This Hot Honey Chicken Bowl recipe is the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and fresh! Juicy, tender chicken glazed with a sticky hot honey sauce sits atop a bed of fluffy rice (or quinoa) alongside vibrant, colorful veggies. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for meal prep or a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold flavors: Sweet honey meets spicy sriracha for an irresistible glaze.
- Packed with wholesome ingredients like zucchini, avocado, and carrots.
- Completely customizable—swap veggies, grains, or spice levels.
- Ready in under 40 minutes for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
For the Hot Honey Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 medium boneless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup sriracha (or your preferred hot sauce)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional, for added spice)
For the Bowls:
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 medium summer squash, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
- 2 cups cooked rice (or quinoa, for a lighter option)
- 1 medium lime (for squeezing over the top)
- 1/2 cup healthy ranch dressing (optional, for drizzling)
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Hot Honey Chicken
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low. Add the honey, sriracha, minced garlic, and optional cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper. Stir until the sauce is well combined and starts to thicken slightly (about 1-2 minutes).
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet, tossing it in the hot honey glaze until fully coated.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- In a separate skillet, add a splash of oil and sauté the zucchini and summer squash for 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender but still crisp. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Assemble the Bowls
- Start with a base of cooked rice or quinoa in each bowl.
- Add the sautéed zucchini and summer squash, shredded carrots, and sliced avocado.
- Top with the sliced, glazed hot honey chicken.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the bowls for a burst of brightness.
- Drizzle with healthy ranch dressing, if desired, for extra creaminess.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Tips for the Best Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
- Control the spice: Adjust the amount of sriracha, cayenne, and crushed red pepper to suit your heat tolerance.
- Make it low-carb: Swap the rice or quinoa for cauliflower rice.
- Extra crispiness: For crispy chicken, dredge the chicken in flour before cooking.
- Meal prep-friendly: Pack the bowls in meal prep containers, keeping the avocado and dressing separate until ready to eat.
Variations for Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas.
- Swap the grain: Use brown rice, farro, or couscous instead of white rice.
- Add greens: Toss in baby spinach, arugula, or kale for extra nutrients.
- Different veggies: Substitute the zucchini and squash with broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage:
- Store the chicken, rice, and veggies in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat the chicken and veggies in a skillet over medium heat.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
10 FAQs About Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and work great for this recipe.
2. Is this dish very spicy?
It has a mild-medium spice level. Adjust the sriracha and cayenne pepper to your liking.
3. Can I make the chicken in the oven?
Yes! Bake the seasoned chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, then toss it in the hot honey sauce.
4. What can I use instead of sriracha?
Try buffalo sauce, chili garlic sauce, or any hot sauce you prefer.
5. Can I grill the chicken?
Absolutely! Grill the chicken and glaze it with the hot honey sauce after cooking.
6. How do I keep avocado fresh for meal prep?
Brush the avocado slices with lime juice to prevent browning.
7. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free ranch or skip the dressing entirely.
8. What’s a good substitute for zucchini?
Yellow squash, bell peppers, or asparagus work well.
9. Can I freeze this dish?
The chicken freezes well, but the veggies are best fresh. Store the chicken and rice in the freezer for up to 3 months.
10. What other sauces pair well with this dish?
Chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, or tahini sauce make great alternatives.
Conclusion
These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, with fresh veggies and creamy avocado to round it out. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome meal prep option or a quick and satisfying dinner, this recipe has you covered.
Grab your skillet and whip up these flavor-packed bowls tonight—you won’t regret it! 🥗🔥