Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are the ultimate blend of bold flavors and hearty comfort. Perfectly glazed chicken with a balance of sweetness and spice takes center stage in this dish. Served over a bed of nutritious grains and paired with your favorite roasted or fresh vegetables, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, whipping up a quick family dinner, or hosting friends for a casual meal, these bowls are sure to impress. The combination of textures and flavors crunchy, tender, sweet, and spicy—creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite.
Not only is this recipe quick and easy to make, but it’s also packed with wholesome ingredients, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing flavor.
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a restaurant-quality dish ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Swap out grains, veggies, or proteins to create a bowl that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch, and you’ll have delicious meals ready to go for days.
- Balanced Nutrition: Loaded with lean protein, complex carbs, and fresh vegetables, this dish is as nourishing as it is tasty.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The sweet and spicy flavor combo appeals to both kids and adults, making it a hit at the dinner table.
These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are more than just a meal—they’re a delightful experience that combines flavor, nutrition, and ease in one dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp hot sauce or chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cups cooked quinoa, rice, or farro
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
- 1 cup roasted sweet potatoes
- Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, fresh herbs, lime wedges
Equipment Used
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Cooking spoon
- Saucepan (for grains)
- Baking sheet (for roasting vegetables)
Directions & Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low. Add honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir well until combined and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine:
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the hot honey sauce.
- Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the cooked grains into serving bowls.
- Top each bowl with the glazed chicken, steamed broccoli, and roasted sweet potatoes.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Drizzle any remaining sauce over the bowls. Garnish with sesame seeds, fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fats: 14g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 18g
This meal provides a balanced combination of macronutrients, making it ideal for both energy and satisfaction.
Prep Time and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce or chili flakes to suit your spice tolerance.
- Grain-Free: Use cauliflower rice or a bed of greens instead of grains.
- Different Veggies: Try roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or sautéed spinach for variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Shrimp, salmon, or even beef would work beautifully with the hot honey glaze. - How do I store leftovers?
Store the chicken, grains, and vegetables in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, this recipe is gluten-free if you use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. - Can I make the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the hot honey sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Pro Tips by Elisa
- Use fresh, high-quality honey for the best flavor.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to enhance the sweetness and spice.
- Double the sauce for extra drizzle on the veggies and grains.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Hot Honey Chicken Bowls with a side of crusty bread or a refreshing green salad. Pair with a cold glass of lemonade or sparkling water to complete the meal.
Enjoy every sweet and spicy bite of these easy-to-make, customizable bowls!
Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Cooking spoon
- Saucepan (for grains)
- Baking sheet (for roasting vegetables)
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp hot sauce or chili flakes adjust to taste
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cups cooked quinoa rice, or farro
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
- 1 cup roasted sweet potatoes
- Optional garnishes: sesame seeds fresh herbs, lime wedges
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low. Add honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir well until combined and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine:
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the hot honey sauce.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Divide the cooked grains into serving bowls.
- Top each bowl with the glazed chicken, steamed broccoli, and roasted sweet potatoes.
Garnish and Serve:
- Drizzle any remaining sauce over the bowls. Garnish with sesame seeds, fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
Notes
Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to enhance the sweetness and spice.
Double the sauce for extra drizzle on the veggies and grains.