Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are the perfect combination of sweet and spicy, featuring juicy chicken coated in a sweet honey glaze with a touch of heat. This dish is served over a bed of rice and paired with vibrant vegetables, creating a balanced, flavorful meal that is satisfying and versatile. Whether you’re craving something savory or a little bit of spice, this dish is sure to hit the spot, offering bold flavors in every bite. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy nights or meal prep!
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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1 tablespoon butter
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1/4 cup honey
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2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
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1 cup steamed broccoli (or your preferred vegetable)
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1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
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Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the honey, sriracha, and apple cider vinegar, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
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Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips and return it to the skillet, tossing it in the hot honey sauce to coat the chicken evenly.
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To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked rice into serving bowls. Top with sliced chicken, steamed broccoli, and a drizzle of the hot honey sauce from the skillet.
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Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Preparation time: 10 minutes
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Cooking time: 20 minutes
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Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
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Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add roasted carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas to your bowls for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Rice Alternatives: You can substitute rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or couscous for a lighter option.
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Spicy Kick: Increase the sriracha or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to make the sauce even spicier.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.
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Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken and rice in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can add a little water to the rice to prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken typically takes longer to cook, so make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
2. Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level depends on how much sriracha you use. For a mild spice, use less sriracha, or for more heat, add more. You can adjust the spice level to your preference.
3. Can I make the hot honey sauce in advance?
Yes, the hot honey sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat it before using.
4. Can I substitute honey with maple syrup?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweet flavor. The texture of the sauce may change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
5. Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of the skillet?
Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until it reaches 165°F (75°C). Then, toss the baked chicken with the hot honey sauce.
6. What other vegetables can I use in this recipe?
You can use vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans as an alternative to broccoli.
7. Can I freeze the leftovers?
You can freeze the chicken and rice separately, but the texture of the vegetables may not hold up as well when frozen. Freeze for up to 3 months, and reheat thoroughly before serving.
8. Can I use a different kind of sauce instead of sriracha?
Yes, you can substitute sriracha with other hot sauces like buffalo sauce or chili garlic sauce for a different flavor profile.
9. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the hot honey sauce. Ensure the rice is also gluten-free.
10. Can I make this recipe without rice?
Yes, you can serve the hot honey chicken with other sides like roasted potatoes, quinoa, or even a salad to make it lower in carbs.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, making them a perfect meal for any occasion. With juicy chicken, a rich honey glaze, and your choice of vegetables over rice, this dish is both satisfying and customizable. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or preparing a flavorful dish for meal prep, Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are a mouthwatering combination of sweet and spicy flavors, featuring juicy chicken coated in a honey glaze with a kick of heat. Served over rice with vibrant vegetables, this dish is a satisfying, balanced meal perfect for busy nights or meal prep. Whether you’re craving something savory or spicy, this recipe delivers bold flavors in every bite. Easy to make and customizable with various veggies or protein options, Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are sure to become a favorite weeknight dinner or meal prep choice!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/2 teaspoon paprika
-
1 tablespoon butter
-
1/4 cup honey
-
2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
-
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
-
2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
-
1 cup steamed broccoli (or your preferred vegetable)
-
1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add honey, sriracha, and apple cider vinegar. Stir and bring to a simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
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Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips and return it to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the hot honey sauce to coat it evenly.
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To assemble the bowls, divide cooked rice into serving bowls, then top with sliced chicken, steamed broccoli, and a drizzle of the hot honey sauce.
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Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if desired). Serve immediately.
Notes
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Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
-
Add More Vegetables: You can add roasted carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, or any preferred veggies for extra flavor and nutrition.
-
Rice Alternatives: Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or couscous work as lighter substitutes for rice.
-
Spicy Kick: Increase sriracha or add red pepper flakes for more heat.