Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe
Every now and then, we all crave a meal that is both comforting and packed with flavor. The hot honey chicken bowl is one of those dishes that hits the spot. This recipe combines juicy chicken, sweet and spicy hot honey, fresh vegetables, and wholesome rice or quinoa. It’s a delightful mix that is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Whether you’re cooking for family or enjoying a quiet evening for one, this dish brings a taste of something special to your table.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make the hot honey chicken bowl. First, it is simple and quick to prepare. With just a few ingredients and under 30 minutes, you can create a delicious meal. Cooking at home is also a great way to control what goes into your food, making it healthier and tailored to your taste.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or what is in season. Plus, the balance between the hot honey, soy sauce, and lime juice gives it a unique and tasty flavor profile that will keep you coming back for more. The meal is not only filling but also looks vibrant and inviting, making it perfect for entertaining guests or for special occasions.
Lastly, the hot honey chicken bowl is excellent for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for an easy meal during the week. It also reheats well, making it a fantastic option for busy days.
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Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A comforting and flavorful bowl featuring juicy chicken, sweet and spicy hot honey, fresh vegetables, and wholesome rice or quinoa, perfect for dinner and meal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup hot honey
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and firm.
- Mix hot honey, soy sauce, and lime juice in a bowl.
- Pour the hot honey mixture over the chicken, add the mixed vegetables, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Serve by placing rice or quinoa on a plate, topping with chicken and sauce, and enjoy!
Notes
Customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins like shrimp or tofu. Garnishing with green onions or sesame seeds adds a nice touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
Making a hot honey chicken bowl is easy and fun. Here’s how you can do it step by step:
Ingredients
To make the hot honey chicken bowl, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup hot honey
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Directions
Gather Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Prepare by chopping the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. This step is important as it ensures even cooking and easy eating.
Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. This helps to achieve a nice sear. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it adds flavor to the chicken.
Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and firm to the touch. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Prepare Sauce: While the chicken cooks, take a small bowl and mix the hot honey with the low-sodium soy sauce and freshly squeezed lime juice. This mix will bring sweetness, savory, and tangy flavors that complement the chicken and vegetables perfectly.
Add Sauce and Vegetables: When the chicken is almost done, pour the hot honey mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Then, toss in the mixed vegetables as well. This will allow the vegetables to cook quickly, about 3-4 minutes, until they are tender but still crisp.
Serve: Once everything is cooked, it’s time to serve. Place a scoop of cooked rice or quinoa on a plate. Top it with the chicken and a generous drizzle of the hot honey sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Enjoy your homemade hot honey chicken bowl!
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
Serving is just as important as cooking. To make the hot honey chicken bowl appealing, consider using colorful plates or bowls. Place a generous serving of rice or quinoa at the bottom. Next, layer the chicken on top and add the vibrant cooked vegetables around it.
For an added touch, consider garnishing with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. A wedge of lime on the side not only looks great but also allows each person to adjust the tanginess to their liking. If desired, serve with extra hot honey on the side, so those who enjoy a little more spice can add it.
How to Store Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
If you make extra servings of the hot honey chicken bowl, you can store them for later. Make sure to let the dish cool to room temperature. Transfer the chicken, rice or quinoa, and vegetables to an airtight container. This will help keep the meal fresh and flavorful.
Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating in the microwave, cover the bowl to retain moisture. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to keep everything moist and prevent drying out.
Tips to Make Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
Use Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest garlic and vegetables you can find. Fresh ingredients bring out the best flavors in your dish.
Adjust Spiciness: If you prefer less heat, you can use regular honey or reduce the amount of hot honey in the sauce.
Mix Up the Veggies: Feel free to use your favorite vegetables or what you have on hand. Carrots, zucchini, or snap peas are great choices.
Cook Rice or Quinoa Perfectly: Make sure your rice or quinoa is fluffy. Rinse quinoa before cooking it to remove any bitterness.
Marinate for Flavor: For a deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the hot honey mixture for an hour before cooking. This will enhance the taste even more.
Variation
There are plenty of ways to customize the hot honey chicken bowl. You could use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein source. For a more substantial meal, add avocado slices or a crunchy topping like chopped nuts or seeds. You might also try swapping out the grains; instead of rice or quinoa, you could serve it over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure they are completely thawed before cooking. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! The hot honey chicken bowl is great for meal prep. Cook it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week.
How can I make this dish spicy?
To add more heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce to the hot honey mixture or even to the vegetables as they cook.
By following these steps and tips, you will create a delicious hot honey chicken bowl that is enjoyable and nutritious. This recipe is simple enough for any cooking skill level and sure to please anyone at your table. Happy cooking!