Description
This Hot Honey Chicken Bowl recipe combines juicy, pan-seared chicken thighs with a sweet and spicy honey sauce. Served atop a bed of cooked grains and fresh, vibrant vegetables, it’s a quick and flavorful meal perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bowls in just 30 minutes, balancing spicy, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
- 2-3 teaspoons sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Bowls and Toppings
- 2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or farro
- 1 cup roasted sweet potatoes (optional)
- 1 cup steamed or roasted broccoli
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat and season the meat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until it develops a golden brown crust and is fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Then slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, sriracha, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice, quinoa, or farro evenly among serving bowls. Top each bowl with sliced chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, steamed or roasted broccoli, shredded carrots, and avocado slices.
- Drizzle and Garnish: Drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over the assembled bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice if desired for an added burst of flavor.
Notes
- You can use either chicken thighs or breasts depending on your preference; thighs provide more moisture and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha or hot sauce to control the heat level in the hot honey sauce.
- Roasted sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and texture but are optional if you prefer a lighter bowl.
- Cook the grains ahead of time to speed up meal prep.
- This recipe is easily customizable with different vegetables or grains based on your pantry.
