If you’re craving something sweet, spicy, and downright satisfying, you’ve got to try this Hot Honey Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe. I absolutely love how the sticky hot honey glaze clings to tender chicken pieces, pairing beautifully with roasted broccoli and vibrant purple cabbage over fluffy rice. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to be your new weeknight favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of sweet and heat: The hot honey glaze brings a wonderful warmth with a touch of sweetness that’s addictive.
- Simple ingredients, big flavor: You probably already have everything on hand to whip this up quickly.
- Easy one-pan roasting for veggies: Roasting broccoli adds a delicious char and crunch without fuss.
- Customizable and versatile: You can swap out the veggies or heat level to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Hot Honey Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe come together like magic — the honey and hot sauce create that perfect glaze, while spices add complexity and the veggies bring freshness and texture. Plus, these are pantry-friendly ingredients that make putting dinner on the table easy and satisfying.
- Chicken breast: Tender, lean, and perfect for soaking up the hot honey marinade.
- Olive oil: Helps the chicken and broccoli roast beautifully with a nice golden finish.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning that brings out all the flavors.
- Garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder: These spices add warmth and depth — I never skip them.
- Honey: Provides the essential sweetness that balances the heat.
- Texas Pete hot sauce: Gives the sauce that signature tangy kick; you can swap in your favorite hot sauce too.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds an extra layer of spiciness that I love.
- Broccoli: Roasted to perfection, it adds crunch and nutrients.
- Purple cabbage: Adds fresh color and a crisp, slightly peppery bite.
- Cooked rice: The base that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- Fresh parsley: For a bright, herby garnish that lifts the whole dish.
Variations
I love how flexible this Hot Honey Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe is — it’s easy to tailor to your tastes or whatever you have on hand. Feel free to mix it up and keep things interesting!
- Swap the chicken: I’ve tried this with thighs instead of breast and loved the extra juiciness.
- Change up the veggies: Roasted cauliflower, snap peas, or even sautéed spinach work wonders.
- Adjust the heat: If you like it milder, reduce the hot sauce and red pepper flakes or add a splash of lime juice for brightness.
- Make it vegan: Try using tofu or tempeh with the same marinade for a plant-powered version.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Whisk together the sauce and marinate the chicken
Start by mixing garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes, honey, Texas Pete hot sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a large bowl. This blend gives the dish that signature sweet-heat flavor I love. Pour out half the sauce into a small bowl to save for later — that’s your finishing drizzle. Then, toss the chicken pieces in the remaining sauce, making sure each piece is coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes while you get the rest ready — this step really amps up the flavor.
Step 2: Roast the broccoli
While the chicken is soaking up those flavors, toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. This gives the broccoli that lovely tender-crisp texture and a little char that adds a smoky depth. Snacks like this get my family coming back for more!
Step 3: Cook the chicken on the stovetop
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are golden and cooked through. Avoid crowding the pan so the chicken sears nicely instead of steaming. Once cooked, toss or brush the chicken with the reserved hot honey sauce for that sticky, glossy finish that makes your mouth water.
Step 4: Assemble your bowls
Start with a base of cooked rice, then layer on shredded purple cabbage, roasted broccoli, and those gorgeous hot honey chicken bites. Top everything with fresh parsley and don’t be shy to drizzle on extra sauce if you’re feeling saucy — it’s the cherry on top!
Pro Tips for Making Hot Honey Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe
- Marinate for maximum flavor: Even 15 minutes makes a noticeable difference — I sometimes prep the sauce ahead and let the chicken soak overnight.
- Don’t overcrowd your skillet: Cooking chicken in batches ensures a beautiful sear instead of soggy bits.
- Roast veggies on parchment: It simplifies cleanup and helps veggies get that perfect char.
- Adjust spice carefully: Add red pepper flakes bit by bit — you can always add more but can’t take the heat out!
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
I usually go with fresh parsley for that peppery brightness and a little freshness to contrast the sticky sauce. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lime or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds — both give a nice twist and extra flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
Since the bowl itself is quite filling, I like to keep sides light. A simple cucumber salad or quick pickled carrots add a crisp, refreshing counterpoint. When I want something heartier, a crunchy Asian slaw or steamed edamame do the trick.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served these Hot Honey Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe in cute mason jars layered prettily — it’s perfect for meal prep or a fun party snack. Another favorite is arranging colorful bowls family-style on the table so everyone can build their own with extra toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover chicken and veggies separately from the rice in airtight containers to keep everything fresh. This dish reheats beautifully and tastes just as good the next day, making it a weekday lifesaver.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in portioned containers. I don’t freeze the rice or broccoli as they lose some texture, but the chicken reheats wonderfully and pairs well with freshly prepared rice.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist if needed. For the broccoli, a quick microwave zap or a toss in a hot pan works wonders to revive its roastiness. Always reheat the rice separately to prevent it from getting mushy.
FAQs
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Can I use dark meat chicken instead of breast for this Hot Honey Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great here and can add extra juiciness and richer flavor. Just keep an eye on cooking time—they might need a minute or two longer to cook through compared to breast meat.
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Is there a substitute for Texas Pete hot sauce in the recipe?
You can definitely swap Texas Pete with any hot sauce you prefer—whether it’s Sriracha, Frank’s RedHot, or a local favorite. Just remember to adjust the amount based on heat level to suit your taste.
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How spicy is the Hot Honey Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe?
The recipe has a nice mild-to-moderate kick that builds from the hot sauce and red pepper flakes. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less red pepper flakes or hot sauce and add more as you go.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you confirm your hot sauce doesn’t have any gluten-containing additives. Always best to double-check labels if needed.
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What type of rice works best for this dish?
I usually go with long-grain white rice or jasmine rice, which pairs nicely and soaks up the sauce well. Brown rice works too if you prefer something heartier and nuttier.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe holds a special place in my meal rotation — it’s simple to make yet packed with flavor that impresses every time. I love how it hits that sweet and spicy spot perfectly, and it makes dinner feel like a treat without requiring hours in the kitchen. If you want a dish that’s comforting, bright, and delicious, give this one a go — I promise you’ll find yourself making it over and over!
Print
Hot Honey Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hot Honey Chicken & Rice Bowls recipe features tender chicken breast pieces coated in a sticky, spicy-sweet honey hot sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice with roasted broccoli and fresh purple cabbage. Finished with a drizzle of the vibrant hot honey sauce and fresh parsley, these bowls are quick to prepare and deliver a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory flavors ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade and Sauce
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1” pieces
- 3 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- ½ tsp salt (divided)
- ½ tsp pepper (divided)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup Texas Pete hot sauce
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 ½ cup shredded purple cabbage
- Cooked rice, for serving (amount as desired)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting the broccoli.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes, honey, Texas Pete hot sauce, and ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper until well combined.
- Reserve Sauce and Marinate Chicken: Pour half of the hot honey sauce into a small bowl and set aside for finishing later. Add the chicken pieces to the remaining sauce, toss thoroughly to coat, and marinate for about 15 minutes while prepping other ingredients.
- Prepare and Roast Broccoli: Toss the broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil and the remaining ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Spread the broccoli evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, until tender and slightly charred on the edges.
- Cook the Chicken: While the broccoli roasts, heat a skillet over medium-high heat with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Coat Chicken with Sauce: Brush or toss the cooked chicken with the reserved hot honey sauce to achieve a glossy and sticky finish, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- Assemble the Bowls: To assemble each bowl, layer a base of cooked rice, followed by shredded purple cabbage, roasted broccoli, and the hot honey chicken on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the bowls with fresh parsley and drizzle a little extra hot honey sauce over the top if desired for an added kick and shine. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust the heat level by varying the amount of Texas Pete hot sauce and red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your hot sauce brand is gluten-free.
- Use jasmine or basmati rice for fluffy bowl bases.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week and used as a flavorful glaze or dip.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and adjust cooking times accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/2 recipe)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
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