Description
Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are the perfect combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors in a single, satisfying meal. Tender, juicy chicken is glazed in a spicy-hot honey sauce, then served over a bed of fluffy rice and topped with fresh veggies for a deliciously balanced meal. Whether you’re craving something bold for dinner or looking for a fun new weeknight recipe, these bowls hit all the right notes with their mix of heat, sweetness, and crunch.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
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¼ cup honey
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1 tbsp hot sauce (or more to taste)
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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1 tsp soy sauce (optional)
For the Bowls:
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2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
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1 cup sliced cucumber
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1 cup shredded carrots
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½ red onion, thinly sliced
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1 avocado, sliced
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Fresh cilantro, for garnish
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Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken:
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Season both sides of the chicken breasts (or thighs) with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
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Cook the Chicken:
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden brown and cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
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Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
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In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened and glossy. Taste and adjust heat level by adding more hot sauce if desired.
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Assemble the Bowls:
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Start with a base of cooked rice in each bowl.
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Add a few slices of the cooked chicken on top.
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Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken.
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Top with sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, red onion, and avocado.
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Garnish and Serve:
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Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy the balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite!
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Notes
Adjust the Heat: You can control the spice level of the hot honey sauce by adding more or less hot sauce depending on your preference.
Protein Options: If you don’t want chicken, you can substitute with shrimp, tofu, or even grilled steak.
Make it Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb version of the dish.
Veggie Add-ins: Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, avocado, or spinach to customize the bowls.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Hot Honey Chicken, Spicy Chicken Bowls, Sweet and Spicy Chicken, Chicken Bowls, Easy Chicken Dinner, Weeknight Dinner Recipe, Healthy Chicken Bowls