Description
Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are a vibrant and flavorful meal featuring juicy chicken glazed in a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, served over fluffy grains and fresh vegetables. This balanced recipe is both hearty and healthy, perfect for quick dinners or meal prep, offering a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will excite your palate.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb Chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/4 cup Honey (preferably raw or mild-flavored like clover or wildflower)
- 1–2 tsp Chili flakes or preferred hot sauce (adjust to taste)
Grain Base
- 1 cup Rice or quinoa, uncooked
Fresh Vegetables
- 1 cup Bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup Cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup Snap peas, trimmed
Additional Flavorings
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped
- Toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey and chili flakes or your chosen hot sauce. Stir gently until well mixed and warm, creating a balanced sweet and spicy glaze.
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and ginger. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once cooked, brush or toss the chicken evenly with the hot honey sauce.
- Prepare the Grain Base: Cook rice or quinoa according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside to absorb steam for a light and fluffy texture.
- Assemble the Bowls: Place a layer of cooked grains in each bowl. Arrange the sauced chicken on top, then add fresh vegetables alongside. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice to add brightness to every bite.
- Add Final Touches: Garnish with chopped fresh herbs such as cilantro or green onions and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for additional flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use high-quality honey to enhance the flavor of the hot honey sauce.
- Do not overcook the chicken to maintain juiciness.
- Lightly toast grains before cooking to add a nutty flavor, if desired.
- Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best texture contrast.
- Adjust the heat of the sauce gradually by starting mild and increasing according to your spice tolerance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: hot honey chicken, spicy chicken bowl, honey chicken recipe, healthy chicken bowl, gluten free chicken bowl, meal prep chicken bowl
