Hot Honey Chicken Bowls Recipe

Looking for a meal that’s sweet, spicy, and totally satisfying? Look no further than these Hot Honey Chicken Bowls! Crispy, golden-brown chicken drizzled with a spicy-sweet honey sauce, served over fluffy rice, and topped with fresh veggies—this dish has it all. It’s got the kind of flavor that makes you want to savor every bite and the kind of comfort that makes you feel right at home. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Why You’ll Love Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

Bold, Sweet, and Spicy Flavors:

The combination of spicy hot sauce and sweet honey is pure magic. The heat from the hot sauce gets perfectly balanced by the honey’s sweetness, creating a sauce that’s irresistible. Then, the crispy chicken bites and tender rice complete the flavor explosion.

Quick and Easy:

This recipe might sound gourmet, but it’s actually super simple! With just a few ingredients and a short prep time, you can have a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.

Versatile:

You can customize these bowls to your liking! Add extra toppings, switch out the veggies, or even choose a different grain if rice isn’t your thing. These bowls are all about making them your own!

Satisfying and Filling:

Packed with protein from the chicken, and carbs from the rice, this dish is a complete meal that will leave you feeling full and happy without the heavy feeling.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these mouthwatering Hot Honey Chicken Bowls:

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. They stay juicy and tender while getting crispy on the outside.
• All-Purpose Flour: For dredging the chicken, creating that crispy coating.
• Cornstarch: Helps the coating crisp up and gives the chicken a lighter texture.
• Egg: To help the flour and cornstarch adhere to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic powder gives the chicken a nice, savory flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Seasoning the chicken before frying ensures it’s flavorful throughout.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying the chicken and getting that perfect crisp.

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• Honey: The sweet base of the sauce. You’ll want a good-quality honey for the best flavor.
• Hot Sauce: Use your favorite hot sauce (like Sriracha or Frank’s RedHot) for the perfect amount of spice.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a little tang to balance the sweetness of the honey.
• Garlic: A little fresh garlic minced into the sauce for extra flavor.
• Butter: To make the sauce silky smooth and rich.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For an extra kick if you like it really spicy!

For the Bowls:

• White or Brown Rice: Fluffy rice to act as the perfect base for the chicken and sauce.
• Cucumber: Thinly sliced cucumber adds a fresh crunch and coolness to balance the heat.
• Carrots: Shredded carrots add a touch of sweetness and color.
• Green Onions: For a burst of freshness and a mild onion flavor.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and a refreshing flavor.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Here’s how you’ll make these incredible Hot Honey Chicken Bowls:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the egg. Dip each chicken breast or thigh into the egg, then dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken cooks, make the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and butter. Stir over medium heat until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth. If you want extra heat, add some red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes, then remove it from the heat.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

While the chicken is cooking, prepare your rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

To assemble, start by placing a scoop of rice in each bowl. Top with the crispy chicken, and then drizzle generously with the hot honey sauce. Add the sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, and green onions on top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Hot Honey Chicken Bowls warm, and enjoy the sweet, spicy, and crunchy deliciousness in every bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 540
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrates: 46g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 30g
Protein: 38g
Vitamin A: 25%
Vitamin C: 15%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

As a Standalone Meal:

These bowls are perfectly balanced with the crispy chicken, hot honey sauce, and fresh veggies. No need for extra sides—just serve it as is!

With a Side Salad:

Pair these bowls with a simple salad of mixed greens, avocado, and a light vinaigrette for an extra dose of freshness.

Add Extra Heat:

If you love extra spice, top your bowl with some extra hot sauce or add chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.

For a Low-Carb Option:

Try serving the chicken over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.

Additional Tips

Marinate the Chicken:

For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in some buttermilk and spices before dredging and frying. It’ll make the chicken even juicier and more flavorful!

Adjust the Sweetness:

If you like your hot honey sauce sweeter or spicier, feel free to adjust the ratio of honey and hot sauce to suit your taste. More honey will make it sweeter, and more hot sauce will give it a bolder kick.

Use Leftover Chicken:

If you have leftover chicken, this dish is a great way to use it up. Just warm it up, drizzle the sauce, and top with the veggies and rice for an easy meal.

Make the Sauce Ahead:

The hot honey sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat it before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice for this recipe as they’re juicy and flavorful. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as they might take a bit longer.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: You can prep the rice, sauce, and veggies ahead of time. However, for the best crispy chicken, it’s best to fry it fresh.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven for the crispiest results and microwave the rice and veggies.

Q4: Can I make this dish spicier?
A4: Yes! If you like it hotter, you can add more hot sauce to the honey sauce or top the bowls with sliced fresh chilies for an added kick.

Q5: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A5: Definitely! Brown rice will give the bowls an extra hearty feel and add a bit of a nutty flavor.

Q6: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A6: If you want a thicker sauce, simply simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce it. You can also add a little cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken it up.

Q7: Can I use a different protein?
A7: Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu, shrimp, or even pork. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q8: Can I make this dish without frying the chicken?
A8: Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy if you prefer a lighter version.

Q9: Is this dish gluten-free?
A9: It can be! Just make sure to use gluten-free flour and hot sauce if you’re following a gluten-free diet.

Q10: Can I add other toppings to the bowls?
A10: Absolutely! Avocado, sliced radishes, or even a drizzle of extra hot honey sauce would make excellent toppings.

Conclusion

These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are an irresistible blend of sweet, spicy, crispy, and fresh. Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the balance of flavors and textures in every bite, and get ready to make it again and again!

Print