These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are a perfect balance of sweet and spicy, featuring juicy chicken coated in a flavorful honey glaze with a bit of heat. Served over a bed of rice or quinoa and topped with your favorite fresh toppings, these bowls are a delicious and satisfying meal that you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet & Spicy – The honey glaze with hot sauce gives the chicken the perfect kick of heat and sweetness.
Quick & Easy – Ready in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Customizable – You can top the bowls with your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile meal for everyone.

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
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon hot sauce (like sriracha or your favorite)
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, shredded lettuce, chopped cilantro, green onions, or shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.

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). Once the chicken is done, pour the sauce into the same skillet and cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken back into the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat, ensuring every piece is covered with the hot honey glaze. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

To assemble the bowls, start with a base of rice, quinoa, or greens. Top with the hot honey chicken, then add your favorite toppings like avocado slices, shredded lettuce, green onions, cilantro, or shredded cheese.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the Hot Honey Chicken Bowls immediately, and enjoy the sweet and spicy goodness!

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a side of roasted vegetables, like broccoli or sweet potatoes, for a more filling meal.
Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance the heat.
Serve with a crunchy side like tortilla chips or crispy onions for added texture.

Tips & Variations

Grilled Chicken – You can grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it for a smoky flavor.
Vegetarian Option – Swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Adjust the Heat – If you like your sauce spicier, add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Meal Prep – These bowls are great for meal prep! Store the chicken and sauce separately from the rice and toppings to keep everything fresh.

Final Thoughts

These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are a perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. The tender chicken coated in the hot honey glaze is delicious over a bed of rice or greens, making for a satisfying and flavorful meal. It’s quick, customizable, and sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation!