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

- Marinate chicken thighs in pickle juice 15 minutes.
- Dredge in cornstarch; shake excess.
- Fry in hot oil 4 minutes per side golden. Drain.
- Simmer glaze ingredients 3 minutes thick. Toss hot chicken in glaze.
- Serve over rice bowls with slaw; sesame seeds garnish.
Flavor Variations
| Variation | Key Add/Swap | Resulting Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Gochujang | Gochujang in glaze | Korean heat |
| Teriyaki | Mirin + sesame | Japanese sweet |
| Buffalo | Frank’s + butter | Wing bowl |
| Coconut | Coconut rice + mango | Tropical 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.
PrintHoney 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.
- 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
- Chicken:
- 1½ 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

