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Hot Honey Chicken Protein Bowls - Sweet Heat, Big Flavor

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • For the Hot Honey Sauce 1/3 cup honey
  • 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to heat level)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra kick)
  • For the Bowl Base 2 cups cooked brown rice, quinoa, or farro
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
  • 1 cup steamed or roasted broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup shelled edamame or chickpeas
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped scallions or cilantro
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Optional Toppings Toasted sesame seeds
  • Crushed roasted peanuts or cashews
  • Greek yogurt or a simple yogurt-lime drizzle
  • Pickled onions for brightness

Method
 

  1. Cook your base. Prepare rice, quinoa, or farro according to package directions. Fluff and set aside. Keep warm or chill for meal prep.
  2. Prep the chicken. Pat the chicken dry. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
  3. Make the hot honey sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust heat and sweetness.
  4. Sear the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add a touch of oil if needed. Cook the chicken pieces in a single layer, 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
  5. Glaze the chicken. Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the hot honey sauce and toss to coat. Let it bubble for 1–2 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened. Turn off heat.
  6. Prep the veggies. While the chicken cooks, steam or roast broccoli, shred cabbage, and slice avocado. Chop scallions or cilantro.
  7. Assemble the bowls. Add a scoop of grains to each bowl. Top with cabbage, broccoli, edamame, and hot honey chicken. Spoon any extra sauce over the top.
  8. Finish with toppings. Add avocado, scallions, and lime wedges. Sprinkle sesame seeds or nuts. Drizzle with a little yogurt if desired.
  9. Serve. Taste, add a squeeze of lime, and adjust salt or heat to your liking.