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Hot Honey Chicken Bowls: Sweet, Spicy & Ready to Rock Your Dinner

  • Author: bakepeek
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 bowls 1x

Description

These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are crispy, sweet, spicy, and everything you want in a feel-good meal. Air-fried or oven-baked chicken gets tossed in a sticky homemade hot honey glaze, then piled high over fluffy rice or greens with your favorite toppings. It’s a meal prep dream, weeknight dinner hero, and guaranteed lunch upgrade. Flavor-packed, better-for-you, and oh-so satisfying!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 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)

For 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 red pepper flakes (optional)

Bowl Base & Toppings:

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Soak chicken in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes while you prep everything else.

  2. Bread the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine panko, flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge marinated chicken pieces until fully coated.

  3. Bake or Air-Fry:

    • Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and spray with oil. Bake 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway.

    • Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Arrange chicken in a single layer, spray with oil, and cook 10–12 minutes, flipping once.

  4. Make the Hot Honey: In a saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, and chili flakes. Simmer 2–3 minutes until warm and slightly thickened.

  5. Toss & Build: Toss crispy chicken in the hot honey sauce. Layer rice or greens into bowls, top with chicken and your favorite toppings. Drizzle with sauce if desired and serve warm!

Notes

  • For more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne to the sauce.

  • Make it low-carb with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

  • Leftover chicken reheats best in an air fryer or oven.

 

  • Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 1 week.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Marinate Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Bowl Meals
  • Method: Air Fryer or Oven Baked
  • Cuisine: American, Fusion

Keywords: Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

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Find it online: https://bakepeek.com/hot-honey-chicken-bowls/