Name: Hot Honey Chicken Bowls: Sweet, Spicy & Ready to Rock Your Dinner
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks; 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice); ½ cup flour; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; ½ tsp paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; Olive oil spray (for baking/air-frying); ½ cup honey; 2 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or sriracha); 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp garlic powder; Pinch red pepper flakes (optional); Cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice; Sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or cabbage slaw; Avocado slices or guac; Pickled red onions or jalapeños; Optional drizzle: ranch, Greek yogurt, or tahini sauce

I’m so glad you’re here for this one—because Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are everything. Crispy chicken bites tossed in a sticky, sweet-hot glaze, layered over fluffy rice with cool, crunchy veggies? It’s the kind of bowl that makes you want to dance around the kitchen. And the best part? It’s totally doable on a weeknight.

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What Are Hot Honey Chicken Bowls?

These bowls start with tender, golden chicken—baked or air-fried—then coated in a homemade hot honey sauce that’s the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and sticky. Add in your favorite grain (rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice), pile on some fresh toppings like slaw or pickled onions, and drizzle extra sauce to bring it all together.

It’s got big flavor, bold color, and it satisfies every craving in one bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy, juicy chicken without deep frying
Customizable with any grains, veggies, or toppings you love
That sauce? Sweet heat heaven!
Meal prep friendly
Great for dinner, lunch, or next-day leftovers

The Flavor Profile

Every bite hits you with that sweet heat from the hot honey sauce, balanced by the tender chicken and cooled off with crisp veggies or a creamy drizzle. It’s crunchy, sticky, sweet, and spicy—in the very best way.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup flour
½ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil spray

The Hot Honey Sauce:

½ cup honey
2 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or sriracha)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for more heat)

The Bowl:

Cooked white or brown rice (or quinoa)
Sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or slaw
Avocado slices or guacamole
Pickled red onions or jalapeños
Optional: drizzle of ranch or yogurt sauce

Tools You’ll Need

Large mixing bowls
Baking sheet or air fryer
Saucepan (for hot honey)
Tongs
Rice cooker or pot (for grains)

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

Gluten-free? Use GF breadcrumbs and flour
No buttermilk? Sub with Greek yogurt + a splash of water
Try tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken for a plant-based version
Switch the grain—farro, couscous, or rice noodles work great too!

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

Step 1: Marinate & Bread the Chicken

Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for 15–30 minutes. Meanwhile, combine panko, flour, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Dredge each piece of chicken in the mixture and set on a tray.

Step 2: Bake or Air-Fry

Preheat oven to 425°F or air fryer to 400°F. Arrange chicken in a single layer, spray lightly with olive oil, and bake or air fry until golden and crispy—about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey

While the chicken cooks, combine honey, hot sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, and chili flakes in a small saucepan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until warm and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowl

Layer rice or grains in the bottom of a bowl. Add crispy chicken and drizzle generously with hot honey. Top with veggies, avocado, and pickled onions. Add a creamy drizzle if desired.

What to Serve With It

A side of roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts
A cool cucumber salad or simple slaw
Fresh lemonade or citrusy sparkling water
Or round it out with a few craveable favorites:
- Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon – rich, savory, and totally satisfying
- Avocado Salsa Shrimp Salad – zesty and fresh for the perfect contrast
- Vegetable Platter with Coconut Aminos – perfect as a light starter or veggie-loaded side

Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken

Don’t skip the buttermilk soak—it tenderizes and adds flavor
Use panko for the crunchiest coating
Avoid overcrowding the pan so the chicken bakes up crisp, not soggy
Let the hot honey cool just a little before tossing—this helps it stick!

Storage & Reheating

Store: Chicken and components separately in airtight containers
Reheat: Use an oven or air fryer to re-crisp the chicken
Meal prep tip: Keep sauce separate until serving to maintain crispiness

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought hot honey?

Totally! But homemade lets you adjust the heat and sweetness exactly how you like it.

Can I fry the chicken instead?

Yes! Shallow fry in oil until crispy and golden on both sides.

Is this recipe spicy?

It’s mild to medium—but easily adjustable with more or less hot sauce and chili flakes.

Wrapping It All Up

These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls hit that sweet spot—literally. They’re sticky, spicy, comforting, and customizable. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for something fun to serve for dinner tonight, these bowls bring all the comfort of fried chicken with a flavorful twist that’s anything but ordinary.

Looking for more flavor-forward favorites? Don’t miss:

Made these bowls? I need to see that sweet-heat magic! 🍯🔥
Tag me on Pinterest @TheKitchenJoyy and use #Mmmrecipes so I can cheer you on. Whether you went extra spicy or extra saucy—I’m here for it all!