Honey Pickle Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where comforting classics get a fresh twist. Honey Pickle Chicken Rice Bowls glaze crispy chicken thighs in sticky honey-soy reduction then pile over jasmine rice with briny pickle slaw for sweet-tangy-salty perfection that beats takeout. Ready in 30 minutes, it serves 4 with pickle juice tenderizing chicken beautifully.

Why This Recipe Works

Pickle juice marinade tenderizes chicken without mushiness. Cornstarch coating creates KFC crunch. Honey-soy glaze caramelizes without burning. Quick pickle slaw cuts richness perfectly. Rice bowl format balances textures in every bite.

Ingredients & Prep

Chicken:

  • 1½ lbs boneless chicken thighs
  • ½ cup pickle juice
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Honey Glaze:

  • ¼ cup honey
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp pickle juice
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Bowl:

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • Quick pickle slaw (cabbage, carrots, dill pickle chips, vinegar)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Honey Pickle Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe
  1. Marinate chicken thighs in pickle juice 15 minutes.
  2. Dredge in cornstarch; shake excess.
  3. Fry in hot oil 4 minutes per side golden. Drain.
  4. Simmer glaze ingredients 3 minutes thick. Toss hot chicken in glaze.
  5. Serve over rice bowls with slaw; sesame seeds garnish.

Flavor Variations

VariationKey Add/SwapResulting Twist
GochujangGochujang in glazeKorean heat
TeriyakiMirin + sesameJapanese sweet
BuffaloFrank’s + butterWing bowl
CoconutCoconut rice + mangoTropical pickle

Storage Tips

Fridge 3 days; reheat air fryer crisp.

FAQs

Mushy chicken?
15-minute pickle max; pat dry before dredge.

Glaze separates?
Whisk cornstarch slurry if needed.

No pickle juice?
Buttermilk + vinegar substitute.

Conclusion

Honey Pickle Chicken Rice Bowls briny-hugs sticky crunchy perfection.

Print

Honey Pickle Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe

Honey Pickle Chicken Rice Bowls feature crispy pickle-brined chicken thighs tossed in sticky honey garlic glaze served over fluffy rice with tangy pickle slaw and sesame seeds. Sweet-salty-briny flavor explosion in 30-minute meal prep bowls.

  • Author: ssam
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 35 mins (+ marinating)
  • Yield: 4 bowls 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-Fusion

Ingredients

Scale
  • Chicken:
  • lbs chicken thighs boneless skinless
  • 1 cup pickle juice
  • ½ cup flour
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Neutral oil for frying
  • Honey sauce:
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Rice bowls:
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • ½ cup chopped dill pickles
  • 2 tbsp pickle juice
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  • 1. Marinate chicken in pickle juice 15-30 mins (or overnight). Drain, pat dry. Dredge in flour mixture (flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika).
  • 2. Heat ½ inch oil in skillet to 350°F. Fry chicken 6-8 mins until golden and 165°F internal. Drain on paper towels.
  • 3. Make sauce: simmer honey, soy, garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, pepper flakes 3 mins until thickened.
  • 4. Toss hot chicken in sauce until glossy coated.
  • 5. Mix cabbage, chopped pickles, pickle juice for quick slaw.
  • 6. Assemble bowls: rice base, chicken, pickle slaw, green onions, sesame seeds. Drizzle extra sauce.

Notes

  • Pickle brine tenderizes chicken AND adds signature tang.
  • Double dredge (flour then cornstarch mix) = ultra-crispy.
  • Rice vinegar brightens honey-soy sauce.
  • Make slaw while chicken fries – ready simultaneously.
  • Perfect hot/cold combo for meal prep.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 680
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 1680mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 62g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: honey pickle chicken rice bowl, pickle brined fried chicken bowl, sweet pickle chicken

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