Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for any meal occasion. In under 40 minutes, you can create a satisfying dish that is not only high in protein but also customizable to fit your taste. Whether you’re prepping for a busy weeknight dinner or looking for a nutritious lunch option, these bowls stand out with their sweet and spicy hot honey sauce and vibrant vegetables.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Hot Honey Chicken:
• For the Bowls:
• Healthy Ranch Drizzle (Optional):
• REMEMBER
• How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Sear the Chicken
• Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
• Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
• Step 5: Assemble in the Skillet
• Step 6: Bake
• Step 7: Make the Ranch Drizzle
• Step 8: Broil for Extra Flavor
• Step 9: Rest & Cube the Chicken
• Step 10: Assemble the Bowls
• How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
• Bowl with Extra Veggies
• Grain Options
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs
• Drizzle More Sauce
• Serve with Tortillas
• How to Perfect Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
• Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
• Reheating Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I customize my Hot Honey Chicken Bowls?
• What should I serve with Hot Honey Chicken Bowls?
• How do I make Hot Honey Chicken Bowls gluten-free?
• Can I prepare Hot Honey Chicken Bowls ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: These bowls come together in just 40 minutes, making them ideal for busy nights.
• Customizable Ingredients: Swap out veggies or adjust the spice level to cater to your family’s preferences.
• High in Protein: With chicken as the main component, enjoy a fulfilling meal that keeps you energized.
• One-Pan Wonder: Cook everything in one skillet for easy cleanup – less time washing dishes means more time enjoying!
• Deliciously Versatile: Perfect for lunch meal prep or dinner; these bowls are great anytime.

Tools and Preparation

To make Hot Honey Chicken Bowls efficiently, having the right tools will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet: Retains heat well and provides even cooking, essential for searing the chicken perfectly.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients like the hot honey sauce without making a mess.
• Whisk: Ensures all sauce components blend smoothly for an even flavor throughout your dish.

Ingredients

For the Hot Honey Chicken:

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1 ¼ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise (about 2 medium)
• ⅓ cup honey
• 2-3 tablespoons sriracha (or any hot sauce)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

For the Bowls:

• 2 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1 medium summer squash, sliced
• 1 ½ cups shredded carrots
• 1 medium avocado, sliced
• 2 cups cooked rice (or quinoa)
• ½ medium lime (optional, for topping)

Healthy Ranch Drizzle (Optional):

• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired thickness)
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon freshly chopped parsley
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

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REMEMBER

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How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready when you need to bake the chicken.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat avocado oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
1. Add chicken breasts and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until they are browned.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

In a mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together honey, sriracha, garlic, salt, pepper, cayenne (if using), and crushed red pepper (if using).
2. Set aside about 3-4 tablespoons of this sauce for later use.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
1. Lower the heat slightly and toss zucchini and summer squash into the skillet.
2. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes until slightly tender.

Step 5: Assemble in the Skillet

Add shredded carrots over sautéed vegetables.
1. Place seared chicken breasts on top of the veggies.
2. Coat both sides of chicken with hot honey sauce from earlier.

Step 6: Bake

Transfer your skillet into the preheated oven.
1. Bake for around 15 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.
2. Stir vegetables halfway through cooking time to ensure even roasting.

Step 7: Make the Ranch Drizzle

While your chicken is baking:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together all ranch drizzle ingredients until smooth.

Step 8: Broil for Extra Flavor

After baking:
1. Switch oven settings to high broil.
2. Broil chicken for about 3-5 minutes until sauce caramelizes nicely.

Step 9: Rest & Cube the Chicken

Remove from oven and let chicken rest for about 5 minutes.
1. Cut into cubes and toss with reserved hot honey sauce.

Step 10: Assemble the Bowls

In serving bowls:
1. Divide cooked rice or quinoa as a base.
2. Top with sautéed vegetables and hot honey chicken cubes.
3. Drizzle with additional hot honey and ranch dressing if desired.
4. Finish with avocado slices and a squeeze of lime juice on top if using.

Enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Chicken Bowls!

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a meal prep idea, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Bowl with Extra Veggies

• Add more seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.

Grain Options

• Swap out the rice for quinoa or farro to change the texture and flavor of your bowl.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a fresh burst of flavor.

Drizzle More Sauce

• For those who love heat, offer extra hot honey sauce on the side for drizzling.

Serve with Tortillas

• Use warm tortillas to create wraps with the chicken and veggies for a fun twist.

How to Perfect Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

To ensure your Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are always delicious, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality chicken and vegetables will elevate the dish’s overall taste.
• Balance the Flavors: Adjust the sweetness and spice levels in the hot honey sauce to suit your palate.
• Cook Evenly: Sear the chicken properly to get a nice golden crust before baking it in the oven.
• Resting Time Matters: Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain moisture, making it juicier when cubed.

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Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

Pairing side dishes with your Hot Honey Chicken Bowls can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement the main dish beautifully.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread adds an aromatic touch that pairs well with this flavorful bowl.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes balances the heat from the hot honey sauce.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and freshness, creating a delightful contrast in textures.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and is an excellent source of vitamins.
5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad helps cool down the palate after enjoying spicy flavors.
6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brings a touch of sweetness and complements the savory elements of the bowls.
7. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a nutritious side that’s easy to prepare.
8. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad can cleanse your palate while adding a sweet finish to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hot Honey Chicken Bowls, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the Searing: Not searing the chicken can result in a less flavorful meal. Always sear for a nice golden-brown crust.
• Overcooking Veggies: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Sauté just until tender to retain their texture and nutrients.
• Ignoring Spice Levels: Not adjusting the spice level may lead to a dish that’s too hot or not flavorful enough. Taste and modify the hot sauce according to your preference.
• Forgetting the Resting Time: Cutting into the chicken immediately can cause juices to run out. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes for juicy meat.
• Neglecting Optional Toppings: Skipping toppings like avocado or ranch drizzle can make your bowls less exciting. Enhance flavor and presentation by adding these elements.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezing Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish, covered, in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my Hot Honey Chicken Bowls?

You can definitely customize this recipe! Swap out vegetables or adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences.

What should I serve with Hot Honey Chicken Bowls?

These bowls pair well with a variety of sides, including steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for added crunch.

How do I make Hot Honey Chicken Bowls gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure that any sauces you use are certified gluten-free, such as sriracha and Worcestershire sauce.

Can I prepare Hot Honey Chicken Bowls ahead of time?

Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can cook everything ahead of time and reheat when needed.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are not only delicious but also versatile and customizable. Whether you stick with the original recipe or mix things up with different veggies and toppings, this meal is sure to satisfy your cravings. Give it a try for an easy weeknight dinner!