Hot Honey Chicken Bowl – Spicy

Welcome to My Kitchen! Let’s Make a Delicious Hot Honey Chicken Bowl!

Hey there! I can’t tell you how excited I am to share this amazing Hot Honey Chicken Bowl recipe with you! If you’re looking for a meal that’s not only delicious but also healthy and super easy to make, you’ve come to the right place. This bowl features juicy chicken thighs coated in the perfect combo of spicy and sweet honey, nestled on a bed of nutritious grains and fresh veggies. Every bite is a delightful explosion of flavor! Let’s dive into this yummy recipe together.

Nutritional Benefits

Let’s talk about why this bowl is not just tasty but good for you too! First up, chicken thighs are packed with protein, which is great for muscle repair and keeping you feeling full longer. Then we have quinoa or brown rice—both are excellent sources of whole grains that provide fiber to aid digestion. Plus, the mixed greens and colorful veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes are loaded with vitamins and minerals. So, you’re not just indulging your taste buds but taking care of your body too!

Adaptable Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

• Different Proteins: If you’re not a chicken fan, try using tofu or shrimp instead. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Writable Flavor: Try different sauces! Swap hot honey for teriyaki sauce or BBQ sauce for a new twist.
• Dietary Needs: Gluten-free? Make sure you check your soy sauce and use tamari. For a low-carb option, skip the grains and go for extra greens!

Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons hot honey (or regular honey with added chili flakes)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
• 1 cup mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or kale)
• ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ radish, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
• ½ avocado, sliced (optional, for extra creaminess)

Serves 1 person

With 2 chicken thighs and 1 cup cooked quinoa, this makes a single-serving hot honey chicken bowl.

1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This simple step makes a huge difference in flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
3. Add Hot Honey: Once the chicken is cooked, drizzle that gorgeous hot honey over the thighs, letting it caramelize slightly for about 1-2 minutes. Make sure to turn the chicken to coat it evenly—yum!
4. Prepare the Base: While your chicken is finishing, prepare the quinoa or brown rice according to the package instructions and divide it into serving bowls as the base.
5. Add Mixed Greens: Layer your mixed greens over the quinoa or rice, creating a beautiful, colorful base.
6. Slice the Vegetables: Next, arrange the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, radish, and carrot on top of the greens. This adds crunch and freshness to your bowl!
7. Add the Chicken: Once your chicken is nicely glazed, remove it from the skillet, slice it into strips, and place it neatly over the colorful vegetables and grains.
8. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the chicken and bowl for a finishing touch. If you like, drizzle with a little soy sauce for an extra flavor punch.
9. Optional Avocado: If you want to take things to another level of creaminess, lay sliced avocado on the side of the bowl.
10. Serve: Enjoy your Hot Honey Chicken Bowl warm! Mix everything together for the best combination of flavors.

Practical & Valuable Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat gently to enjoy again!
• If you want to prep ahead, you can cook your grains and chop your veggies the day before—this can save you time during busy weeknights.
• Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand—bell peppers, shredded cabbage, or steamed broccoli would all be fabulous!

Equipment Needed

Here are the tools you’ll need for this delicious dish:

• A skillet for cooking the chicken
• A meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
• A cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables
• Bowls for serving
• A whisk or spoon for mixing

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I prepare this bowl ahead of time? Yes! You can cook the chicken and grains in advance and assemble the bowl right before serving.
2. What can I substitute for hot honey? You can mix regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce to achieve a similar spicy-sweet flavor.
3. Is this dish gluten-free? Absolutely! Just choose a gluten-free soy sauce or omit it entirely.
4. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, just be mindful that chicken breast may dry out faster, so adjust the cooking time slightly.
5. What other grains can I use? You can substitute quinoa or brown rice for farro, barley, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Join the Fun!

So, what do you think? Are you ready to whip up this amazing Hot Honey Chicken Bowl? I can’t wait to hear all about it! Share your creations and any variations you try on Pinterest, and let’s keep the cooking inspiration flowing together!