How to Make Flavor-Packed Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

If you love crispy chicken with a spicy-sweet kick, these Hot Honey Chicken Bowls will be your new favorite meal! Juicy chicken is coated in a sticky hot honey glaze and served over rice with fresh toppings—perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup buttermilk (for tenderizing)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust for spice level)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Bowl:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ½ cup sliced cucumbers
• ½ avocado, sliced
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Marinate & Coat the Chicken

1. In a bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for 15-30 minutes (this keeps them juicy).
2. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Remove chicken from buttermilk and coat evenly in the dry mixture.

2. Cook Until Crispy

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Hot Honey Glaze

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
2. Stir and simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Assemble the Bowls

1. Divide cooked rice into bowls.
2. Add crispy chicken and drizzle with hot honey sauce.
3. Top with carrots, cucumbers, avocado, and green onions.
4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately!

Tips for the Best Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

✔ Extra Crunchy: Use cornstarch in the coating for the crispiest chicken.
✔ Adjust the Heat: Use more or less hot sauce depending on spice preference.
✔ Meal Prep Friendly: Store the components separately and assemble when ready.
✔ Perfect Pairings: Swap rice for quinoa, noodles, or a salad base.

These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are the perfect mix of crispy, spicy, and sweet, making every bite irresistibly delicious! 🍯🌶️🍗✨