Looking for the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, crispy, and comforting? These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are where it's at. Juicy, crispy chicken tossed in a sticky hot honey glaze, paired with fluffy rice, crunchy veggies, and creamy avocado — all in one beautiful, balanced bowl.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or prepping for the week, this bowl is a flavor-packed showstopper that delivers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients from your own kitchen.
📝 Ingredients (U.S. Standard Measurements – Serves 4)
For the crispy chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup buttermilk (or 1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk as a substitute)
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the hot honey sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1½ tablespoons hot sauce (like Frank’s or sriracha – adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for more heat)
- Pinch of salt
For the bowls:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Lime wedges and sesame seeds for garnish
🍗 Instructions
1. Prep the chicken:
In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes if time allows.
2. Make the coating:
In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Fry the chicken:
Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well. Fry in batches for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
4. Make the hot honey:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter, then add honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Stir over low heat until combined and glossy. Toss fried chicken in the sauce to coat.
5. Assemble the bowls:
Divide rice among 4 bowls. Top with hot honey chicken, shredded carrots, cabbage, avocado, and green onions. Garnish with sesame seeds and a squeeze of fresh lime.
🔍 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approx.)
- Calories: 610
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 600mg
Balanced with protein, complex carbs, healthy fats, and veggies — a perfect power bowl.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Air fryer option: Skip the oil and air-fry breaded chicken at 400°F for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Spice control: Use more or less hot sauce to control the heat level. Add a dash of vinegar for tang!
- Meal prep win: Prep ingredients ahead and assemble when ready to eat. Keep chicken separate to maintain crispness.
- Low-carb swap: Serve over cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce for a lighter bowl.
- Vegan version: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower and use maple syrup in the sauce.
🌟 Something Extra From Me to You
Looking to elevate this even more? Add a drizzle of garlic yogurt sauce or a dollop of chipotle mayo for a creamy contrast. Or try pickled onions for a tangy pop that balances the sweetness of the hot honey.
For an even quicker version, use rotisserie chicken tossed in hot honey and skip the frying — weeknight magic in minutes!
And if you're hosting a dinner party or casual brunch, serve these bowls buffet-style and let everyone build their own!
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