Hot Honey Chicken Bowls Recipe

Looking for a bold, satisfying dinner that delivers big flavor in every bite? Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are a crave-worthy meal that brings crispy, juicy chicken together with a sticky-sweet spicy glaze, nestled on a bed of fluffy rice with crunchy, colorful veggies. Perfect for busy weeknights or an impressive lunch, these bowls come together quickly and are guaranteed to leave everyone at the table reaching for seconds. If you’re a fan of meals that hit that delicious balance of sweet, heat, and savory, Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are about to become your new go-to!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need a mile-long shopping list to pull off these Hot Honey Chicken Bowls, but each ingredient plays a starring role. From the juicy chicken to that addictive hot honey glaze, every element brings something special—whether it’s flavor, texture, or a pop of color—to the party.

• Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless breasts for easy slicing and juicy bites.
• Cornstarch: Gives the chicken a light, irresistibly crisp coating once cooked.
• Salt and black pepper: Don’t skip the basics—seasoning the chicken is key for flavor in every bite.
• Olive oil: Helps crisp up the chicken pieces and adds richness to the overall dish.
• Honey: The star of the glaze, adding sweetness and that signature sticky finish.
• Hot sauce: Use your favorite brand for a kick of heat that balances the honey beautifully.
• Apple cider vinegar: This little splash brings brightness and tang to the glaze.
• Garlic powder: Adds a savory note that makes the glaze especially irresistible.
• Steamed white or brown rice: The perfect base to soak up all the saucy goodness.
• Shredded carrots: Crunch and color in every spoonful, plus a fresh contrast to the hot honey.
• Thinly sliced cucumbers: Cool and refreshing, these balance out the sweetness and heat.
• Scallions: A sprinkle on top adds a subtle bite and beautiful color.
• Sesame seeds: For a little nutty crunch and a pretty finish.

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel—this is the secret to getting that golden, crispy crust. Toss the chicken gently with cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until every piece is lightly and evenly coated. This step locks in juiciness while promising super crisp results when you cook.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed, so you don’t crowd the pan). Let the pieces sizzle and sear until deeply golden on all sides and cook through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside on a plate while you turn your attention to the glaze.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

In the same skillet—no need to wash!—combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits left behind from the chicken. Let the glaze bubble gently for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy. Add the chicken back into the pan and toss until every piece is beautifully coated and sticky.

Step 4: Prepare Bowl Components

While your chicken soaks up that gorgeous glaze, quickly prep your veggies. Slice the cucumbers thin for extra crunch, and have your shredded carrots and scallions ready to go. Warm your rice, and get ready for assembly. This step only takes a minute, but makes your Hot Honey Chicken Bowls look and taste stunningly fresh.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

To build each bowl, spoon a bed of rice into your serving dish. Top generously with hot honey chicken, then scatter the carrots and cucumbers alongside. Finish with a sprinkle of scallions and sesame seeds. Grab a fork—or chopsticks!—and dig in while everything’s warm and irresistibly saucy.

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

Garnishes

The final touches make all the difference! Scatter extra scallions and a big pinch of sesame seeds over the top. For even more heat, add a light drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. A handful of fresh cilantro or a dash of lime juice also brings brightness and extra appeal.

Side Dishes

Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are certainly hearty as a stand-alone meal, but you can round things out with some simple steamed broccoli, roasted edamame, or an easy miso soup. If you want something bready, a warm, fluffy naan or flatbread is perfect for mopping up any leftover glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

Switch things up by serving your Hot Honey Chicken Bowls deconstructed for a build-your-own experience—especially fun for families or casual dinner parties! Or, try layering all the components in glass jars for meal prep that travels beautifully. For a lighter version, swap the rice for crisp lettuce cups and let guests assemble their own bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Hot Honey Chicken Bowls, lucky you! Store the chicken and rice separately from the veggies to keep everything fresh and vibrant. Use airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days—rebuilding your bowl is quick and easy.

Freezing

The glazed chicken freezes surprisingly well. Simply let it cool to room temperature, then store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to two months. Hold off freezing the vegetables, as their texture can become mushy—just add fresh ones when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover hot honey chicken is in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the glaze. Rice can be microwaved or steamed again, while the veggies should be added fresh. This method keeps everything as close to its original texture as possible.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring even more juiciness and flavor to Hot Honey Chicken Bowls. Just trim and cut them into bite-sized pieces as you would the breasts, and cook until they’re crispy and cooked through.

How spicy are these Hot Honey Chicken Bowls?

The beauty of this recipe is that you control the heat! Start with less hot sauce in the glaze and taste as you go. For a mild dish, use only a splash; for more fire, go bolder or serve with extra hot sauce at the table.

What kinds of rice work best?

Any steamed rice works well—white, brown, jasmine, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter bowl. The key is using something that will soak up that saucy glaze and make every bite satisfying.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely! Just be sure to check that your hot sauce and other sauces are certified gluten-free, and swap in tamari or coconut aminos if you want to add a little extra depth of flavor without any gluten.

How do I meal prep Hot Honey Chicken Bowls?

Cook and glaze the chicken, steam your rice, and prep your veggies—all can be done in advance. Store each component separately in containers, then assemble bowls when you’re ready to eat for effortless lunches or quick dinners all week.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are the ultimate way to turn basic ingredients into something that feels special, exciting, and totally satisfying. Give them a try—you may find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again for that unbeatable combo of sweet, spicy, and fresh. Your dinner game is about to get a serious upgrade!

Print