Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Bowl for Meal Prep 🥢🍯🔥
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a satisfying hot honey chicken bowl that combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, this flavorful chicken bowl recipe is perfect for your meal prep routine. The irresistible blend of zesty hot honey sauce with juicy chicken makes it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or a nutritious lunch at work. Get ready to elevate your meal plan with this easy-to-make hot honey chicken meal prep.
2. Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup hot honey (or regular honey with a dash of hot sauce)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or quinoa for serving
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
Preparation of the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken strips with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Hot Honey Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in hot honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Adjust the spice level by adding crushed red pepper flakes.
Combining the Chicken with the Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat generously with the hot honey sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to ensure the chicken is well glazed and flavorful.
Assembling the Chicken Bowl
Divide cooked rice or quinoa among meal prep containers. Top with the hot honey chicken and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or sliced green onions. This sweet spicy chicken bowl is ready to be stored and enjoyed throughout the week.
4. Storage Tips for Meal Prep
Store leftover hot honey chicken meal prep in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, keep the chicken and rice separate if reheating to prevent sogginess. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the portions and defrost as needed.
5. Serving Suggestions
This flavorful chicken bowl pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a side salad. You might also want to try it with roasted sweet potatoes or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor. For an extra kick, serve with a side of spicy sriracha or a squeeze of lime.
6. Variations and Substitutions
If you’re looking for alternative protein options, try replacing chicken with tofu or shrimp. Vegetarian? Use tempeh or chickpeas instead. For a lower sugar version, substitute honey with pure maple syrup, or omit the honey altogether for a savory twist.
7. FAQ about Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Can I make this recipe spicy or milder?
Yes! Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce according to your spice preference. For milder flavor, reduce or skip the red pepper flakes.
How long does it take to prepare this hot honey chicken bowl?
From start to finish, this flavorful chicken bowl takes about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
Can I customize the ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. You can also switch rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 — Make perfectly tender chicken with minimal fuss using this versatile air fryer, perfect for a crispy finish.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set — Ensures your skillet is non-stick, making cooking and cleaning a breeze.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker — For prepping in advance or cooking rice effortlessly, this slow cooker is a kitchen essential.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — Quickly chop vegetables to add variety to your meals or garnish your dish.
9. Conclusion
This hot honey chicken bowl recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, making it an excellent choice for meal prep and quick dinners. Its ease of preparation combined with its vibrant taste ensures you’ll keep coming back for more. Experiment with variations and get creative with toppings to make this flavorful chicken bowl your new favorite go-to meal. Enjoy your delicious, healthy, and satisfying dish!
Print
Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Bowl for Meal Prep
A tasty hot honey chicken bowl combining crispy chicken, spicy honey glaze, and fresh vegetables for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup steamed broccoli
- Fresh herbs for garnish
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, and olive oil to make the glaze.
- Brush chicken strips with the honey glaze and arrange on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
- While chicken is baking, prepare rice and vegetables.
- Divide rice into bowls, top with baked chicken, sliced peppers, and broccoli.
- Drizzle with extra honey glaze, garnish with herbs and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Add sesame seeds or chopped scallions for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Method: Baking, assembling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, High-Protein
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 Kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg