When I first started making meal prep recipes, I was all about speed. But then I realized if I’m going to eat the same thing for a few days in a row, it better taste good. This hot honey chicken bowl does exactly that. The mix of sweet and spicy makes every bite feel exciting instead of predictable. Here’s the thing. Honey chicken recipes usually lean too sweet for me, while most hot chicken recipes go heavy on the spice. This recipe strikes the balance right where I like it, with heat that tingles instead of burns, and sweetness that complements instead of overwhelms. It reminds me of the first time I tried honey hot chicken tenders at a food truck—I kept thinking, why don’t I make this at home? Now I’ve turned that flavor into something I can pack up for the week. Whether you’re craving hot honey recipe chicken wings, looking for new meal prep chicken recipes, or just want more hot honey recipe ideas that don’t feel repetitive, this bowl has you covered. Toss it together, portion it out, and you’ll thank yourself later.

Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
- 4) How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
- 5) Tips for Making Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
- 6) Making Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
- 8) Try these Main Course next!
- 9) Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- How a sweet and spicy sauce lifts plain chicken into something crave-worthy.
- Why this recipe works well for meal prep recipes when you want flavor that lasts.
- Simple pantry ingredients make this a budget friendly choice for the week.
- The balance of heat and honey gives you something bold without overpowering your taste buds.
2) Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe
I’ve tried plenty of meal prep recipes that looked good on paper but ended up tasting like cardboard by day two. This hot honey chicken bowl breaks that curse. The sauce clings to the chicken and keeps the flavor fresh, even after sitting in the fridge for a couple of days. If you’re like me and you dread opening a boring lunch container, this is your answer.
Sweet honey softens the heat, but the kick from chili keeps things interesting. It reminds me of those first honey chicken recipes I tried when I was learning to cook, except this one doesn’t rely on bottled sauces. It feels homemade, but it’s still quick enough to pull together after work.
When I portion these bowls, I feel like I’ve set myself up for the week in the best way. It’s comfort food with a twist, and it doesn’t punish you for wanting both flavor and ease. Out of all the meal prep chicken recipes I’ve tested, this one actually earns a repeat spot in my kitchen.

3) Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut small so they cook quickly. This cut gives a lean base that takes on flavor well.
Olive Oil: Just enough to get a sear on the chicken without drowning it. A little oil helps with caramelization too.
Hot Honey: The star of the show. Sticky, sweet, and fiery. It’s what makes this a hot chicken recipe worth repeating.
Soy Sauce: Adds a salty depth that balances the honey. Think of it as the quiet backbone of the sauce.
Garlic Powder: Quick garlic flavor without chopping. It seasons the meat evenly.
Smoked Paprika: A smoky note that rounds out the sweetness. It keeps the flavor from falling flat.
Salt and Black Pepper: The classic pair. Adjust until the chicken tastes lively.
Jasmine Rice: Soft, fragrant, and sturdy enough to carry sauce without clumping.
Broccoli Florets: Steamed until just tender. Bright green adds freshness to the bowl.
Shredded Carrots: A crisp counterpoint to the sticky chicken. They keep each bite from feeling heavy.
Green Onions: A fresh finish. Their sharpness cuts through the sauce.
Sesame Seeds: A garnish that adds crunch and looks good sprinkled on top.

4) How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
Step 1. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This quick step gives the meat flavor before it hits the pan.
Step 2. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add chicken and cook until it browns on all sides. Aim for golden edges, not burnt bits.
Step 3. Reduce heat slightly. Pour in hot honey and soy sauce. Stir until chicken is glazed and sticky. The sauce should cling, not pool.
Step 4. Scoop rice into bowls. Add chicken on top. Arrange broccoli and carrots around the sides for color and balance.
Step 5. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve now or pack into containers for the week. This step makes it feel finished.

5) Tips for Making Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
Don’t crowd the pan. If the chicken steams instead of browns, you lose that crisp texture. Work in batches if needed. I’ve made this mistake when I was in a rush, and the difference in flavor is night and day.
Taste your hot honey before using it. Some jars lean sweet, others lean hot. Adjust with a drizzle of extra honey or a pinch of chili flakes to get the flavor balance you like best. The honey hot chicken tenders recipe I once tried at a fair taught me that everyone has a different spice tolerance.
If you want more fiber, swap jasmine rice for quinoa or brown rice. I’ve done both and they hold the sauce just as well. Leftover grains from other hot honey recipe ideas also mix in perfectly.
6) Making Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Ahead of Time
Meal prep recipes only work when they actually last, right? This one holds up well in the fridge for three or four days without losing flavor. The sauce clings to the chicken, and the veggies stay crisp enough to give the bowl texture.
I like to portion the rice and chicken together, then keep the veggies in a separate container. That way the broccoli doesn’t soften too much. When it’s time to eat, I reheat the chicken and rice, then add the vegetables cold. It gives the bowl contrast that keeps it interesting.
If you prefer everything hot, steam the vegetables fresh and toss them in. Either way, the prep time feels worth it when you can just grab a container and head out the door.
7) Storing Leftover Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
Store leftovers in airtight containers. The chicken keeps best with rice. Veggies can stay separate to avoid sogginess. This small step saves the texture when you’re eating on day three.
I’ve learned to label containers with dates. It’s easy to forget how long they’ve been in the fridge. Hot honey recipe chicken wings once stayed too long in mine and taught me that lesson the hard way.
Reheat gently in the microwave. Stir halfway so the sauce warms evenly. If the chicken looks dry, add a drizzle of fresh hot honey before eating. It wakes the whole dish back up.
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Hot Honey Chicken Bowl

Meal Prep Recipes Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup hot honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 6–7 minutes.
- Lower the heat slightly and pour in the hot honey and soy sauce. Toss the chicken until coated and sticky, about 2 minutes.
- Spoon rice into bowls, top with chicken, then add broccoli and carrots on the side.
- Finish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving or storing for meal prep.
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 bowl, Calories: 480, Sugar: 19 g, Sodium: 720 mg, Fat: 14 g, Saturated Fat: 2 g, Carbohydrates: 58 g, Fiber: 3 g, Protein: 28 g, Cholesterol: 65 mg
Written by Kathy from Simply Cooked Recipes






Leave a Comment