A perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors served over a hearty base of grains and veggies. These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls bowls are packed with vibrant ingredients and topped with a delicious hot honey sauce for a satisfying meal that’s simple yet full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these hot honey chicken bowls strike the ideal balance of flavors. The sweet honey, spicy sriracha, and tangy apple cider vinegar create an irresistible glaze for the tender, juicy chicken. It’s a versatile meal that can be customized to include your favorite grains, veggies, and toppings. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
2-3 teaspoons sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
For the Bowl Base:
2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or farro
1 cup roasted sweet potatoes (optional)
1 cup steamed or roasted broccoli
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 avocado, sliced
Optional Toppings:
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds
Lime wedges
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine the honey, sriracha, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Heat the sauce over low heat until warmed through and slightly thickened. Set it aside.
Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the cooked rice, quinoa, or farro among serving bowls. Top the grains with sliced chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and avocado slices.
Drizzle and Garnish:
Generously drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken and veggies. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime if desired.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 2-3 bowls
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
Low-Carb Option: Swap out the grain base for cauliflower rice or zoodles.
Protein Alternatives: Use shrimp, tofu, or salmon instead of chicken.
Grain Options: Substitute the rice, quinoa, or farro with brown rice, barley, or couscous.
Extra Veggies: Add roasted bell peppers, sautéed spinach, or crispy Brussels sprouts for a nutrient boost.
Spice Control: Adjust the sriracha and red pepper flakes to make the sauce as mild or spicy as you like.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the hot honey sauce separate for best results.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken and grains in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add the hot honey sauce after reheating to maintain its flavor and texture.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken, grains, and veggies in advance for easy meal assembly throughout the week.
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FAQs
How spicy is the hot honey sauce?
The heat level is adjustable! Use less sriracha or skip the red pepper flakes for a milder sauce. If you enjoy more spice, feel free to add an extra teaspoon of sriracha.
Can I use a different type of protein?
Absolutely. This recipe works wonderfully with shrimp, salmon, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef. Adjust the cooking times based on the protein you choose.
What grains work best for the bowl base?
I recommend rice, quinoa, or farro for their hearty texture, but you can also try brown rice, couscous, or barley. For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free and gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free as long as you ensure all ingredients, like the hot sauce, are certified gluten-free.
How do I meal prep these hot honey chicken bowls?
Cook the chicken, grains, and veggies ahead of time and store them in separate containers. Reheat and assemble the bowls just before serving, then drizzle with the hot honey sauce.
Conclusion
These hot honey chicken bowls are a perfect meal for anyone who loves bold, balanced flavors. The sweet and spicy glaze on the chicken pairs beautifully with the hearty grains and fresh veggies, creating a wholesome and satisfying dish. With the ability to customize the ingredients to your liking, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, these bowls are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
📖 Recipe:
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- Author: Isabella
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 bowls
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Juicy chicken is coated in a bold hot honey sauce and served over a hearty base of grains and veggies, making this recipe simple, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
2–3 teaspoons sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Bowl Base:
2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or farro
1 cup roasted sweet potatoes (optional)
1 cup steamed or roasted broccoli
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 avocado, sliced
Optional Toppings:
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds
Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F/75°C).
- Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, sriracha, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Heat over low heat until warmed and slightly thickened. Set aside.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide cooked rice, quinoa, or farro among serving bowls.
- Top with sliced chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and avocado slices.
- Drizzle and Garnish:
- Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken and veggies.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime, if desired.
Notes
Protein Substitutes: Use shrimp, tofu, salmon, or thinly sliced beef instead of chicken.
Grain Alternatives: Brown rice, couscous, barley, or cauliflower rice work well.
Adjusting Heat: Modify the sriracha and red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
Meal Prep Tip: Prepare the chicken, grains, and veggies ahead of time for easy assembly during the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 bowls