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The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Hot Honey Chicken Bowls: Quick, Delicious and Satisfying
If you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and exciting, Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are the perfect choice.
I love how this dish brings together crispy, juicy chicken drizzled with sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy rice or grains with fresh toppings.
I often make this dish when I want something balanced—there’s protein, carbs, and veggies all in one bowl.
To give you a quick overview, here’s a handy table with the basic nutrition and recipe info:
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Calories (per bowl) | ~480 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Gluten-Free | Yes (if using GF soy sauce) |
| Dairy-Free | Yes |
| Vegan | No |
| Meal Type | Lunch or Dinner |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite.
- Easy to customize with your favorite grains or veggies.
- Perfect for meal prep—you can make extra and enjoy it all week.
- Naturally gluten-free if you swap in the right ingredients.
- A healthier alternative to takeout, but still packed with flavor.
- Works for both casual weeknights and special dinners.
Ingredients to Make Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
For the Hot Honey Chicken:
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pound them to even thickness or cut into strips for faster and more even cooking. - 1 tablespoon avocado oil
A light, high-heat oil that sears the chicken beautifully without overpowering flavor. - ⅓ cup honey
The sweet base of the hot honey sauce. - ¼ cup sriracha (or your preferred hot sauce)
Brings the heat and blends perfectly with honey for that sweet-spicy balance. - 2 teaspoons minced garlic
Adds depth and savory aroma to the sauce. - 1 teaspoon salt
Enhances the flavors of the chicken and sauce. - 1 teaspoon black pepper
Balances the sweetness of honey with mild spice. - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For those who want an extra kick of heat. - ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Adds a touch of texture and more spice to the glaze.
For the Bowls:
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
Light, fresh, and cooks quickly alongside the chicken. - 1 medium summer squash, sliced
Pairs well with zucchini and adds color to the bowls. - 1 ½ cups shredded carrots
Adds crunch and natural sweetness. - 1 medium avocado, sliced
Creamy and cooling, balances the spiciness of the hot honey glaze. - 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
A hearty base that soaks up all the flavors. - 1 medium lime
Fresh lime juice brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness. - ½ cup healthy ranch dressing (optional)
A creamy drizzle that cools down the spice, if desired.
Steps to Make Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Either pound them gently with a meat mallet until they are an even thickness, or cut them into strips. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly while staying tender inside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts or strips into the skillet and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through yet since it will finish baking in the oven.
Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While the chicken sears, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha, minced garlic, salt, pepper, cayenne (if using), and red pepper flakes. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of this sauce for later tossing.
Step 4: Add Veggies and Sauce
Once the chicken has browned, remove the skillet from heat. Add the sliced zucchini and summer squash directly into the skillet, arranging the chicken on top. Pour the hot honey sauce over the chicken and veggies, making sure it coats everything evenly.
Step 5: Bake in the Oven
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Stir the vegetables halfway through so they cook evenly in the sauce.
Step 6: Finish the Chicken
Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice the chicken into strips or cubes, then toss them with the reserved 2 tablespoons of hot honey sauce for an extra burst of flavor and shine.
Step 7: Build the Bowls
Divide the cooked rice or quinoa into bowls. Top with zucchini, summer squash, shredded carrots, and avocado slices. Place the hot honey chicken on top. Squeeze fresh lime juice over everything and drizzle with ranch dressing if desired.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Your Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are ready to enjoy! Each bite will give you a mix of sweet, spicy, crunchy, creamy, and fresh flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are versatile, and that’s one of the reasons people love them. You can serve them in so many different ways depending on the occasion and your preferences:
- Classic Bowl Style – Keep it simple by serving over a bed of white or brown rice. The grains soak up the hot honey sauce and balance the bold flavors.
- Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice Base – For a healthier, lighter option, swap regular rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice. These bases also pack extra nutrients.
- With Extra Veggies – Roasted bell peppers, asparagus, or green beans make fantastic additions to this bowl. The caramelized edges from roasting pair beautifully with the sweet-spicy chicken.
- As a Salad – Skip the rice and build your bowl over a bed of mixed greens or spinach. The hot honey chicken doubles as a flavorful protein topper.
- Handheld Wraps – Roll the chicken, veggies, and avocado slices in warm tortillas or flatbreads to turn your bowl into a portable meal.
- Family-Style Platter – Instead of making individual bowls, serve everything on a big platter. Lay out the chicken, veggies, and grains separately so everyone can assemble their bowl just the way they like.
This flexibility makes Hot Honey Chicken Bowls a great choice for both weeknight meals and entertaining guests.
Meal Prep Tips: Can You Make Hot Honey Chicken Bowls in Advance?
Yes — these bowls are excellent for meal prep and can keep you fueled all week. Here’s how to make the most of them without losing freshness or flavor:
- Prep the Chicken Ahead – Pound or slice the chicken, then season and store it in the fridge (uncooked) up to 24 hours before cooking. This saves time when you’re ready to cook.
- Cook in Batches – Double the chicken and veggies so you can use leftovers for several lunches or dinners.
- Store Separately – Keep the chicken, rice/quinoa, veggies, and avocado in separate airtight containers. This way, nothing gets soggy. Assemble the bowls just before eating.
- Avocado Freshness – Since avocado browns quickly, slice it fresh right before serving. If you need to prep ahead, brush slices with a little lime juice to slow down browning.
- Reheating the Chicken – To keep the chicken crispy, reheat it in an air fryer or oven instead of the microwave. About 5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) usually does the trick.
- Sauce Tip – You can make the hot honey sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Warm it slightly before tossing with chicken for the best texture.
With these tips, you can prep multiple components ahead of time and enjoy restaurant-quality bowls in minutes throughout the week.
Variations
One of the best things about Hot Honey Chicken Bowls is how easy they are to customize. Whether you want to adjust the spice level, swap ingredients, or make it suit your diet, here are some tasty variations to try:
- Spice Control – If you like things milder, reduce the sriracha or skip the cayenne and crushed red pepper. For extra heat, add jalapeños, chili flakes, or drizzle with your favorite hot sauce at the end.
- Protein Swaps – Don’t feel limited to chicken. Try shrimp, salmon, turkey meatballs, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option. Each one pairs beautifully with the hot honey glaze.
- Different Grains – Instead of rice or quinoa, serve the bowls over farro, couscous, or even noodles for a unique twist.
- Veggie Boost – Add roasted Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, green beans, or mushrooms. This makes the bowl more colorful, flavorful, and nutrient-packed.
- Sauce Variety – If ranch isn’t your style, swap it for Greek yogurt sauce, avocado crema, or even tahini dressing for a Mediterranean spin.
- Kid-Friendly Version – Make a less spicy glaze by mixing honey with a little ketchup or mild BBQ sauce. Kids can still enjoy the sweet, sticky flavor without too much heat.
- Low-Carb Option – Replace the rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carb version.
With these variations, you’ll never get bored of this recipe. You can change it up weekly while still keeping the core sweet-spicy flavors.
Storage & Reheating
If you have leftovers (or if you’re intentionally making extra for meal prep), storing and reheating correctly will help keep everything fresh and delicious.
- Storage:
- Store the cooked chicken, rice, and veggies separately in airtight containers. This keeps textures intact and prevents sogginess.
- Chicken and rice last about 3–4 days in the fridge, while fresh veggies like avocado are best cut right before serving.
- The hot honey sauce can be stored in a small jar or container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
- Reheating:
- Chicken – For the best texture, reheat in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4–5 minutes, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. This helps bring back the crisp edges.
- Rice/Quinoa – Microwave with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Cover with a damp paper towel for best results.
- Veggies – Reheat lightly if roasted, but if you’re using fresh veggies like carrots or avocado, it’s best to add them fresh each time.
- Sauce – Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before tossing with chicken.
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Hot Honey Chicken Bowls all week long without losing flavor or texture.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work really well in this recipe. They stay juicy and flavorful even after baking. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs may take a few extra minutes.
2. Is this recipe very spicy?
It’s moderately spicy. The honey balances the heat from the sriracha, cayenne, and red pepper flakes. If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the sriracha or skip the cayenne. If you love heat, add extra chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.
3. Can I make the sauce less sweet?
Yes. Simply reduce the honey and increase the lime juice or even add a splash of soy sauce to balance it out.
4. How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with crispy baked tofu, tempeh, or even roasted chickpeas. Keep the same hot honey glaze for a delicious vegetarian version.
5. Can I meal prep these bowls for the week?
Absolutely. Cook the rice and chicken ahead, store them separately, and assemble bowls when ready to eat. Add fresh avocado and lime juice just before serving to keep everything fresh.
6. What if I don’t have zucchini or summer squash?
You can swap in other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, green beans, or even sweet potatoes. Roast or sauté them to match the flavor and texture.
7. Is ranch dressing necessary?
Not at all. It’s optional and just adds creaminess. You can skip it, use plain Greek yogurt, or drizzle with avocado crema for a lighter option.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, fresh, and hearty all in one dish. With tender chicken coated in sticky hot honey glaze, colorful vegetables, creamy avocado, and a comforting grain base, this meal has everything you need for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
I love how customizable it is — you can adjust the spice, swap in different veggies, or even use another protein like shrimp or tofu. Plus, it’s easy enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough to serve to friends or family.
If you’re looking for a flavorful, wholesome, and versatile recipe to add to your rotation, these Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are it. They’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
