Sweet & Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Bowl for Meal Prep 🍯🔥🍗
1. Introduction
If you’re looking for a hot honey chicken bowl recipe that packs a punch of flavor and is perfect for meal prepping, you’re in the right place. This spicy chicken bowl combines the sweetness of honey with a fiery kick, creating a balanced and addictive dish that can be enjoyed anytime. Whether you’re cooking for the week or just craving a quick, satisfying meal, this meal prep chicken bowl is your new go-to. The secret to its irresistible flavor lies in the perfectly glazed chicken coated with a spicy honey sauce.
2. Ingredients for the hot honey chicken bowl
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ¼ cup honey (preferably a natural, sweet honey)
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce (such as sriracha or a cayenne-based sauce)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, chopped cilantro
- Cooked rice, quinoa, or your preferred grain as a base
3. Step-by-step instructions for preparing the hot honey chicken bowl
Preparing the Chicken
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Making the Spicy Honey Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce slightly thickens about 3-4 minutes.
Coating the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat thoroughly with the spicy honey sauce. Allow it to simmer for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly.
Assembling the Meal Prep Bowls
Divide your choice of grains into meal prep containers. Top with the hot honey chicken, then add optional toppings like sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro for extra flavor and presentation.
4. Storage Tips for the hot honey chicken bowl
Store individual portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, store the sauce separately and combine just before reheating to keep the chicken tender and prevent it from becoming soggy. To reheat, microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
5. Serving suggestions for the hot honey chicken bowl
This spicy chicken bowl pairs excellently with steamed rice or quinoa. Add roasted vegetables or a fresh side salad for a wholesome meal. The sweet and spicy flavor profile makes it versatile — you can also serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
6. Variations and substitutions
If you prefer a milder version, reduce the hot sauce or use a milder hot sauce. For a smokier flavor, add a touch of smoked paprika or chipotle sauce. Vegetarian? Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and follow the same sauce process for a plant-based delicious spicy chicken bowl.
7. FAQs about the hot honey chicken bowl
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to use fresh or thawed chicken to ensure it cooks evenly. If using frozen chicken, thaw fully before cooking.
How long does it take to prepare?
From start to finish, this meal prep chicken bowl takes about 30 minutes, making it perfect for quick weekly meals.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and assemble bowls as needed. Keep the sauce separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.
What are good side options?
Serve with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. For even more flavors, pair with [savory black beans and rice](https://cookishjoy.com/savory-black-beans-and-rice-with-juicy-sausage/) or [creamy meat and potato skillet](https://cookishjoy.com/creamy-meat-and-potato-skillet-dinner-in-30-minutes/).
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
Make your cooking process easier and more enjoyable with the following tools:
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Perfect for chopping garlic, ginger, and vegetables efficiently.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 – Optional for extra crispy chicken or vegetables.
- KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer – For quick rice or grain preparation.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Keep drinks chilled while enjoying your meal.
9. Conclusion
This hot honey chicken bowl combines the perfect blend of sweetness and spice, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or quick dinners. Easy to customize with your favorite toppings and sides, it’s a dish that delivers on flavor and convenience. Try this recipe today and enjoy vibrant, satisfying meals throughout your week!
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Sweet & Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Bowl for Meal Prep
A flavorful hot honey chicken bowl combining crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a fiery honey sauce, served over rice with fresh herbs and vegetables for a perfect balanced meal.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro and green onions for garnish
- Red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown, then transfer to baking sheet.
- Bake chicken for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and crispy.
- Meanwhile, mix hot sauce, honey, soy sauce in a bowl to make the honey sauce.
- Once chicken is cooked, toss with hot honey sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve the spicy honey chicken over cooked rice, garnished with cilantro, green onions, and red chili flakes if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the hot sauce.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts.
- For extra crunch, coat chicken in cornstarch before searing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Bake, sauté, toss
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free option available
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
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