In recеnt years hоt honey has surged in popularity , making a bold statment in kitchens and resturants alike . This mix of sweet hоney and spicy heat got many food lovers excited and inspired cooks to try new things . From pouring it on fried chicken , to mixing it in salad dressings , hot honey brings a fun kick to your meals .
One of the tastiest ways to use it is in Hot Honey Chicken Bowls . This bowl has tender chicken with zippy hоt honey , fresh veggies , and grains . Here you'll find a simple recipe , plus tips on nutrition , how to change it up , and why it's a great weeknight meal .
This dish works great for busy days , since you can meal prep or make it fast on a weeknight . With its mix of flavors and textures it turns simple foods into a filling and good-for-you meal .
What is Hot Honey?
Hot honey is a sweet blend of hоney and chili heat . People usually make it by heating hоney with red peppers , then letting it cool . The result is a spicy syrup that tastes both sweet and hot .
Folks have been mixing sweet and spicy for a long time , but hоt hоney became super popular in the U.S. recently . Small makers came out with all kinds of fancy versions , each with different peppers and flavors . Soon it was on menus everywhere , from pizza shops to bars mixing cocktails .
You can drizzle it over fried chicken , toss it with roasted veggies , or blend it into dressings . Add it to cheese boards , or brush it on grilled meat . It even works in desserts for a surprise twist .
The Appeal of Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Hot Honey Chicken Bowls blend sweet , spicy , and savory all in one bowl . The chicken gets coated in that hоney glaze which makes each bite pop . Add veggies and grains and you have a tasty bowl that keeps you coming back for more .
These bowls also count as a balanced meal . You get lean protein from chicken , vitamins from veggies , and energy from rice or quinoa . That means you feel full longer and get good nutrients too .
If you're short on time , these bowls are lifesavers . Make them ahead and keep in the fridge , then just reheat when you want . Plus you can swap in your favorite ingredients to make it your own .
Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
- Chicken: pick breasts or thighs ; breasts are lean , thighs juicier .
- Hоt Honey: use store-bought like Mike's hоney or make your own by heating hоney with chili peppers .
- Vegetables: try bell peppers and broccoli , but you can use carrots , snap peas , or zucchini .
- Grains: base can be white or brown rice , or use quinoa for more protein .
- Extra Toppings: fresh green onions , sesame seeds , lime wedges for extra zest .
Detailed Recipe for Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs
- 3 tablespoon hot honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- For the Base:
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- For Garnish:
- 2 green onions , sliced
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges (optional)
Directions
- Prepare Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper and let it sit in hоt hоney for 30 minutes .
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in pan then cook chicken on medium heat about 6-7 minutes per side until done .
- Cook Veggies: In same pan , add a bit more oil and sauté peppers and broccoli for 3-4 minutes until soft but crisp .
- Build Bowls: Put rice in a bowl , top with chicken slices , then veggies . Drizzle extra hоney .
- Serve: Sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds on top . Add lime wedges if you like and dig in .
Advice
Try tofu , shrimp , or beef if you don't want chicken . You can also swap veggies with what's in season or add fruits like mango for sweet twist . For leftovers , keep each part in its own container in the fridge and reheat when ready .
Health Benefits of Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
These bowls give you protein from chicken to keep muscles happy and full . Veggies bring vitamins and minerals for good health . The grains add fiber so your stomach stays calm and you get steady energy all day .
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side salad , some crusty bread , or coleslaw for more crunch . For drinks , iced tea or a light beer go well with the spicy-sweet taste . If you want something fun , try a fruity cocktail that matches the hоney flavors .
Hot Honey Variations
You can make these bowls your own by adding more chili for extra heat or mixing in fruits like pineapple . Use taco spices for a Mexican twist or curry powder for Indian style . The sky's the limit — pick flavors you love .
FAQs
How to store these bowls?
Keep rice , chicken , and veggies in separate airtight containers in the fridge . They last a few days and reheat well .
Can I use other proteins?
Yes . Try tofu , beans , or shrimp instead of chicken . It all works great .
How do I make it more or less spicy?
Add more hоney or chili flakes for heat , or use less for a milder bite .
What sides go well?
Salads , bread , or roasted veggies are all good . They add more flavor and color .
Is it good for meal prep?
Absolutely . Prep it on Sunday and enjoy quick meals all week long .
Conclusion
Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are not only tasty but also simple and versatile . They let you try new flavors while giving you a balanced meal . Give this recipe a shot and share how you make it special !
Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 rice cooker or pot
- 1 whisk
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup jasmine rice or rice of your choice
- 2 cups water
- 4 tablespoons hot honey plus extra for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup bell pepper, sliced
- ½ cup green onions, chopped for garnish
- to taste sesame seeds optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium pot or rice cooker, combine 1 cup of jasmine rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and let simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pieces of chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, drizzle in the hot honey and soy sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken in the sauce, and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened.
- In the last few minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets and bell pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook until the veggies are tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked rice into four bowls. Top with the hot honey chicken and vegetable mixture. Drizzle with extra hot honey if desired and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Chicken Bowls!
