Description
These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls feature tender, bite-sized chicken thighs glazed in a spicy and sweet hot honey sauce, served over fragrant jasmine rice with fresh shredded carrots, crisp cucumber slices, tangy pickled red onions, and a sprinkle of cilantro and sesame seeds. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, this dish combines bold flavors and fresh textures for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
Rice and Toppings
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- ½ cup pickled red onions
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a large bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned chicken. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Glaze the chicken: Reduce the heat to low, then add hot sauce and honey directly to the skillet. Stir well to coat all the chicken pieces with the hot honey glaze and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked jasmine rice evenly among serving bowls. Top each bowl with the glazed hot honey chicken, shredded carrots, thinly sliced cucumber, and pickled red onions.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle each bowl with fresh chopped cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with lime wedges for an optional bright, citrusy squeeze to finish the dish.
Notes
- Adjust the spiciness by using more or less hot sauce to suit your heat preference.
- For added crunch and texture, sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts on top before serving.
- If you prefer a leaner protein, substitute chicken breast for thighs.
