Introduction

This Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, paired with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a hearty grain base. It’s a comforting, colorful dinner that comes together easily for a satisfying meal any night of the week.

Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe – Sweet & Spicy Dinner with Rice and Veggies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
Black pepper to taste
¼ cup honey
1–2 tsp chili flakes or sriracha
1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional for balance)
1 cup uncooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup chopped bell peppers
Sliced avocado
Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions
Lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken and coat well. Let it marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let it rest before slicing.
Step 3: Warm honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in chili flakes or sriracha and apple cider vinegar if using. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Cook your choice of rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 5: Steam or roast the broccoli florets, sliced carrots, and chopped bell peppers until they are tender but still crisp.
Step 6: Assemble your bowls by layering the cooked grains, vegetables, and sliced chicken. Drizzle generously with the hot honey glaze. Top with sliced avocado, sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and lime wedges to garnish.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, increase the amount of chili flakes or use a spicier sriracha variety.
Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp to change up the protein while keeping the sweet and spicy flavors.
Add a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh burst of flavor.
Use roasted sweet potatoes instead of rice for a nutrient boost and natural sweetness.

Storage

Store leftover components in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken and veggies gently in a skillet or microwave to preserve texture. Drizzle with fresh hot honey glaze before serving to restore flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice or cauliflower rice and check that your sriracha does not contain gluten.

How can I make the chicken more tender?

Marinating the chicken in the olive oil and spices for at least 15 minutes helps tenderize it. You can also pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.

Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe – Sweet & Spicy Dinner with Rice and Veggies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 110 reviews

This Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is a deliciously sweet and spicy meal featuring tender chicken glazed with a fiery honey sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa with vibrant steamed vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it balances flavor and nutrition with fresh produce and a hint of heat.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
Black pepper to taste

Hot Honey Glaze

¼ cup honey
1–2 tsp chili flakes or sriracha
1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional for balance)

Grain Base

1 cup uncooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice

Vegetables

1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup chopped bell peppers

Toppings

Sliced avocado
Sesame seeds
Chopped green onions
Lime wedges

Instructions

Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly coat the chicken pieces with this marinade and let them sit for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Cook Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing it into pieces.
Make Hot Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan, warm the honey over low heat. Stir in chili flakes or sriracha and the optional apple cider vinegar. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to combine flavors, then remove from heat.
Prepare Grain Base: Cook your choice of rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff the grains with a fork and set aside.
Cook Veggies: Steam or roast the broccoli florets, sliced carrots, and chopped bell peppers until they are tender but still crisp, retaining their vibrant color and nutrients.
Assemble Bowls: In serving bowls, start with a base of the cooked grains, layer the steamed or roasted vegetables, and top with the sliced chicken. Drizzle the hot honey glaze over everything. Garnish with sliced avocado, sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and lime wedges for added freshness and flavor.

Notes

You can adjust the amount of chili flakes or sriracha to suit your preferred heat level.
Using chicken thighs will result in juicier meat compared to chicken breasts.
Cauliflower rice offers a low-carb, gluten-free option for the grain base.
For added crunch, consider toasting the sesame seeds before sprinkling them on top.
If you prefer a milder glaze, reduce the honey slightly or omit the chili entirely.

Keywords: hot honey chicken, sweet and spicy chicken, chicken bowl recipe, healthy chicken dinner, honey chili chicken, rice bowl, quinoa bowl, steamed veggies, quick dinner