Name: Honey Sesame Chicken Lunch Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: ¼ cup chicken stock or water; ¼ cup reduced sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; ¾ cup rice (uncooked; or roughly 2 cups cooked); 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided); 3 cups broccoli (chopped into small pieces); 3 cups snap peas (ends trimmed); 2 large chicken breasts (cut into 1 inch cubes); Salt & pepper, to taste; Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 88 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with vibrant colors, satisfying textures, and a perfect balance of sweet and savory, the Honey Sesame Chicken Lunch Bowls Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender chicken breast with crisp broccoli and asparagus, all generously coated in a luscious honey sesame sauce that dances on your taste buds. Whether you’re gearing up for a busy workweek or simply want a nutritious lunch that feels indulgent, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden board is placed on a white marbled surface, holding two piles of fresh green vegetables and a small glass jar filled with a dark brown sauce with red flakes. The top pile contains chopped broccoli florets with bright green and light green shades. Below, there are many whole sugar snap peas with a smooth, shiny surface and a rich green color. The jar with the sauce rests at the top right corner of the board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, coming together to create layers of taste and texture that make these lunch bowls truly unforgettable. From the fresh vegetables adding crunch and color to the rich, sticky sauce that ties everything together, it’s straightforward and well worth gathering these essentials.

Chicken breast: The lean protein base that soaks up the sauce beautifully for juicy, flavorful bites.
Broccoli: Adds a crisp, fresh green element packed with nutrients and a slight earthiness.
Snap peas: For a sweet snap and vibrant hue that makes each bite exciting.
Rice: The perfect neutral base that balances the strong flavors and keeps you full.
Honey: Provides natural sweetness that caramelizes slightly in the sauce for depth.
Soy sauce: Brings that essential umami and saltiness, enhancing every component.
Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and subtle richness that’s signature to this dish.
Chicken stock or water: Helps blend and thin out the sauce while keeping it flavorful.
Red pepper flakes: A touch of heat to brighten and balance the sweetness.
Cornstarch: For thickening the sauce to a perfect glaze consistency.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and chicken to golden perfection.
Sesame seeds: A final garnish that adds texture and a little visual flair.
Salt & pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances every ingredient’s natural flavor.

How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken Lunch Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the honey sesame sauce

Start by shaking together the chicken stock (or water), soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch in a small bowl. This simple mix creates the magic behind the dish—sweet, tangy, and with just the right touch of heat. Setting it aside allows you to focus on perfectly cooking your chicken and veggies.

Step 2: Cook the rice

Next, cook your rice according to the package instructions. Fluffy, warm rice serves as the comforting base for your lunch bowls and soaks up every bit of that luscious sauce. Once cooked, divide it evenly into four storage containers if you’re prepping for the week ahead.

Step 3: Sauté the vegetables

In a large pan over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped broccoli and snap peas, cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re bright green, tender-crisp, and perfectly fresh tasting. Their crunch is the ideal contrast to tender chicken and silky sauce. Then, transfer the veggies onto your rice in the containers.

Step 4: Cook the chicken

Now, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, then carefully add the cubed chicken breast. Season generously with salt, pepper, and an optional pinch of red pepper flakes for extra kick. Cook the chicken for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. This step locks in juiciness and creates a beautiful sear.

Step 5: Combine chicken and sauce

Pour the prepared honey sesame sauce over the chicken and simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken into a glossy glaze that clings to every morsel. Then, add the coated chicken over the veggies and rice in your containers. A sprinkle of sesame seeds elevates the presentation and adds a subtle nuttiness that completes this dish’s flavor profile wonderfully.

How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken Lunch Bowls Recipe

Four clear glass rectangular containers are arranged vertically on a white marbled surface, each filled with three main layers. The left layer consists of browned bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a glossy sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds. The middle layer has bright green vegetables, including sugar snap peas and broccoli florets, fresh and vibrant in color. The right layer is plain white rice, fluffy and slightly packed, filling about one-third of each container. The layers are neatly separated and fill the containers evenly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds or finely sliced green onions on top right before serving for a fresh, crunchy finish. These garnishes heighten both the look and the flavor, turning a simple lunch box meal into something special.

Side Dishes

While the bowls are quite complete on their own, a light side salad with citrus vinaigrette or steamed edamame pairs beautifully to refresh your palate. For a heartier meal, you might add miso soup or a small serving of pickled vegetables to complement the honey sesame glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the components deconstructed on a large platter allowing everyone to build their own bowl to taste. Alternatively, serve over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different texture and even more nutritional punch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep these Honey Sesame Chicken Lunch Bowls refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 4 days, making them perfect for meal prep. The flavors actually deepen over time, meaning each lunch is just as delightful as the first.

Freezing

While these bowls freeze well, the texture of the vegetables may soften after thawing. If you plan to freeze, separate the sauce and chicken from the veggies, and freeze them individually to maintain the best quality.

Reheating

Reheat your lunch bowls gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Cover with a lid or microwave-safe wrap to keep moisture in and stir occasionally to warm evenly. Adding a splash of water can help loosen the sauce if it thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap broccoli and snap peas for asparagus, bell peppers, or even carrots. The key is to choose vegetables that retain a bit of crunch to contrast the tender chicken and rich sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Also, check that your chicken stock and cornstarch are gluten-free certified.

Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

You can easily substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. Just be sure to adjust cooking times to suit the protein replacement and use vegetable stock for the sauce.

How spicy is this recipe?

This Honey Sesame Chicken Lunch Bowls Recipe includes optional red pepper flakes which allow you to control the heat level. Feel free to omit or add more according to your taste preference.

What’s the best rice to use?

Jasmine or basmati rice work wonderfully because of their fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture. However, any long-grain rice or even brown rice can fit perfectly depending on your dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about a bowl packed with vibrant veggies, tender chicken, and a sauce that perfectly balances sweet and savory. I truly encourage you to try this delightful Honey Sesame Chicken Lunch Bowls Recipe—it’s a game-changer for healthy lunches and meal prep that never sacrifices flavor. Once you make it, I’m sure it will become a favorite go-to in your kitchen too!