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Honey Garlic Chicken Zucchini Bowls - Quick, Flavorful, and Fresh

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

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Zucchini: 3 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
  • Ginger: 1 teaspoon freshly grated (optional but recommended)
  • Honey: 1/4 cup
  • Soy sauce: 1/4 cup (use low sodium if preferred)
  • Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon (or lemon juice)
  • Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
  • Cornstarch: 2 teaspoons (for thickening)
  • Neutral oil: 1–2 tablespoons (avocado, canola, or olive oil)
  • Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for heat)
  • Green onions: 2, thinly sliced, for garnish
  • Sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon, for garnish
  • Cooked rice: 4 cups (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • Salt and pepper: To taste

Method
 

  1. Prep the base: Cook your rice according to package instructions so it’s ready to go. Fluff it and keep it warm.
  2. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside. The cornstarch will help the sauce cling to the chicken.
  3. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Dry chicken browns better.
  4. Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  5. Cook the zucchini: In the same pan, add a drizzle more oil if needed. Add zucchini with a pinch of salt. Sauté 3–4 minutes until just tender with some golden edges. Avoid overcooking—slight crunch is good.
  6. Combine and glaze: Return chicken to the skillet. Give the sauce a quick stir and pour it in. Toss to coat. Simmer 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  7. Taste and adjust: If it needs more brightness, add a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon. If you want it sweeter, add a teaspoon of honey. Season with pepper.
  8. Assemble the bowls: Spoon rice into bowls. Top with honey garlic chicken and zucchini. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.
  9. Serve: Enjoy hot. Add a drizzle of chili oil or sriracha if you like heat.