free version of this dish.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Meal Prep Recipes
- Method: Air Fryer, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
The Magic Behind Sticky Korean Fried Chicken and Rice Bowls
What Makes It “Sticky” and Irresistible
The secret behind the stickiness lies in a thick, glossy glaze that hits all the right notes: sweet, savory, and slightly spicy. This isn’t your average sauce. It’s a mix of tamari, gochujang, a keto-friendly honey substitute, brown sugar replacement, and a touch of ginger—brought to a quick boil and simmered just enough to become syrupy and bold. Once it coats the crispy chicken, the transformation is complete: tender pieces that are crunchy on the outside and sticky in the best way possible.
Gochujang and the Bold Flavors of Korean-Inspired Cooking
Gochujang is the heart of Korean flavor in this bowl. It’s not just spice—it’s depth. Fermented chili paste adds a subtle umami and warmth that builds without overwhelming. Even if you’re new to Korean cooking, this single ingredient opens the door to a whole new layer of taste. Blended into the sauce with tamari and sweeteners, it becomes a deeply flavorful base that complements the lightness of the chicken breast beautifully.
How Air Frying Transforms Chicken to Crispy Perfection
Rather than deep frying, this recipe relies on the air fryer to achieve golden, crispy chicken with far less oil. A coating of cornstarch and flour, seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, clings to each piece. The hot air works its magic, crisping the outside while keeping the inside juicy. It’s a win for both taste and health, giving you that satisfying crunch without a greasy aftertaste.
Building the Perfect Sticky Korean Fried Chicken and Rice Bowls
The Role of Jasmine Rice in Balancing Sweet Heat
Jasmine rice isn’t just a filler—it’s a foundational element in the bowl. Its floral aroma and tender texture help mellow the bold sauce and add comfort to every bite. It soaks up the glaze while maintaining its structure, making each forkful complete. Whether you’re eating it hot out of the pan or from a prep container three days later, the rice holds its own against the vibrant flavors on top.
Quick Pickled Cucumbers: A Crunchy Contrast
To balance the richness of the chicken, these bowls include a side of quick-pickled cucumbers. In just a few minutes, thin slices soak up tamari, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and chili flakes. The result is a zippy, crunchy topping that brightens the entire dish. It’s a simple step that adds complexity—and it’s hard to imagine the bowl without them.
The Ideal Bowl Assembly for Texture and Taste
There’s an art to assembling the bowl. Start with a generous layer of jasmine rice, then nestle in the sticky chicken. Add a handful of pickled cucumbers to the side, and finish with sliced green onions, extra sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like heat. Each layer contributes something different—soft, crispy, tangy, savory—and together, it’s the perfect bite.
Sticky Korean Fried Chicken Meal Prep for Busy Weeks
Batch Cooking the Chicken Without Losing Crunch
Meal prepping fried chicken might sound risky, but this method holds up. Cooking the chicken in two air fryer batches ensures it gets evenly crispy. Once it’s cooled slightly and coated in the thickened sauce, it locks in flavor without turning soggy. Stored properly, the chicken keeps its texture surprisingly well, making your midday meal feel freshly made.
Smart Storage Tips for Lasting Freshness
To keep the bowls tasting their best, store the components in separate containers if possible. Keep the chicken and rice together, and tuck the cucumbers into their own compartment or small sealed container. This prevents the pickles from softening the chicken coating. Reheat the rice and chicken together, then top with cold cucumbers right before serving for the best contrast.
How This Recipe Beats Takeout for Lunch
Forget soggy leftovers or overpriced delivery—these bowls make lunchtime exciting again. Not only are they full of bold flavor, but they’re packed with protein and nourishing ingredients that keep you full and focused. If you love building flavorful, balanced bowls for the week, check out this savory beef bowl inspiration for more ideas.
A Lighter Take on Sticky Korean Fried Chicken and Rice Bowls
Using Keto Sweeteners Without Losing Flavor
By swapping traditional sugar and honey with low-glycemic alternatives, this recipe keeps things lighter without sacrificing sweetness. The brown sugar substitute and keto-friendly honey mimic the classic glaze texture, creating a sauce that’s rich and sticky with a cleaner nutritional profile. You won’t miss the sugar, but your body will thank you.
High-Protein and Dairy-Free: A Health-Conscious Twist
Each serving delivers a satisfying 17g of protein while remaining completely dairy-free. Using lean chicken breast instead of thighs or wings cuts down on fat, and air frying removes the need for extra oil. If you’re focused on clean eating or building a protein-rich diet, this bowl fits in effortlessly.
How This Bowl Fits Your Clean Eating Goals
With just 3g of sugar and only 333 calories per serving, these bowls align with a variety of dietary preferences. Whether you’re tracking macros, following a high-protein plan, or just trying to eat more whole foods, this is a meal you can prep in bulk without guilt. For another clean, flavorful idea, try this honey garlic chicken meal prep recipe next.
Elevating Your Sticky Korean Fried Chicken and Rice Bowls
Optional Toppings That Add Punch
A sprinkle of red pepper flakes, fresh green onions, or toasted sesame seeds can turn a simple bowl into a standout meal. You can even drizzle with extra sauce or a splash of rice vinegar to amp up the flavor. These finishing touches take just seconds but make all the difference in presentation and taste.
Pairing with Sides or Beverages for a Complete Meal
If you’re serving these for dinner, pair them with a crisp Asian slaw or a cold barley tea. The freshness of a green vegetable side balances the richness of the sticky chicken, and a chilled drink helps cleanse the palate between bites. Even simple roasted edamame can add protein and crunch to round out the meal.
Customizing Heat and Sweetness to Your Taste
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be adjusted. Want more heat? Add extra gochujang or red pepper flakes. Prefer it milder? Dial back the chili paste and up the sweetness slightly. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll start tailoring it to your perfect flavor profile.
More Meal Prep You’ll Love
Savory beef bowl inspiration
Looking for more hearty, protein-packed meal prep ideas? These beef taco bowl meal preps are another bold favorite that comes together quickly and stores well for the week ahead.
Honey garlic chicken meets meal prep perfection
For a slightly sweeter take with a garlic-forward flavor, this honey garlic chicken and broccoli recipe brings together tender chicken and vibrant green broccoli for a perfect prep.
Planning Weekly Meals Around Rice Bowls
Rice bowls offer a perfect base for mixing and matching proteins, veggies, and sauces. Use this recipe as a jumping-off point to create themed bowls all week—from spicy to savory to tangy, there’s endless variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best Korean fried chicken bowl recipe for meal prep?
This Sticky Korean Fried Chicken and Rice Bowl is perfect for meal prep because it holds texture, reheats well, and stays flavorful. The pickled cucumbers and air-fried chicken keep things fresh, even days later.
How spicy is this Sticky Korean Fried Chicken?
The heat level is mild to moderate, thanks to the gochujang. You can easily adjust it by using more or less chili paste or adding red pepper flakes to taste.
Can I make Korean fried chicken without gochujang?
Yes, but gochujang adds depth that’s hard to replicate. If you need a substitute, try a mix of chili garlic sauce and miso paste to capture the same umami-spice profile.
What does “Korean fried chicken recette” mean in this context?
“Recette” is French for “recipe.” So a Korean fried chicken recette refers to a traditional or inspired recipe for Korean fried chicken, like this one adapted for rice bowls and weekly meal prep.
Conclusion: A Bowl That Brings It All Together
Sticky Korean Fried Chicken and Rice Bowls are more than a trendy recipe—they’re a weeknight lifesaver, a meal prep dream, and a flavor-packed comfort food all in one. With crispy air-fried chicken glazed in a spicy-sweet sauce, fluffy jasmine rice, and zesty cucumbers, every bowl is balanced, bold, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re feeding your family or stocking your fridge, this recipe proves that eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor.
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