These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls combine tender, juicy chicken with a spicy-sweet honey glaze, served over a bed of fluffy rice or grains. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that offers the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, these bowls will satisfy your cravings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet & Spicy – The hot honey glaze gives the chicken the perfect kick and sweetness.
- Customizable – You can serve the chicken over rice, quinoa, or greens and add your favorite toppings.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes or less, perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for extra heat)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like sriracha or your favorite hot sauce)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or greens (spinach or arugula work well)
- Toppings: sliced avocado, green onions, sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, or shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and chili flakes (if using). Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Step 2: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using) until well combined.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the skillet over medium heat and pour the hot honey sauce over it. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well-glazed and sticky.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
To assemble the bowls, start with a base of cooked rice, quinoa, or greens. Top with the hot honey-coated chicken. Add any desired toppings like avocado slices, green onions, sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, or shredded cheese.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the Hot Honey Chicken Bowls immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of heat and sweet!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad to add extra flavor and nutrition.
- Add crispy fried onions on top for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Serve with garlic bread or flatbreads to soak up the extra sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Make It Vegetarian – Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
- Adjust the Heat – For a milder flavor, reduce the hot sauce, or for more heat, add extra chili flakes or a spicy pepper sauce.
- Toppings – Feel free to get creative with toppings like pickled red onions, crushed peanuts, or lime wedges for a tangy twist.
- Meal Prep – These bowls are great for meal prep! Simply store the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the rice and toppings to keep everything fresh.
Final Thoughts
These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can make a meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for the week, these bowls are both delicious and easy to make. Enjoy every flavorful bite!