Savory Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs and Rice Bowls You’ll Love

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Aniela Recipes Team

The moment the marinade of soy sauce and ginger started to mingle in my kitchen, I knew I was in for a treat. There s nothing quite like the delightful pop of flavors found in Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs and Rice Bowls. The allure of tender, juicy chicken paired with crisp bok choy and fluffy rice brings the perfect balance of comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

I often crave meals that not only satisfy my taste buds but also don t require a culinary master s degree to pull off. This recipe is a lifesaver for those busy weeknights or when you re simply looking to impress without the fuss. The secret? A beautifully crafted marinade that elevates the humble chicken thigh into something truly special.

As a bonus, this dish lends itself perfectly to meal prepping, ensuring you ll savor these mouthwatering flavors long after dinner is done. So, let s dive into this easy-to-make recipe that might just become your next favorite go-to!

Why Love Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs and Rice Bowls?

Flavor Explosion: The marinade s rich blend of soy sauce and ginger offers a delightful kick that elevates every bite.

Simple Steps: With just a few easy processes, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.

Meal Prep Hero: Ideal for weekly meal prep, you can enjoy this dish throughout the week!

Crowd Pleaser: Serve it to family and friends, and watch them rave about this delectable dish.

Unique Ingredients: The combination of bok choy and seasoned rice adds an interesting twist and great texture.

Quick Cooking: The air fryer method saves time and ensures juicy, tender chicken with a crispy finish!

Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs Ingredients

Get ready to savor the goodness!

For the Chicken
16 oz Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Perfectly tender, these thighs soak in all the delicious marinade flavors.

For the Rice
2 cups White Rice This fluffy base balances the savory elements, making every bite satisfying.

For the Sauce
3/8 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce Adds a savory depth without overwhelming saltiness for your Asian glazed chicken thighs.
1/2 cup Seasoned Rice Wine Vinegar This gives a zesty tang that brightens the dish beautifully.
4 tbsp Swerve Brown Sugar Substitute Sweetens the sauce while keeping it low-calorie and delicious.
1/3 cup Wholesome Yum Keto Honey Substitute A great alternative that provides that honey-like sweetness without the carbs.
1/2 tbsp Minced Garlic Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor into your marinade.
3 tsp Minced Ginger Adds a refreshing kick that complements the soy sauce perfectly.

For the Vegetables
1-1/2 Baby Bok Choy This leafy green adds crunch and a subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness.
2 tbsp Diced Green Onions A fresh garnish that enhances the dish s presentation and flavor.

Get ready to cook up these Asian glazed chicken thighs and rice bowls that your family won t be able to resist!

How to Make Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs and Rice Bowls

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix together the low sodium soy sauce, seasoned rice wine vinegar, Swerve brown sugar substitute, Wholesome Yum Keto honey substitute, minced garlic, and minced ginger until well combined.

2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a gallon ziplock bag. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag tightly, and ensure all thighs are well coated.

3. Refrigerate: Allow the chicken to marinate in the fridge for 2 hours, flipping it halfway through to infuse flavor evenly.

4. Store Marinade: Don t forget to store the remaining marinade in the fridge for later use!

5. Cook the Rice: Start preparing your white rice according to package instructions once the chicken has marinated.

6. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400 °F and let it warm up for about 5 minutes.

7. Air Fry the Chicken: Place half of the marinated chicken thighs into the air fryer basket. Cook for 14 minutes, flipping halfway or when the air fryer beeps to ensure even cooking.

8. Prep the Bok Choy: Rinse the baby bok choy and cut it in half lengthwise. Set aside for later.

9. Cook Second Batch: Once the first batch is done, remove it and add the second batch of chicken thighs to the air fryer, remembering to flip them halfway through.

10. Heat the Marinade: Pour the reserved marinade into a saucepan and turn on the heat to high. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low to keep warm.

11. Sauté the Bok Choy: In a hot frying pan, add non-stick spray or EVOO. Place the bok choy cut side down and sear for 2 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional minute.

12. Add Flavor: Quickly add a splash of the warm marinade to the pan, stirring gently, then remove the bok choy once it has a nice golden color.

13. Final Crisp for Chicken: Once the second batch of thighs is done, flip them so their crispy side is up. Add the first batch back in and cook for an additional 2 minutes to achieve maximum crunch.

14. Assemble Your Bowls: Once the rice is fluffy and ready, add 1/2 cup to each of 4 lunch containers.

15. Combine Ingredients: Chop the cooked chicken and bok choy, adding them evenly to the containers.

16. Drizzle and Garnish: Pour the remaining marinade over each bowl and top with diced green onions and sesame seeds for that perfect finishing touch. Enjoy!

Optional: Serve with a side of your favorite chili sauce for an extra kick!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs Variations

Feel free to get creative with this dish and make it your own!

• Gluten-Free: Substitute tamari for soy sauce to keep those delicious flavors while avoiding gluten.

• Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha to the marinade for a fiery twist that will wake up your taste buds. The heat balances beautifully with the sweetness!

• Crispy Skin: For an extra crispy finish, sear the marinated chicken in a hot skillet before air frying. The contrast between crispy skin and tender meat is a match made in heaven.

• Other Vegetables: Swap bok choy for sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for a vibrant veggie mix that adds color and nutrition.

• Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil after cooking for a burst of freshness that elevates every bite.

• Rice Alternatives: Try cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lighter option that still soaks up the flavorful marinade beautifully.

• Coconut Flavor: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a slightly sweeter, tropical twist that adds depth to the dish.

• Honey Option: Use real honey instead of the keto honey substitute for a more traditional sweetness, if it fits into your dietary plan!

What to Serve with Asian Chicken Thighs with Bok Choy and Rice?

Every great meal deserves a thoughtful side that enhances the experience of delightfully seasoned chicken and vibrant vegetables.

• Steamed Broccoli: A nutritious side loaded with vitamins, its crisp texture complements the tender chicken beautifully.

• Savory Egg Drop Soup: The gentle warmth and creamy richness of this soup offer a comforting contrast to the flavorful chicken.

• Sesame Cucumber Salad: Refreshingly crunchy and lightly dressed, this salad adds a bright, cooling element to balance the savory notes of the dish.

Imagine the crisp, bright bites of this salad refreshing your palate as you savor the rich flavors of your main dish.

• Jasmine Rice: Fragrant and fluffy, this aromatic rice is a classic complement to Asian-inspired dishes, soaking up all the tasty juices.

• Green Tea: The subtle, earthy flavors of green tea serve as a lovely beverage pairing, enhancing the dish s umami quality.

• Mango Sticky Rice: This delightful dessert offers a perfect sweet finish, with the creamy coconut sticky rice paired with fresh, juicy mango.

Consider this sweet treat its velvety texture contrasting with the savory richness of the chicken, making it a grand finale to your meal.

How to Store and Freeze Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs

Fridge: Store cooked Asian glazed chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure they are cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken in individual portions for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe bags or containers to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the air fryer at 350 °F for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.

Meal Prep: Enjoy your meal-prepped bowls throughout the week by separating rice, bok choy, and chicken into individual containers.

Make Ahead Options

These Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs and Rice Bowls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken thighs up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring they soak up all those delightful flavors. Simply place the chicken in a ziplock bag with your marinade, seal it tightly, and refrigerate. The bok choy can also be prepped ahead by washing and cutting it, then storing it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you re ready to serve, just cook the chicken in the air fryer and sauté the bok choy, finishing with a drizzle of marinade for the same delicious experience with less hassle. Enjoy quick, homemade meals that are just as tasty, even on your busiest days!

Expert Tips for Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs

Marinade Magic: Ensure the chicken thighs marinate for the full 2 hours. This allows them to absorb all the delicious flavors of the Asian glazed chicken thighs.

Proper Cooking Temp: Preheat your air fryer to 400 °F before adding the chicken. This ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy.

Batch Cooking: Be patient with the cooking times and don t overcrowd the air fryer. Cooking in batches helps each thigh crisp up perfectly.

Sauté bok choy: Give bok choy only a quick sauté to keep its crunch and vibrant color. Overcooking can make it wilted and bland.

Notes on the Marinade: Remember to save half of the marinade before touching the raw chicken to ensure food safety when using it later.

Asian Glazed Chicken Thighs and Rice Bowls Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken thighs should I use?
Absolutely! I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe as they remain juicy and tender during cooking, soaking up all the delicious marinade. Look for pieces that are plump and have a nice pink color without any visible dark spots.

How should I store leftovers?
For storing, place cooled cooked Asian glazed chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge. They ll keep well for up to 3 days. Just be sure everything is fully cooled before sealing to maintain their goodness!

Can I freeze these chicken thighs?
Yes! To freeze, portion the cooked chicken into airtight freezer-safe bags or containers. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer at 350 °F for about 5-7 minutes to regain that crispy texture.

How can I prevent overcooking the bok choy?
To keep your bok choy crisp and vibrant, it s important to sauté it quickly! After the first two minutes on the cut side, flipping it for just one more minute will give you a lovely sear without turning it mushy. Less is more when it comes to cooking this wonderful green!

What if I have food allergies?
Very! Always check for allergies before preparing this recipe. You can easily swap the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari if you re sensitive to gluten. If you re allergic to sesame, simply omit the sesame seeds from the garnish. Feel free to customize it to your dietary needs!

How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best results, marinate the chicken thighs for 2 hours in the fridge. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, ensuring that every bite of your Asian glazed chicken thighs is packed with flavor. Remember to flip the bag halfway through for an even coat!