There’s something magical about the combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, and these Hot Honey Chicken Bowls deliver just that! Tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, spicy honey glaze, served over a bed of fluffy rice with crisp veggies—it’s the perfect balance of heat and sweetness in every bite. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a meal-prep-friendly option, this dish is easy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Chicken Bowls Recipe
- Packed with Flavor – A perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and savory
- Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes for a stress-free meal
- Customizable – Swap out the protein, veggies, or grains to fit your taste
- Meal-Prep Friendly – Stays fresh and delicious for days
- Healthy & Balanced – A great mix of protein, carbs, and veggies
What Do Hot Honey Chicken Bowls Taste Like?
Imagine crispy, juicy chicken bites coated in a sticky, caramelized honey glaze with just the right kick of heat. The sweetness of honey balances out the spicy kick from chili flakes and hot sauce, while garlic and soy sauce add depth. Served with fluffy rice and crunchy vegetables, every bite is a flavor explosion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (or more for extra heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber slices
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large skillet or wok
- Whisk
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- Make it gluten-free – Use tamari instead of soy sauce
- Swap the protein – Try shrimp, tofu, or beef instead of chicken
- Add extra crunch – Toss in crushed peanuts or cashews
- Want it creamier? Drizzle with ranch or a spicy mayo sauce
- Low-carb option – Serve over cauliflower rice or mixed greens
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
1. Prep the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. This gives them a crispy, golden exterior when cooked.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Hot Honey Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Coat the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss until fully coated in the sticky hot honey glaze. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly.
5. Assemble the Bowls
Divide cooked rice into bowls, top with hot honey chicken, and arrange carrots, cucumber, and red onion on the side. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
Grab a fork (or chopsticks!) and enjoy your sweet, spicy, and crispy hot honey chicken bowl!
What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
While these bowls are already a complete meal, you can pair them with:
- Steamed or roasted veggies – Broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers
- A side of naan or pita bread – To soak up the delicious sauce
- A cool, creamy sauce – Like tzatziki or ranch dressing
- A refreshing drink – Try iced tea, lemonade, or a citrusy mocktail
Tips for the Best Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
- Use cornstarch – It helps create that crispy coating on the chicken
- Adjust the spice level – Add more or less hot sauce/red pepper flakes
- Let the sauce thicken – Simmer for a few extra minutes to get a sticky texture
- Meal prep friendly – Store in separate containers for easy reheating
- Add fresh lime – A squeeze of lime juice enhances the flavors
How to Store & Reheat Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Storage
- Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Keep the chicken and sauce separate from the veggies for up to 2 months
Reheating
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between
- Air Fryer: Crisp up the chicken at 350°F for 3-5 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work great and stay extra juicy
2. Is this recipe too spicy?
You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes
3. Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! Store all components separately and assemble before eating for best texture
4. What’s the best rice to use?
Jasmine rice, basmati, or brown rice work perfectly. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice
5. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness
Final Thoughts
These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are a must-try if you love the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. They’re easy to make, packed with texture and freshness, and great for meal prep. Whether you’re making a quick dinner or prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a favorite!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your version! Share your photos on Pinterest or leave a review below. Enjoy!
More Easy & Flavorful Recipes to Try
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Hot Honey Chicken Bowls – Sweet, Spicy & Absolutely Delicious!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and savory! Crispy, juicy chicken bites coated in a sticky hot honey glaze, served over fluffy rice with fresh, crunchy veggies. Ready in 30 minutes, this meal is quick, satisfying, and easy to customize. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup cucumber slices
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken – Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper to create a light, crispy coating.
- Cook the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce – In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Stir in honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Coat the Chicken – Return the chicken to the pan and toss until fully coated in the sticky sauce. Let it caramelize for 1-2 minutes.
- Assemble the Bowls – Divide rice into bowls, add the hot honey chicken, and arrange the carrots, cucumbers, and onions. Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro.
- Serve & Enjoy!
Notes
- Want more crunch? Add chopped peanuts or cashews.
- For extra heat, increase red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Make it low-carb – Swap rice for cauliflower rice or greens.
- For meal prep, store components separately and assemble before eating.
- Use chicken thighs for extra juicy bites!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Keywords: hot honey chicken bowls, spicy honey chicken, easy chicken bowl, sweet and spicy chicken, 30-minute dinner