A delicious and simple recipe for Hot Honey Chicken Bowls that bring together the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a homemade honey sriracha sauce, served alongside fresh veggies like zucchini, summer squash, and creamy avocado, all on a bed of rice (or quinoa). This healthy, customizable dish is packed with bold flavors and makes for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep!
Ingredients:
For the Hot Honey Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup sriracha or your preferred hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
For the Bowls:
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 medium summer squash, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
- 2 cups cooked rice (or quinoa)
- 1 medium lime
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the hot honey sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine the honey, sriracha, garlic, salt, pepper, cayenne, and crushed red pepper in a bowl. Set aside 2 tablespoons of sauce for later.
- Cook with veggies: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and add the sliced zucchini and summer squash. Place the chicken back on top of the veggies, pouring the hot honey sauce over everything.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Stir the vegetables halfway through for even cooking.
- Finish and assemble: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Cube the chicken and toss it in the reserved hot honey sauce.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the rice (or quinoa) among bowls. Top with zucchini, squash, shredded carrots, avocado slices, and the hot honey chicken. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and drizzle with ranch dressing, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are a flavor-packed dish with the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. The crispy, tender chicken coated in hot honey sauce pairs perfectly with creamy avocado and crunchy vegetables, served over hearty rice or quinoa. It’s an easy, customizable meal that’s perfect for weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Tips:
- Check the chicken: Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for full doneness.
- Even veggie slices: Slice the zucchini and squash evenly for uniform cooking.
- Make ahead: You can prep the hot honey sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
- Grain alternatives: Switch rice for quinoa, cauliflower rice, or your favorite grain for variety.
Variations:
- Protein options: Swap chicken for turkey, tofu, or shrimp for a different take.
- Extra heat: Add more sriracha or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Vegetable swaps: Try bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli instead of zucchini and squash.
- Vegan version: Use plant-based chicken or tofu, and swap the ranch dressing for a dairy-free version or tahini drizzle.
FAQs:
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the chicken and veggies in advance, store them separately in the fridge, and reheat when ready to eat.
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Fresh vegetables are best, but you can use frozen if needed, just be sure to cook them well.
- How do I make this spicier? Add extra sriracha, cayenne, or crushed red pepper to the chicken or sauce for more heat.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with crispy tortilla chips or a side salad to balance the heat.
- For extra flavor, garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions.
- Pair with a refreshing iced tea or sparkling water to complement the spice!
These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are versatile, bold in flavor, and perfect for meal prep or a weeknight dinner the whole family will love!
This version keeps the essence of the recipe while streamlining the information and making it more user-friendly for meal planning and customization.