Take your dinner to tropical paradise with these irresistible Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls paired with vibrant Pineapple Salsa and fluffy Cilantro Rice. This flavor-packed recipe combines sweet, savory, and zesty ingredients to create a bowl that’s both nourishing and exciting. Juicy caramelized chicken glazed in a sticky honey garlic sauce meets the bright punch of pineapple and herbs—all layered over fragrant rice. This easy-to-assemble bowl is ideal for busy weeknights, healthy meal prep, or a refreshing twist on dinner.
🍌 Ingredients
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken:
- 1½ lbs boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tbsp lime juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
Pineapple Salsa:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- Juice of ½ lime
- Pinch of salt
Cilantro Rice:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- Juice of ½ lime
- Salt to taste
🍳 Preparation
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Make the Pineapple Salsa
In a mixing bowl, combine diced pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, tomato, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Stir well and refrigerate to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 7–9 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized. Let the sauce reduce into a sticky glaze that coats the chicken thoroughly.
Step 4: Prepare the Cilantro Rice
In a separate bowl, combine the cooked rice with chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Mix until the herbs are evenly distributed and the rice is fragrant.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Scoop cilantro rice into each bowl. Top with a generous portion of sticky honey garlic chicken. Spoon the pineapple salsa over the top or on the side. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges, if desired.
🍽️ Variation
- Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian version.
- Grain Alternative: Try it with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Add Heat: Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the salsa for a spicy kick.
- Extra Creaminess: Add a dollop of avocado crema or plain Greek yogurt on top for richness.
🌮 Cooking Note
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Work in batches if necessary to achieve proper caramelization.
- Using fresh pineapple will give the salsa the best flavor and texture, but canned works in a pinch.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm naan, tortilla chips, or a side of roasted veggies.
- Turn it into a wrap using large lettuce leaves or tortillas.
- Ideal for meal prep: Store the rice, chicken, and salsa separately and assemble when ready to eat.
✨ Tips
- Dice the chicken uniformly so it cooks evenly.
- Zest the lime before juicing—it’s easier and ensures maximum citrus flavor.
- Double the salsa recipe to use as a dip or topping for other meals throughout the week.
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls with Pineapple Salsa & Cilantro Rice
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken:
- 1½ lbs boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tbsp lime juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
Pineapple Salsa:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- Juice of ½ lime
- Pinch of salt
Cilantro Rice:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
- Juice of ½ lime
- Salt to taste
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Make the Pineapple Salsa
In a mixing bowl, combine diced pineapple, red bell pepper, red onion, tomato, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Stir well and refrigerate to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 7–9 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized. Let the sauce reduce into a sticky glaze that coats the chicken thoroughly.
Step 4: Prepare the Cilantro Rice
In a separate bowl, combine the cooked rice with chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Mix until the herbs are evenly distributed and the rice is fragrant.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Scoop cilantro rice into each bowl. Top with a generous portion of sticky honey garlic chicken. Spoon the pineapple salsa over the top or on the side. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges, if desired.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. Work in batches if necessary to achieve proper caramelization.
- Using fresh pineapple will give the salsa the best flavor and texture, but canned works in a pinch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sodium: 620mg
- Protein: 35g
Conclusion
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls are a crowd-pleasing fusion of flavors that feel indulgent yet wholesome. The sweet, garlicky glaze on juicy chicken, the bright and refreshing pineapple salsa, and the herbed cilantro rice make every bite exciting and fulfilling. It’s one of those bowls that checks all the boxes: simple, fresh, balanced, and absolutely addictive.
Serve this bowl warm and enjoy the tropical-inspired vibes it brings to your kitchen!
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes! Just make sure to drain it well. Fresh is preferred for texture and flavor, but canned works when needed.
Is it okay to make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Keep components separate in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken and rice before assembling.
Can I grill the chicken instead?
Yes, grilled chicken works wonderfully. Just brush it with the marinade while grilling and cook until done.
Can I use brown rice or another grain?
Definitely. Feel free to swap in your favorite grain—brown rice, quinoa, farro, or even couscous.