Hot Honey Chicken served in a rice bowl with vegetables

Hot Honey Chicken and Rice Bowls

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Hot Honey Chicken and Rice Bowls are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and roasted vegetables. The sweet and spicy hot honey sauce adds a unique twist that will excite your taste buds. This recipe is not just tasty, but it’s also healthy and packed with nutrients from the veggies. Plus, it’s easy to make, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner.

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken and Rice Bowls

Ingredients

  • 2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp. granulated sugar
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
  • 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
  • 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1 Tbsp. sriracha
  • 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

  1. Place cucumbers in a heatproof jar. Add rice vinegar, soy sauce, granulated sugar, and enough hot water to cover the cucumbers. Let sit until ready to use.

  2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

  3. Place sweet potatoes and broccoli on two separate baking sheets. Drizzle each with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder over them. Season with salt and black pepper, then toss to coat.

  4. Roast the broccoli and sweet potatoes in the oven until tender for about 25 minutes. Toss the potatoes and continue roasting until crisp, about 10 to 15 minutes more.

  5. In a saucepan, combine water, rice, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook until the rice is tender, about 18 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.

  6. Season the chicken with chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 8 minutes per side. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.

  7. Wipe the skillet clean, return it to heat, and cook honey, sriracha, and red pepper flakes until simmering, about 2 minutes. Toss the chicken with the honey mixture.

  8. Divide the rice among bowls, top with chicken, roasted vegetables, and pickled cucumbers. Drizzle hot honey over the bowls before serving.

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken and Rice Bowls

Serve the Hot Honey Chicken and Rice Bowls warm. You can garnish them with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for an extra burst of flavor. They can be a main dish on their own, or you can serve them with sides like crusty bread or a light salad.

How to Store Hot Honey Chicken and Rice Bowls

To store leftovers, place the chicken and rice bowls in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through before eating.

Tips to Make Hot Honey Chicken and Rice Bowls

  • Make sure to slice the sweet potatoes thin for even cooking and crispiness.
  • Feel free to adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less sriracha and crushed red pepper.
  • You can substitute the chicken for tofu or shrimp if you prefer a different protein.

Variation

You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the roasted mix. If you want to add more crunch, consider topping the bowls with chopped nuts or seeds.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will take longer to cook.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas to make it vegetarian.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and store them separately. Just combine and cook them when you’re ready to eat.