Hot Honey Chicken Bowls – Sweet, Spicy, and Satisfying

If you’re looking for a flavor-packed, easy-to-make meal, these Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are the perfect choice! This dish features crispy, juicy chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze, served over a bed of rice or grains, and topped with fresh veggies for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving bold flavors, this sweet and spicy chicken bowl is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s high in protein, customizable, and comes together in under 30 minutes!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Perfect Sweet & Spicy Balance – The hot honey glaze is both bold and delicious.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
✔ Healthy & Satisfying – Packed with protein, fiber, and fresh ingredients.
✔ Customizable – Adjust spice levels, swap grains, or add your favorite toppings.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying)

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• ¼ cup (60ml) honey
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

For the Bowls:

• 2 cups cooked rice (brown rice, white rice, or quinoa)
• 1 cup steamed or roasted broccoli
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup sliced cucumbers
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish

Kitchen Equipment Needed

✔ Mixing Bowls – For seasoning the chicken and preparing the glaze.
✔ Large Skillet – For cooking the chicken to crispy perfection.
✔ Whisk – To mix the hot honey glaze smoothly.
✔ Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
✔ Rice Cooker or Pot – To cook the rice perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons cornstarch over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. This helps create a crispy texture when cooked.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. In a separate bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to form a slurry.
4. Stir the slurry into the glaze and let it cook for 1-2 minutes, until slightly thickened.
5. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Toss the Chicken in the Glaze

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the hot honey glaze over it.
2. Toss to coat evenly and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

1. Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls.
2. Top with hot honey chicken and arrange broccoli, shredded carrots, and sliced cucumbers around the chicken.
3. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve immediately and enjoy this sweet, spicy, and satisfying meal!

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Tips for the Best Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

✔ Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness – They stay more tender than chicken breasts.
✔ Adjust the Heat Level – Add more or less red pepper flakes and hot sauce to taste.
✔ Double the Sauce – If you love extra glaze, make a little more to drizzle over the bowls.
✔ Make it Extra Crispy – Coat the chicken in a light layer of panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
✔ Meal Prep Friendly – Cook the chicken and rice in advance and assemble when ready to eat.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Make it Gluten-Free – Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Try a Different Protein – Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef.
Use Different Grains – Swap rice for quinoa, cauliflower rice, or farro.
Add More Veggies – Try bell peppers, edamame, or sautéed mushrooms.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storing Leftovers

• Store the chicken, rice, and veggies separately in airtight containers.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating Instructions

• Microwave: Heat the chicken and rice in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Freezing Instructions

• Freeze the cooked chicken separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make hot honey chicken without frying?

Yes! You can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.

What’s the best hot sauce for this recipe?

Any hot sauce works, but sriracha, Frank’s Red Hot, or a smoky chipotle sauce are great options.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Simply toss pre-cooked chicken in the hot honey glaze and warm it up in a skillet.

What’s the best way to make this dish vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for crispy tofu, chickpeas, or cauliflower and use the same hot honey glaze.

Conclusion

These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are a sweet, spicy, and protein-packed meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this bowl is flavorful, customizable, and packed with nutrients.

Try this recipe today and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish made right at home. Don’t forget to share it with friends and family—they’ll love it just as much as you do!

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