counter create hit Print

Hot Honey Chicken Bowls: Spicy, Sweet, and Packed with Veggie Love!

Savor these Hot Honey Chicken Bowls: tender chicken with a spicy-sweet kick, colorful veggies, and a creamy ranch drizzle. Easy, healthy, and perfect for weeknight dinners!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Hot Honey Chicken:

  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1 ¼ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise (about 2 medium)
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 23 tablespoons sriracha or any hot sauce
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

For the Bowls:

  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced
  • 1 medium summer squash, sliced
  • 1 ½ cups shredded carrots
  • 1 medium avocado, sliced
  • 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa
  • ½ medium lime (optional, for topping)

Healthy Ranch Drizzle (Optional):

  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 12 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired thickness)
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon freshly chopped parsley
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

I set it all out and feel like I’m about to create a masterpiece. This makes 4 bowls—perfect for dinner or lunch prep if I’m savoring solo. It’s my blueprint for a fresh, fiery meal. I always check my stash first—my hack to dodge last-minute scrambles. Nothing’s worse than missing honey mid-mix, right? Keeps me cool and ready to roll.

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven
Let’s dive in with zest!—preheat the oven to 400°F to get things toasty (I’m already jazzed!). It’s like setting the stage—good vibes incoming (my kitchen’s humming!).

Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high (my heart’s racing for that sizzle!). Add 1 ¼ pounds chicken breasts—halved lengthwise—and cook 5 minutes per side until golden (trust me, you’ll grin like I did first time!). Brown and juicy—flavor’s locking in (my stove’s alive!).

Step 3: Whip Up the Hot Honey Sauce
In a bowl, whisk ⅓ cup honey, 2-3 tablespoons sriracha, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, ¼ teaspoon cayenne, and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper if you’re feeling bold (my kitchen smells like a spicy dream!). Set aside 3-4 tablespoons for later—sweet heat’s ready (my excitement’s soaring!). It’s the fiery glaze—pure magic in the making!

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
Pull the chicken out and set it aside—lower the heat a smidge (my skillet’s still warm!). Toss in 2 sliced zucchini and 1 sliced summer squash—sauté 1-2 minutes until just soft (my counter’s a color party!). Turn off the heat—crisp and ready (my heart’s happy!). It’s the fresh layer—pure veggie love!

Step 5: Build the Skillet
Sprinkle 1 ½ cups shredded carrots over the squash—bright and snappy (my kitchen’s glowing!). Nestle the chicken back on top—coat both sides with the hot honey sauce (my nose is in love!). It’s all coming together—flavor tower rising (my table’s waiting!). It’s the big setup—pure bowl joy!

Step 6: Bake It
Slide the skillet into the oven—bake 15 minutes, stirring veggies halfway, until the chicken’s cooked through (my kitchen’s a flavor spa!). Juicy and glazed—smells unreal (my anticipation’s peaking!). It’s the main event—pure deliciousness baking!

Step 7: Make the Ranch Drizzle
While it bakes, whisk ¼ cup Greek yogurt, 1-2 tablespoons milk, ¼ teaspoon each onion and garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper, ¼ teaspoon dill, 1 teaspoon parsley, and 2 teaspoons Worcestershire in a small bowl (my hands are dancing!). Creamy and tangy—drizzle’s done (my heart’s content!). It’s the cool finish—pure sauce swagger!

Step 8: Broil for Zing
Switch to high broil—cook 3-5 minutes until the chicken’s sauce caramelizes (my kitchen’s a showstopper!). Sticky and golden—pure eye candy (my oven’s rocking!). It’s the flavor boost—total wow factor!

Step 9: Rest and Cube
Pull it out—let the chicken rest 5 minutes (my kitchen’s calming!). Cube it up and toss with the reserved hot honey sauce—shiny and spicy (my table’s set!). It’s the final prep—pure ready-to-eat glory!

Step 10: Build the Bowls
Scoop 2 cups cooked rice or quinoa into 4 bowls—cozy base (my heart’s singing!). Pile on the veggies and chicken—drizzle with extra hot honey and ranch, top with avocado slices and a lime squeeze if you want (my counter’s a feast!). Serve and savor—pure bowl bliss (my table’s a fiesta!). It’s the grand serve—total flavor love!