If you’re craving a sweet, spicy dish packed with flavor, hot honey chicken and rice bowls are the perfect meal. This easy recipe features juicy chicken glazed with homemade hot honey, served over fluffy rice, and topped with crisp vegetables.
For those who love an extra crunch, you can swap the pan-seared chicken for hot honey chicken tenders, which add a crispy texture to your bowl.
Looking for more comforting rice-based dishes? Try this lamb over rice recipe, another delicious option with bold flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken thighs (or chicken breasts for a leaner option)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
The Hot Honey Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
The Rice & Toppings:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice)
- ½ cup steamed broccoli
- ¼ cup pickled onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Hot to Make Hot Honey Chicken and Rice Bowls
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Dry the chicken thighs with a paper towel and season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
- Take it off the heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Make the Hot Honey Sauce
- Combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan.
- Simmer on low for 2 minutes, stirring until thoroughly combined.
- Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more hot sauce or honey.
3. Assemble the Rice Bowls
- Divide cooked rice into bowls.
- Top with sliced hot honey chicken.
- Add steamed broccoli and pickled onions for extra flavor.
- Drizzle with hot honey sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
For more spicy comfort food, you might also love this Cajun chicken and sausage gumbo, a dish loaded with bold flavors and heat.
Customization & Variations
One of the best things about hot honey chicken and rice bowls is their versatility. Whether you’re following a specific diet, prefer extra heat, or want a vegetarian alternative, there’s a version of this dish for everyone. Here’s how you can modify it to suit your taste and dietary needs:
1. Low-Carb Version – Swap Rice for Cauliflower Rice
- If you’re watching your carb intake, replace the white or brown rice with cauliflower rice.
- To enhance the flavor, sauté the cauliflower rice in olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt for a few minutes before serving.
- This swap cuts down on carbs while still satisfying you with a hearty rice bowl.
2. Extra Crispy Chicken – Use Breaded Chicken Tenders Instead
- If you love crunch, swap the pan-seared chicken for breaded chicken tenders or fried chicken cutlets.
- For a healthier version, try air-fried chicken tenders coated in panko breadcrumbs for a light and crispy texture.
- Toss the crispy chicken in hot honey sauce before serving to keep the coating crunchy.
3. Spicier Option – Add Sriracha or Ghost Pepper Flakes for Extra Heat
- If you love intense heat, up the spice level by adding extra sriracha, ghost pepper flakes, or even habanero-infused honey.
- Mix chili oil into the hot honey sauce for an added kick.
- Try adding a dash of chipotle powder or smoked paprika for a smoky depth of spice.
4. Vegetarian Alternative – Use Crispy Tofu or Tempeh Instead of Chicken
- Replace the chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh for a protein-packed vegetarian option.
- Press and cube firm tofu, then toss it in cornstarch before pan-frying for an extra crispy texture.
- For tempeh, marinate it in hot honey sauce for at least 30 minutes before grilling or pan-searing.
- This option is perfect for those looking to enjoy a plant-based meal’s sweet and spicy flavors.
Tips for the Best Rice Bowls
Want to elevate your hot honey chicken and rice bowls to the next level? These expert tips will ensure your dish is flavorful, balanced, and absolutely delicious every time.
1. Marinate the Chicken for 30 Minutes to Enhance Flavor
- While you can cook the chicken immediately, letting it marinate for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to soak in.
- To infuse the chicken with a sweet and spicy depth, use a simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and a splash of hot honey.
- Marinating overnight in the fridge for even more tenderness works exceptionally well with chicken thighs.
- If you’re short on time, even 10–15 minutes of marinating can make a difference!
2. Use High-Quality Honey for a Richer Taste
- The quality of honey makes a massive difference in Flavor. Opt for raw, unfiltered honey instead of processed varieties for a more robust, floral sweetness.
- Different types of honey can subtly change the taste—wildflower honey has a complex flavor, while clover honey is milder and sweeter.
- If you want a smoky depth, try using hot honey brands like Mike’s Hot Honey or infusing your own with chipotle or smoked chili flakes.
3. Make Extra Hot Honey Sauce—It’s Great on Roasted Veggies and Grilled Meats!
- Don’t just limit this fantastic sauce to chicken! Make a double batch and drizzle it over:
- Roasted vegetables (Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes).
- Grilled salmon or shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Breakfast favorites like avocado toast or scrambled eggs.
- Crispy fried tofu for a plant-based protein option.
Extra hot honey sauce can be stored in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to two weeks—just warm it slightly before using.
FAQs About Hot Honey Chicken and Rice Bowls
1. Can I make hot honey chicken ahead of time?
Yes! Keep cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to four days.
2. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
- For crispy chicken, Use a skillet or air fryer.
- For convenience: Microwave for 1-2 minutes.
3. How do I make hot honey less spicy?
Reduce the red pepper flakes and add more honey or butter for a milder flavor.
4. Can I use store-bought hot honey?
Yes! Mike’s Hot Honey is an excellent option if you don’t want to make your own.
Try the hot honey chicken and rice bowls Today.
With just a few simple ingredients, hot honey chicken and rice bowls deliver sweet, spicy, and savory perfection in every bite. This dish will satisfy you whether you prefer a classic version, a low-carb twist, or an extra spicy kick.
Hot Honey Chicken and Rice Bowls
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken thighs (or chicken breasts for a leaner option)
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
For the Rice & Toppings:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice)
- ½ cup steamed broccoli
- ¼ cup pickled onions
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar.
- Simmer on low heat for 2 minutes, stirring until well combined. Adjust spice level to taste.
Assemble the Rice Bowls:
- Divide cooked rice into serving bowls.
- Top with sliced hot honey chicken, steamed broccoli, and pickled onions.
- Drizzle with hot honey sauce and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Notes
- Pro Tip: Marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and a splash of hot honey for 30 minutes for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for best results.
- Customization: Swap chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
