If you love the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, these Hot Honey Chicken Bowls will be your new go-to meal! 🍯🔥 With crispy, juicy chicken coated in a sticky hot honey glaze, served over a bed of rice, fresh veggies, and a drizzle of extra sauce, this dish is bold, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, these bowls are customizable, protein-packed, and absolutely irresistible. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Sweet & Spicy Perfection – The hot honey glaze is next-level good!
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes with minimal effort.
✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make it ahead and enjoy all week.
✔️ Customizable – Use your favorite grains, veggies, and proteins!
Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey 🍯
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot or Sriracha)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or slaw mix
- ½ cup sliced cucumbers
- ½ avocado, sliced
- Green onions & sesame seeds, for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden brown.
Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
- Pour the hot honey sauce over the crispy chicken and toss to coat.
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and sticks to the chicken.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
- Divide cooked rice into bowls.
- Top with hot honey chicken, shredded cabbage, cucumbers, avocado slices, and green onions.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds, and drizzle extra hot honey sauce on top.
🔥 Enjoy the sweet & spicy goodness! 🍯🍗✨
Servings & Cooking Time
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
Variations & Substitutions
1. Make It Extra Crispy
- Instead of pan-frying, coat the chicken in panko breadcrumbs and air-fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
2. Vegetarian Version
- Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or cauliflower bites.
3. Low-Carb/Keto Option
- Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.
4. Extra Protein Boost
- Add soft-boiled eggs or edamame for extra protein!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
How to Store
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Meal Prep: Keep ingredients separate and assemble fresh.
How to Reheat
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Warm in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs stay juicier and are just as delicious.
2. How spicy is this recipe?
It’s mild to medium heat, but you can adjust the spice by adding more or less hot sauce.
3. What’s the best hot sauce to use?
Frank’s Red Hot, Sriracha, or Cholula all work great!
4. Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. What’s the best way to get crispy chicken?
Cornstarch is key! It helps create that light, crispy coating when pan-fried.
6. Can I use a different grain?
Yes! Try quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
7. Can I meal prep this recipe?
Absolutely! Store everything separately and assemble fresh for best texture.
8. Can I air-fry the chicken?
Yes! Air-fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
9. Can I make the sauce less sweet?
Yes! Reduce the honey and add a little extra soy sauce or vinegar.
10. What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with roasted veggies, a side salad, or crispy wonton strips!
Final Thoughts on Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, crispy, and fresh. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner or meal prep, they’re easy, customizable, and full of flavor.
🔥 Try them tonight—you won’t be disappointed! 🍯🍗✨
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments!
