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Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are a flavor explosion you’ll crave all week! Juicy, tender chicken glazed in a sweet and spicy honey sauce, served on a bed of fluffy rice with crunchy veggies and a zesty lime squeeze — it’s the ultimate comfort-meets-fresh meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!

  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • For the Chicken:

    • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil

    • Salt and pepper to taste

    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • For the Hot Honey Sauce:

    • ⅓ cup honey

    • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)

    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

    • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

  • For the Bowls:

    • 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice

    • 1 cup shredded carrots

    • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced

    • ½ cup pickled red onions (optional but SO GOOD)

    • Fresh cilantro for garnish

    • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

 

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Cook the rice according to package instructions. Slice the cucumber and shred the carrots. Set them aside. If you’re using pickled onions, have them ready!

  2. Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. Heat over low heat for about 3 minutes, just until everything is melted together and fragrant. Set aside.

  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F).

  4. Toss in the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, pour two-thirds of the hot honey sauce over the chicken. Toss to coat evenly and let it bubble for a minute, making sure the sauce sticks to the chicken.

  5. Assemble the Bowls: Spoon rice into bowls. Top with the hot honey chicken, then layer on the shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, and pickled onions. Drizzle the remaining sauce on top, garnish with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

  • You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

  • Adjust the heat by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes to the hot honey sauce.

  • Want to make it low-carb? Try cauliflower rice instead of jasmine or basmati rice for a lighter version.

  • Grill the chicken for a smoky twist — brush the hot honey sauce on during the last 3-5 minutes of grilling for extra flavor!

  • Author: cookspotlight
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish, Bowls
  • Method: Skillet cooking, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American (Southern-inspired)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Hot Honey Chicken, Chicken Bowls, Sweet and Spicy Chicken, Easy Dinner, Quick Chicken Recipe,