Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors served over a bed of rice or grains with vibrant veggies. This dish combines crispy or grilled chicken coated in a sticky hot honey glaze, making it satisfying, flavorful, and incredibly easy to customize. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep, these bowls are as nourishing as they are crave-worthy.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breast or thighsolive oilsaltpeppergarlic powderpaprikachili powdercooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)broccoli or mixed vegetablespickled red onionshot honeysriracha (optional for extra heat)butterapple cider vinegar

directions

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness.

Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add butter, hot honey, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Stir until combined and simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet, tossing to coat with the hot honey sauce.

Assemble your bowls by adding a base of rice, followed by steamed or sautéed vegetables.

Top with the glazed chicken and add pickled red onions or a drizzle of sriracha if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb option.
Swap chicken for crispy tofu or shrimp for a different protein.
Add avocado, cucumbers, or shredded carrots for extra freshness.
Top with sesame seeds or chopped scallions for added texture.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Keep rice and chicken separate for best texture when reheating.

Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

FAQs

What is hot honey?

Hot honey is honey infused with chili peppers or hot sauce, giving it a sweet and spicy kick.

Can I make hot honey at home?

Yes, simply mix honey with your favorite hot sauce or red pepper flakes and warm slightly.

Is this dish very spicy?

The heat level is moderate and can be adjusted by using less hot honey or omitting sriracha.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Absolutely, grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor that works beautifully with the glaze.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just warm it in the skillet with the hot honey sauce until well coated.

Are Hot Honey Chicken Bowls good for meal prep?

Yes, they reheat well and can be stored in portions for easy weekday lunches.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use oil instead of butter in the sauce.

What veggies go best in this bowl?

Broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, and green beans are all great choices.

Can I use store-bought hot honey?

Yes, many brands offer bottled hot honey, which works great for this recipe.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes, just reduce the amount of hot honey or skip the sriracha for a milder version.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are a quick, versatile, and flavor-packed meal that balances sweet and spicy with nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping lunches, or just craving something bold and comforting, these bowls deliver every time.

Print
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Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

  • Author: Molly Yeh
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are a flavorful and satisfying meal featuring crispy chicken drizzled with spicy honey sauce, served over rice with fresh vegetables.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce (like sriracha or Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine or white rice
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup cucumber slices
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)


Instructions

  1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and slightly thickened.
  4. Once the chicken is cooked, pour the hot honey sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
  5. Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Top with hot honey chicken, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and green onions.
  6. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired and serve warm.

Notes

  • Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less hot sauce.
  • Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast if preferred.
  • Add avocado or pickled onions for extra flavor and texture.