Description
These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls bring the perfect balance of sweet and spicy with crispy chicken, drizzled with a tangy hot honey sauce. Served over a bed of rice and topped with fresh vegetables, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for something flavorful and hearty.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or Sriracha, adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
In a shallow bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. In another shallow bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs. Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk mixture, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure the chicken is well coated. - Fry the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. - Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Heat over low to medium heat and stir until the sauce is warm and smooth. Taste and adjust the heat by adding more hot sauce or honey, depending on your preference for sweetness or spiciness. - Assemble the Bowls:
Start by placing a scoop of rice at the bottom of each bowl. Top with crispy chicken, drizzle with hot honey sauce, and add cucumber slices, red onion, and shredded carrots. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness. - Serve:
Serve the Hot Honey Chicken Bowls warm, and enjoy the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors!
Notes
- If you’re looking to make this dish even healthier, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it.
- For extra crunch, you can add some chopped peanuts or sesame seeds as a topping.
- If you prefer a milder version, use less hot sauce or opt for a milder variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg