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Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are a quick and easy dish that balances a sweet and spicy honey glaze with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a nutritious grain base. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this flavorful and customizable recipe delivers layers of taste and texture in every bite, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Protein

  • Chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless (about 1 lb)
  • Garlic powder (1 tsp)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • Oil for cooking (1-2 tbsp)

Hot Honey Sauce

  • Hot honey (3 tbsp) — a blend of honey and chili
  • Hot sauce or red pepper flakes (to taste)

Grain Base

  • Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice (1.5 cups cooked)

Fresh Vegetables

  • Bell peppers, sliced (1 cup)
  • Cucumbers, sliced (1 cup)
  • Snap peas (optional, 1/2 cup)

Finishing Touches

  • Fresh lime juice (1-2 tbsp)
  • Fresh herbs, chopped (cilantro or parsley, 1/4 cup)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
  2. Make the Hot Honey Sauce: While chicken cooks, mix honey with hot sauce or red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Adjust the heat level to your liking, combining the sweet and spicy elements until well blended.
  3. Cook Your Grain Base: Prepare your chosen grain according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and keep warm while assembling the bowls.
  4. Assemble the Bowls: Slice the cooked chicken and drizzle with your hot honey sauce. Add a serving of rice or grains, then pile on fresh vegetables like sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, and herbs for freshness and crunch.
  5. Add Finishing Touches: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the bowls and sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley for a bright, aromatic finish that ties all the flavors together perfectly.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and ensure chicken is cooked safely.
  • Adjust the spice gradually to suit every palate, starting mild.
  • Let the cooked chicken rest before slicing to maintain juiciness.
  • Use fresh, crunchy in-season vegetables for the best texture contrasts.
  • Double the hot honey sauce for extra drizzle or dipping.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hot honey chicken, sweet and spicy chicken, quick chicken bowls, meal prep chicken, gluten-free chicken recipe, honey chili chicken