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.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- Cook Your Grain Base: Prepare your chosen grain according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and keep warm while assembling the bowls.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Hot honey chicken, sweet and spicy chicken, quick chicken bowls, meal prep chicken, gluten-free chicken recipe, honey chili chicken