Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

Looking for a delicious and easy hot honey chicken recipe? These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are the perfect combination of sweet and spicy! Tender chicken breasts are coated in a flavorful honey sriracha sauce, paired with fresh vegetables like zucchini, summer squash, and creamy avocado, all served over a bed of cooked rice (or quinoa). This healthy, customizable meal is packed with bold flavors and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients:

For the Hot Honey Chicken:

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 2 medium boneless chicken breasts
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup sriracha (or your preferred hot sauce)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

For the Bowls:

• 2 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1 medium summer squash, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
• 1 medium avocado, sliced
• 2 cups cooked rice (or quinoa)
• 1 medium lime
• 1/2 cup healthy ranch dressing (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
3. While the chicken is cooking, combine the honey, sriracha, minced garlic, salt, pepper, cayenne, and crushed red pepper in a bowl to create the hot honey sauce. Set aside 2 tablespoons of sauce for later.
4. Once the chicken is done, remove the skillet from heat. Add the sliced zucchini and summer squash to the skillet, placing the chicken on top of the vegetables. Pour the hot honey sauce over the chicken, ensuring it coats the chicken and drizzles over the squash.
5. Transfer the entire skillet to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Stir the vegetables halfway through.
6. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Cut the chicken into cubes and toss them in the remaining 2 tablespoons of hot honey sauce.
7. To assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked rice (or quinoa) among bowls. Top with zucchini, summer squash, shredded carrots, avocado slices, and the hot honey chicken. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and drizzle with ranch dressing, if desired.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are the perfect combination of sweet and spicy! The crispy chicken is coated in a flavorful hot honey sauce that’s balanced by the creamy avocado, crunchy vegetables, and hearty rice. This easy-to-make, customizable bowl packs a punch of flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving something with a little heat or looking to enjoy a nourishing meal, these bowls deliver on both taste and nutrition.

Tips

• Chicken cooking time: Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
• Vegetable prep: Slice the zucchini and summer squash evenly so they cook at the same rate in the oven.
• Make ahead: You can prep the hot honey sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
• Rice alternatives: Feel free to substitute the rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or any grain of your choice for variety.

Variations and Substitutions

• Different proteins: Swap the chicken for turkey breast, tofu, or shrimp if you’re looking for a different protein source.
• More heat: For extra spice, add more sriracha or sprinkle some extra cayenne or crushed red pepper on top.
• Vegetable swap: Replace the zucchini and squash with bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli for a different flavor profile.
• Vegan option: To make this recipe vegan, use plant-based chicken or tofu instead of chicken and swap the ranch dressing with a dairy-free version or a tahini drizzle.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply reheat and assemble the bowls.

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Fresh vegetables will yield the best texture and flavor, but you can use frozen vegetables if necessary. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly.

How do I make this recipe spicier?
If you like more heat, add extra sriracha or sprinkle crushed red pepper over the chicken after cooking. You can also increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the hot honey sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these Hot Honey Chicken Bowls with a side of crunchy tortilla chips or a small salad to balance the heat.
• For extra flavor, sprinkle some fresh cilantro or green onions over the top before serving.
• Pair with a refreshing drink like iced tea or a chilled sparkling water to complement the heat from the hot honey sauce.

These flavorful hot honey chicken bowls are not only a delicious dinner option but also versatile enough to be enjoyed for meal prep throughout the week!