Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and savory. Tender chicken glazed in hot honey, served over rice or grains, topped with fresh veggies, makes a balanced meal. You get heat from chili, sweetness from honey, crunch from toppings, and comfort from warm rice. It is quick, simple, and satisfying.
WHY MAKE THIS HOT HONEY CHICKEN BOWL RECIPE
- Balanced flavors, spicy and sweet in one bite.
- Complete meal in one bowl, with protein, grains, and vegetables.
- Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Easy to customize with what you have in your kitchen.
- Great for meal prep, work lunches, or weeknight dinners.
HOW TO MAKE HOT HONEY CHICKEN BOWL
This Hot Honey Chicken Bowl recipe uses bite-sized chicken cooked in a skillet, coated with hot honey sauce, then served over a base of rice with fresh toppings. The bowl format makes it flexible and easy.
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Hot Honey Chicken Bowl: 5 Easy Steps for a Spicy Sweet Dinner
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls 1x
Description
A flavorful bowl of crispy chicken drizzled with hot honey, served over rice with roasted veggies and fresh toppings a spicy-sweet meal that’s both comforting and nutritious.
Ingredients
- For the chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- For the hot honey:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- For the bowls:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup roasted broccoli
- 1 cup roasted sweet potatoes
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight).
- 2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 3. In a shallow dish, mix panko, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- 4. Coat chicken in breadcrumb mixture and place on baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
- 5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and fully cooked.
- 6. Meanwhile, roast broccoli and sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper for 20–25 minutes until tender.
- 7. In a small saucepan, warm honey with hot sauce and red pepper flakes. Stir and set aside.
- 8. Assemble bowls with rice, roasted vegetables, sliced chicken, avocado, and drizzle generously with hot honey.
- 9. Garnish with cilantro or green onions before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 12–14 minutes.
- Adjust heat level of hot honey based on your spice preference.
- Swap in quinoa or farro instead of rice for variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Bowl
- Method: Baking, Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: hot honey chicken, chicken bowl, spicy sweet chicken, meal prep
INGREDIENTS
For the chicken and sauce:
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like sriracha or cayenne-based)
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
For the bowl base and toppings:
- 2 cups cooked white rice, brown rice, or quinoa
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- ½ cup pickled red onions
- Fresh cilantro or parsley
- Lime wedges
DIRECTIONS STEP BY STEP
Spicy Honey-Glazed Chicken Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Cook your choice of rice or grain (e.g., white rice, brown rice, quinoa) according to package directions. Set aside once cooked.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- Season boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, your preferred hot sauce (e.g., Sriracha, Frank’s), honey, and a splash of vinegar (rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar work well).
- Pour the sauce into the same skillet over medium heat. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir until the chicken is fully coated and the sauce has thickened slightly (about 1-2 minutes).
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
- Divide the cooked rice among bowls.
- Top the rice with the glazed chicken.
- Add your chosen fresh toppings: diced avocado, shredded cabbage, pickled onions, and fresh cilantro.
- Finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice over each bowl before serving.
NUTRITION AND HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
- Calories: About 450-500 per serving depending on toppings.
- Protein: Chicken and grains provide around 30g protein per bowl.
- Carbohydrates: Rice and honey add about 50-60g carbs.
- Fat: Avocado and olive oil add healthy fats, about 15-18g.
- Fiber: Cabbage and avocado add fiber, around 6-8g per bowl.
- Allergen notes: Contains soy sauce (gluten). Use tamari for gluten-free.
HOW TO SERVE HOT HONEY CHICKEN BOWL
To Serve:
- Serve the bowls warm, adding the fresh toppings (avocado, cabbage, pickled onions, cilantro) just before eating to maintain their texture and freshness.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over each bowl immediately before serving.
To Customize:
- For extra spice, add an additional drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or hot honey.
- For a fuller, well-rounded meal, pair the bowl with a simple side salad or a portion of roasted vegetables.
This ensures every element is enjoyed at its best for a delicious and satisfying meal.
HOW TO STORE HOT HONEY CHICKEN BOWL
- Store cooked chicken and rice in airtight containers up to 4 days.
- Keep fresh toppings separate to maintain texture.
- Reheat chicken and rice in microwave, then add toppings fresh.
TIPS TO MAKE THE PERFECT BOWL EVERY TIME
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, ensure you don’t overcrowd the skillet. This is crucial for getting crispy, golden-brown chicken instead of steamed, soggy chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Get Creative with Veggies: This bowl is a canvas! Use what you have. Black beans, sautéed bell peppers, red onion, pickled jalapeños, or shredded carrots all make fantastic additions.
- Velveting the Chicken: The cornstarch coating is a quick “velveting” technique. It creates a slightly crispy exterior and helps the sauce cling perfectly to every nook and cranny of the chicken.
DETAILS
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
VARIATIONS
- Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon.
- Use cauliflower or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Replace rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb.
- Add roasted sweet potatoes for extra flavor.
NOTES
- Taste sauce before adding to adjust heat and sweetness.
- Fresh lime juice brightens the flavors.
- Store sauce separately if you plan to meal prep for several days.
HOT HONEY CHICKEN BOWL FAQs
Can I make hot honey sauce ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate for up to a week. Warm slightly before using.
How do I make this recipe less spicy?
Reduce the hot sauce amount and increase honey slightly.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes, shred rotisserie chicken, heat in skillet, and toss with hot honey sauce.
Can I freeze hot honey chicken?
Yes, freeze cooked chicken in sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
FINAL THOUGHTS: LET’S MAKE BOWLS PART OF OUR DAY
I hope this Hot Honey Chicken Bowl brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. It’s proof that a truly spectacular, healthy, and satisfying meal doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all about combining simple, great ingredients in a way that excites your palate. So, grab your skillet, whip up that glaze, and get ready for your new favorite dinner. Happy cooking!