Sweet Spicy Chicken Bowl: The BEST Hot Honey Chicken Recipe

Sweet spicy chicken bowl, it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. This simple recipe takes ordinary chicken and transforms it into an unforgettable meal. The inspiration came late one night when I was craving something both comforting and exciting. My goal was to create a dish that was easy enough for a weeknight dinner but tasted like something you’d order at a restaurant. This sweet spicy chicken bowl is the result, and I think you’re going to love it as much as I do.

Why You Will Love This sweet spicy chicken bowl Recipe

This sweet spicy chicken bowl recipe is destined to become a regular in your rotation. It’s comfort food with a kick, ready in under 30 minutes. The combination of sweet honey and spicy sriracha is simply irresistible. I love it because it’s so adaptable. Use whatever veggies you have on hand, swap out the rice for quinoa, or add a fried egg for extra protein. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser, even with picky eaters.

Ingredients Needed for This sweet spicy chicken bowl Recipe

• For the Chicken:

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch pieces * 1 tablespoon olive oil * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• For the Sweet Spicy Sauce:

* 1/4 cup honey * 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to your spice preference) * 1 tablespoon soy sauce * 1 tablespoon rice vinegar * 1 teaspoon garlic powder * 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger * 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• For the Bowl:

* 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine) * 1 cup chopped broccoli florets, steamed * 1 cup shredded carrots * 1/2 cup chopped green onions * Sesame seeds for garnish

How to Make This sweet spicy chicken bowl Recipe

1. 1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and sesame oil. Set aside.
2. 2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat.
3. 3. Add the chicken to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
4. 4. Add the sweet spicy sauce to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and is coating the chicken evenly. Keep an eye on the mixture to prevent burning, and reduce the heat if needed.
5. 5. Assemble the bowls: divide the cooked rice between bowls.
6. 6. Top with the sweet spicy chicken, steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, and green onions.
7. 7. Garnish with sesame seeds.
8. 8. Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful hot honey chicken experience.

How to Serve This sweet spicy chicken bowl Recipe

This sweet spicy chicken bowl is a complete meal in itself, but there are plenty of ways to customize it. Consider adding a side of kimchi for a tangy contrast or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing element. You can also swap out the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower carb option. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of extra sriracha can add extra flavor and visual appeal.

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How to Store This sweet spicy chicken bowl Recipe

Leftover sweet spicy chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cooked rice is best stored separately to prevent it from becoming soggy. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, microwave the chicken until heated through, or warm it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. Reheat the rice separately.

Tips to Make This sweet spicy chicken bowl Recipe

• Spice it up (or down): Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to your preference. If you like it really spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a milder sauce, reduce the amount of sriracha or add a touch more honey.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it just until it is cooked through and lightly browned.
• Thicken the sauce: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it for a few extra minutes, or by adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).

Helpful Notes for This sweet spicy chicken bowl Recipe

The best part about this sweet spicy chicken bowl recipe is its versatility. Feel free to substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breast if you prefer, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and moist, which works perfectly with the sweet spicy sauce. Using high quality honey can truly elevate the flavor of your bowl. A buckwheat honey offers a deeper caramel flavor, while clover honey lends a mild sweetness.

Hyperlink to a related chicken thigh recipe on recipescharming.com: Our Favorite Chicken Thigh Recipe

Variation of This sweet spicy chicken bowl Recipe

• Hot Honey Chicken Wrap: Instead of serving over rice, wrap the sweet spicy chicken in warm tortillas with shredded lettuce and a drizzle of ranch dressing.
• Sweet Spicy Chicken Salad: Toss the cooled chicken with mixed greens, chopped vegetables, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and flavorful salad.
• Pineapple Chicken Variation: Add chunks of pineapple to the pan while cooking the chicken and sauce for a tropical twist.

Conclusion

This sweet spicy chicken bowl is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. I encourage you to try making it at home and tailoring it to your personal tastes. It’s truly exciting how just a few ingredients can come together to create such a delicious and satisfying meal. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables and toppings to make this sweet spicy chicken bowl your own. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out!