Name: Hot Honey Chicken Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless (skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)); ½ cup cornstarch; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil; ⅓ cup honey; 2 tablespoons hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot, Sriracha, or your favorite); 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower); 1 cup shredded cabbage (red or green); 1 cup sliced cucumbers; 1 avocado (sliced); ½ cup pickled red onions; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with bold flavors, easy to prepare, and packed with wholesome ingredients, this Hot Honey Chicken Bowls Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It combines crispy, tender chicken coated in a sticky, spicy-sweet hot honey glaze with a variety of fresh, vibrant ingredients—all served over a bed of fluffy rice or greens.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or even an impressive dinner for guests, these bowls are a crowd-pleaser with endless customization options. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every detail, from choosing the best ingredients to expert cooking tips, variations, and serving suggestions.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Chicken Bowls Recipe

✅ Perfect Balance of Sweet & Heat – The combination of honey and hot sauce creates an irresistible caramelized glaze.
✅ Quick & Easy – This meal comes together in under 40 minutes.
✅ Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or load up on veggies to fit your taste.
✅ Great for Meal Prep – Make it in advance and enjoy delicious, flavorful meals all week long.

Let’s dive in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients for the perfect Hot Honey Chicken Bowls:

For the Chicken:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs offer more juiciness)
½ cup cornstarch (for that perfect crisp coating)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds depth)
2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (for frying)

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

⅓ cup honey
2 tablespoons hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot, Sriracha, or your favorite)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (adds umami and balances sweetness)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (a touch of acidity to brighten flavors)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

For the Bowls:

2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower for a low-carb option)
1 cup shredded cabbage (red or green)
1 cup sliced cucumbers
1 avocado, sliced
½ cup pickled red onions (for a tangy crunch)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a crispy, juicy, and flavor-packed Hot Honey Chicken Bowl.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). This ensures even cooking.
In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
Toss the chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture until well coated. This gives them a crispy texture when cooked.

Pro Tip: Let the coated chicken sit for 5 minutes to allow the cornstarch to adhere better.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary).
Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F).
Transfer to a plate and let rest.

Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan—it helps the chicken stay crispy instead of steaming.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat.

Adjusting the Heat:

For mild spice, reduce the hot sauce to 1 tablespoon.
For extra spicy, add more hot sauce or increase red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Toss & Coat the Chicken

Pour the warm hot honey glaze over the crispy chicken.
Gently toss until the chicken is well coated.

The glaze will caramelize slightly, creating that irresistible sticky-sweet texture.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

Start with a base – Add cooked rice or greens to each bowl.
Layer the toppings – Arrange shredded cabbage, cucumbers, sliced avocado, and pickled red onions.
Add the hot honey chicken on top.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for the final touch.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Best Side Dishes:

Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Their natural sweetness complements the spicy honey glaze.
Garlic Green Beans – A simple, flavorful side that pairs well.
Miso Soup – A light, umami-rich addition.

Make It Low-Carb:

Swap rice for cauliflower rice or a bed of mixed greens.
Use almond flour instead of cornstarch for a keto-friendly version.

Protein Swaps:

Crispy Tofu – Perfect for a vegetarian option.
Shrimp – Cook quickly and absorb the hot honey glaze beautifully.
Salmon – A great alternative for a seafood twist.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

Make ahead: Cook the chicken and store the glaze separately. Reheat in a skillet before serving.
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Use a skillet over medium heat for best results—this keeps the chicken crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the hot honey glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! Store it in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat before using.

How can I make it extra crispy?

For an ultra-crispy texture, double-coat the chicken in cornstarch and let it rest before frying.

Is there a way to make this in the air fryer?

Yes! Cook the cornstarch-coated chicken at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Then toss in the glaze.

Final Thoughts: Try This Hot Honey Chicken Bowls Recipe Tonight!

With its bold flavors, crispy texture, and customizable toppings, this Hot Honey Chicken Bowls Recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough for entertaining guests.