Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, super satisfying, and just a little bit addictive, then you’re going to love this Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe. I absolutely love how this bowl balances sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite — it’s become a total favorite in my house! Plus, it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is so simple to whip up any night of the week. Stick around and I’ll walk you through everything so you nail it perfectly the first time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect Sweet-Spicy Balance: The honey mellows out the heat from the hot sauce and red pepper flakes, so you get a sauce that’s sticky and spicy but never overwhelming.
  • One-Bowl Wonder: Everything you need is layered in one bowl — protein, veggies, and grains — which makes it as easy to eat as it is to prepare.
  • Flexible and Customizable: Whether you want to swap chicken for tofu or switch up the veggies, this recipe adapts really well.
  • Great for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week without losing flavor or texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe really comes from combining simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack a punch. Each item plays a role — from juicy chicken breast to crunchy cabbage and tender roasted broccoli — so choosing fresh and quality produce makes all the difference!

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken breast pieces, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of bright golden honey, a small white bowl of vivid red hot sauce, a small white bowl of orange-red paprika powder, a small white bowl of light beige garlic powder, a small white bowl of pale onion powder, a small white bowl of fine red pepper flakes, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl of black peppercorns, vibrant green broccoli florets, a small pile of shredded deep purple cabbage, fresh bright green parsley sprigs, and a mound of fluffy cooked white rice, all arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic plate and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Hot Honey Chicken Bowl, flavorful chicken bowl, spicy honey chicken, easy healthy chicken dinner, sweet and spicy chicken bowl
  • Chicken breast: Using boneless, skinless chicken breast helps it cook quickly and remain tender when coated in that sticky sauce.
  • Olive oil: I prefer extra virgin olive oil here for its fruity flavor that complements the spice and honey.
  • Salt and pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning everything perfectly.
  • Garlic powder, paprika, onion powder: These dried spices create a smoky, savory base that elevates the chicken flavor.
  • Honey: The key ingredient that brings sweetness without overpowering the heat.
  • Texas Pete hot sauce: I love this for its familiar spicy kick — it’s not too overpowering and blends beautifully with the honey.
  • Red pepper flakes: Adds an extra layer of heat and a little texture.
  • Broccoli: Cut into florets, roasted to get those crispy edges that add a nice contrast.
  • Purple cabbage: Fresh and shredded for crunch and vibrant color.
  • Cooked rice: Your base — I like jasmine or basmati because they’re fragrant and light.
  • Fresh parsley: Finishing touch to brighten the dish with herbal freshness.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I love swapping out ingredients depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in—don’t hesitate to put your spin on it!

  • Vegetarian variation: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or roasted cauliflower to keep things plant-based but still hearty.
  • Extra heat: If you’re like me and love an extra kick, up the red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
  • Greens swap: Try kale or spinach instead of purple cabbage for a different texture and flavor.
  • Grain alternatives: Quinoa or cauliflower rice work great if you want a lower-carb bowl.

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together Your Sauce Magic

Start by mixing garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes, honey, Texas Pete hot sauce, and just a pinch of salt and pepper in a large bowl. This perfect combo is where your chicken gets all the flavor love, so take a moment to really whisk everything until smooth and well blended. It smells amazing already, right?

Step 2: Marinade Your Chicken

Pour half of your sauce mixture into a smaller bowl and set it aside — this is the finishing drizzle that makes the chicken glossy and sticky later on. Add your chicken pieces to the remaining sauce, toss well, and let that marinate for about 15 minutes while you get the veggies ready. This step really helps the chicken soak up all those flavors and stay juicy during cooking.

Step 3: Roast Your Broccoli

Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in a preheated 400°F oven for 15–20 minutes until tender with those irresistible lightly charred edges. Roasting brings out such a deep flavor — trust me, your bowl will thank you.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

While the broccoli roasts, heat a skillet over medium-high with the remaining olive oil. Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring now and then until it turns golden and cooked through. When it’s just done, toss or brush your chicken with the reserved sauce for that beautiful sticky finish that really ups the flavor factor.

Step 5: Assemble Your Bowl

Now for the fun part! Build your bowl with a base of warm rice, then layer on shredded purple cabbage, roasted broccoli, and that juicy, hot honey chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and if you’re feeling extra saucy, drizzle on some more of that leftover hot honey glaze. Every bite is a delicious mix of textures and taste.

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Pro Tips for Making Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe

  • Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Don’t rush the 15-minute marinate — it makes the chicken so much juicier and lets the spice and honey really mingle.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, give the pieces room to brown properly; otherwise, they’ll steam and won’t get that lovely golden crust.
  • Save Some Sauce for Drizzling: Holding back half the sauce really pays off for that sticky finishing touch that takes it to the next level.
  • Roast Broccoli Well: High heat and a bit of char on the broccoli is worth the slight extra cook time — it adds a great smoky crunch that balances the sweetness of the chicken perfectly.

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe

The image shows a white bowl with three clear layers: the bottom layer is white rice with a soft texture, the middle layer on one side is bright green broccoli with a slightly rough texture, and the other side has shredded purple cabbage with a crisp look. On top, there are chunks of orange-red cooked chicken with a shiny glaze, scattered with small green herb pieces, giving a fresh look. In the background, another similar bowl is slightly out of focus, placed on a white marbled surface with a small white cup partially visible on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Hot Honey Chicken Bowl, flavorful chicken bowl, spicy honey chicken, easy healthy chicken dinner, sweet and spicy chicken bowl

Garnishes

I always love fresh parsley on top — it adds that pop of color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness. If you like a little crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for an added texture surprise. Squeezing a little lime juice over the top just before serving adds a bright zing that wakes up every bite.

Side Dishes

Since this bowl is pretty filling, I often keep sides simple: a crisp cucumber salad or quick pickled veggies pair beautifully. If you want to add some carbs, garlic naan or soft dinner rolls are a great way to soak up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I jazz up this dish by serving it in mini cast-iron skillets to keep it warm and create a rustic vibe. You can also scoop the chicken mixture into lettuce cups for a fun handheld twist that’s perfect for casual gatherings or game day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the chicken and veggies separate from the rice if possible because everything reheats better that way without getting mushy.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions, cook and cool everything completely, then freeze the chicken and broccoli in freezer-safe containers. I haven’t tried freezing the cabbage and rice together because the cabbage can get soggy, so I recommend making those fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and broccoli in a skillet over medium heat to keep their textures intact. Microwave works fine for the rice, but I usually add a splash of water and cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Add fresh cabbage and parsley after reheating for best texture and flavor.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of hot sauce in the Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe?

    Absolutely! While I use Texas Pete hot sauce because it strikes the right balance of heat and flavor, you can swap in any hot sauce you love. Just keep in mind some hot sauces are much spicier or tangier, so adjust the amount to your taste to keep that perfect sweet-spicy ratio.

  2. What’s the best rice to serve with this bowl?

    I recommend jasmine or basmati rice because their light, fluffy texture complements the rich chicken and roasted veggies without overpowering them. But feel free to use whatever rice you have on hand or even cook up some quinoa or cauliflower rice for a grain-free option.

  3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes! This Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check your hot sauce ingredients for any hidden gluten. Serve with gluten-free rice and you’re good to go.

  4. How spicy is this dish?

    This recipe has a noticeable but balanced heat level thanks to the hot sauce and red pepper flakes paired with the sweetness of honey. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the red pepper flakes or cut back on the hot sauce. I originally made this to satisfy my spice-loving family, so feel free to adjust it however you like!

Final Thoughts

This Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe is truly one of those discoveries that transformed my weeknight dinners. It’s easy, bursting with flavor, and feels so satisfying without being complicated. I love serving it when friends come over — it’s always a crowd-pleaser, and everyone asks for the recipe. Give it a try and make it your own; I promise it’ll become one of your go-to recipes that you’ll want to make again and again.

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Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe

Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 58 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting and Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Hot Honey Chicken & Rice Bowls combine tender, pan-seared chicken coated in a sticky and spicy honey-hot sauce with roasted broccoli, vibrant shredded purple cabbage, and a bed of fluffy rice. This flavorful and balanced dish offers a perfect sweet-heat contrast, making it an easy and satisfying weeknight meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade & Sauce

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1” pieces
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup honey
  • ½ cup Texas Pete hot sauce
  • ½ tsp salt (divided)
  • ½ tsp pepper (divided)

Vegetables & Garnish

  • 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
  • 1½ cups shredded purple cabbage
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Others

  • 3 tbsp olive oil (divided: 2 tbsp for chicken, 1 tbsp for broccoli)
  • Cooked rice, for serving


Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for roasting the broccoli.
  2. Make the hot honey sauce and marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes, honey, hot sauce, and ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Pour out half of this sauce into a small bowl and set aside for drizzling later. Add the chicken pieces to the remaining sauce, toss well to coat, and let marinate for about 15 minutes.
  3. Roast the broccoli: Toss the broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil and the remaining salt and pepper. Spread the broccoli evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes until tender and slightly charred around the edges.
  4. Cook the chicken: While broccoli roasts, heat a skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
  5. Glaze the chicken: Brush or toss the cooked chicken pieces with the reserved hot honey sauce to give them a glossy and sticky finish packed with flavor.
  6. Assemble the bowls: To serve, layer cooked rice at the base of each bowl, then top with shredded purple cabbage, roasted broccoli, and the glazed hot honey chicken.
  7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the bowls and drizzle with extra hot honey sauce if desired for an added kick. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken allows it to absorb all the spicy, sweet flavors for a deeper taste.
  • Roasting broccoli brings out its natural sweetness and adds a slight smoky char which complements the hot honey chicken perfectly.
  • You can substitute Texas Pete hot sauce with any preferred hot sauce for different heat levels.
  • Use cooked white or brown rice depending on your preference; cauliflower rice can be a low-carb alternative.
  • Leftover sauce is great as a dip or glaze for other dishes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately)
  • Calories: 540 kcal
  • Sugar: 19 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

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