Description

Try the 2025 Hot Honey Chicken Bowl! Crispy chicken, fluffy rice, veggies & spicy-sweet glaze, fresh, fast, and totally Instagram-worthy

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken & Marinade:

1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (or Breasts): Thighs are preferred for their juiciness and ability to stay tender.
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
½ teaspoon Black Pepper
½ teaspoon Salt

For the Advanced 2025 Hot Honey Glaze:

½ cup High-Quality Honey (e.g., Wildflower or Orange Blossom)
2-3 tablespoons Sriracha or Hot Sauce of Choice: For baseline heat.
1 tablespoon Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste): Adds a fermented, savory, umami depth to the heat.
2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar: For necessary acidity to balance the sweetness.
1 tablespoon Soy Sauce or Tamari: For salty, savory umami.
1-2 teaspoons Chili Garlic Crisp: For texture and a burst of fermented chili flavor.
1 teaspoon Grated Fresh Ginger
Optional: 1-2 Calabrian Chili Peppers (finely chopped) or ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper for extra heat.

For the Bowl Assembly:

Base (choose one):
- 3 cups cooked Jasmine Rice or Basmati Rice
- 3 cups cooked Quinoa for a protein boost
- 4 cups chopped Romaine Lettuce or Massaged Kale for a low-carb option
Vegetables (choose 2-3):
- 1 large Avocado, sliced
- 1 cup Shredded Red Cabbage, quick-pickled
- 1 cup Corn Kernels (freshly grilled or pan-seared)
- 1 cup Edamame, shelled and steamed
- 1 Cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 large Carrot, julienned or spiralized
Toppings & Finishers:
- ¼ cup Crumbled Cotija Cheese, Feta, or Queso Fresco
- ¼ cup Toasted Sesame Seeds or Sunflower Seeds
- ¼ cup Sliced Green Onions
- ¼ cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped
- Lime Wedges for serving
- A drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Kewpie Mayo

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss until each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for optimal flavor, cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

Step 2: Craft the Sophisticated Hot Honey Glaze
While the chicken marinates, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, sriracha, gochujang, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, chili garlic crisp, and grated ginger. Whisk together over medium-low heat until the mixture is smooth, warm, and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Do not let it boil vigorously. Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more sriracha, cayenne, or Calabrian chiles. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken to Perfection
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside has a beautiful sear. During the last minute of cooking, brush both sides of the chicken generously with the hot honey glaze.

Step 4: Rest and Slice
Transfer the glazed chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-7 minutes. This is crucial for juicy meat. After resting, slice the chicken against the grain into bite-sized strips or chunks.

Step 5: Prepare the Bowl Components
While the chicken rests, this is your time to assemble the rest of the bowl. If using rice or quinoa, ensure it is warm. If using a lettuce base, have it washed and chopped. Prepare your chosen vegetables—slice the avocado, quick-pickle the cabbage (toss with a splash of vinegar and a pinch of sugar), and slice the cucumber.

Step 6: Assemble Your Masterpiece
Now for the creative assembly. In each serving bowl, start with a generous base of your chosen grain or greens. Artfully arrange the sliced hot honey chicken on one side of the bowl. Neatly group your selected vegetables and toppings around the chicken, creating a vibrant and colorful display.

Step 7: The Final Drizzle and Garnish
Drizzle the entire bowl with another generous spoonful of the remaining hot honey glaze. Sprinkle with crumbled cheese, toasted seeds, green onions, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with a fresh lime wedge on the side for a bright, citrusy finish

Notes

Large Skillet (cast iron preferred) or Grill Pan
Small Saucepan
Mixing Bowls
Whisk
Tongs
Cutting Board & Sharp Knife

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Category: Lunch
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 650 kcal
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 900 mg
Fat: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 65 g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 40g