Picture this: You’ve just come home after a long, exhausting day. You’re hungry, you’re tired, and you want something comforting but not complicated. That’s where these Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls come in. Sweet, savory, sticky chicken paired with fluffy rice and vibrant veggies hits all the right notes. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl — and you don’t have to be a pro in the kitchen to pull it off.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or just for yourself, this dish is a weeknight lifesaver. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with bold flavor in every bite.
What Are Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls?
A Quick Overview of This Bowl Meal
If you’re not yet familiar with bowl meals, think of them as a layered, one-dish wonder. Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls are a delicious combination of protein, carbs, and veggies served in one wholesome bowl.
It starts with juicy chicken bites coated in a rich honey garlic glaze. Add that to a rice base and load it with your favorite vegetables. It’s quick, customizable, and sure to become a go-to in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cooks in under 30 minutes
- Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
- Balanced nutrition in one bowl
- Naturally gluten-free with simple swaps
- Great for leftovers and meal prep
Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls
Main Ingredients for the Chicken & Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast/thighs | 1.5 lbs (diced) |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Honey | 1/3 cup |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp (for thickening) |
| Water | 2 tbsp (for slurry) |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp (for sautéing) |
Bowl Assembly Ingredients
| Bowl Base | Options |
|---|---|
| Cooked rice | Jasmine, brown, or basmati |
| Steamed vegetables | Broccoli, carrots, snap peas |
| Garnishes | Sesame seeds, green onions, red pepper flakes |
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Dice the chicken into small, even-sized pieces.
- Lightly season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (6–8 minutes).
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- Mix honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic in a small bowl.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir it together with the chicken.
- Stir and simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
- Add slurry to the sauce and stir until it thickens.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
- Start with a scoop of cooked rice in your bowl.
- Add a serving of steamed or stir-fried vegetables.
- Spoon the honey garlic chicken on top.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls
Cooking Tips
- Don’t crowd the pan when browning the chicken.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful bite.
- Let the sauce reduce slightly before adding the slurry.
Customization Options
- Substitute tofu or shrimp for the chicken.
- Use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or noodles instead of rice.
- Add heat with chili flakes, sriracha, or diced jalapeños.
Storage, Meal Prep & Reheating Tips
You’ll love how this dish holds up for leftovers.
- Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Freeze chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water.
Meal Prep Idea:
Make a big batch and portion into containers with rice and veggies for grab-and-go lunches all week.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 kcal |
| Protein | ~35g |
| Carbohydrates | ~40g |
| Fats | ~15g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on the ingredients used.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to ensure it browns properly.
Are these bowls spicy?
Not by default. But if you love a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.
What veggies go best in this bowl?
Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, and shredded carrots are great choices.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable-based sauces.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free.
Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner
When it comes to a meal that’s easy, flavorful, and family-approved, you can’t go wrong with Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls. It’s a dish you’ll find yourself making again and again – because it delivers big flavor without the hassle. Plus, the versatility lets you make it your own every time.
If you try this recipe, share your version in the comments or tag your creation on social media. Ready to add it to your meal plan? Let this bowl be the beginning of a new dinner favorite.
Want more! check these chicken recipes:
Hot Honey Chicken And Rice Bowls
High Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip
Honey Garlic Chicken Bowls
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Sauce:
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine, brown, or basmati)
- 3 cups steamed or stir-fried veggies (broccoli, carrots, snap peas)
- Garnishes: sesame seeds, sliced green onions, red pepper flakes
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- Season diced chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken 6-8 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer.
- Whisk cornstarch with water, then stir into sauce. Cook 1-2 minutes until thickened.
Combine:
- Return chicken to skillet, tossing to coat in sauce. Cook 2 more minutes.
Assemble Bowls:
- Divide rice among bowls. Top with chicken, veggies, and garnishes.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Freeze sauce/chicken separately for 2 months.
-
Substitutions:
- Protein: Use shrimp, tofu, or tempeh.
- Rice: Swap for quinoa or cauliflower rice.
- Spicy: Add sriracha or chili flakes.
- Meal Prep: Portion into containers for easy lunches.
