I know you’re always looking for simple, delicious meals, and chicken bowls are a go-to for many of us. They are quick, easy to customize, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Today, I’m sharing two fantastic chicken bowl recipes that bring big flavors without a lot of fuss.
These recipes feature chicken with sweet and spicy notes, served over rice with fresh toppings. They are designed to be straightforward and use ingredients you can easily find. Let’s make some tasty chicken bowls!
Jump to Recipe:
Easy Honey Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe
This honey chipotle chicken rice bowl offers a wonderful balance of sweet and smoky heat. It’s a hearty meal that comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Chipotle in Adobo: These peppers provide a smoky heat and deep flavor. You can find them in cans in the international aisle. Use one or two, depending on how spicy you like things.
- Chicken Thighs are Best: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs keeps the chicken tender and juicy. Chicken breast also works if you prefer, just watch your cooking time.
What You Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced, plus 1 tbsp adobo sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp lime juice
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, avocado, red onion
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the honey, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, chicken broth, and lime juice. Set this sauce aside while you cook the chicken.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Pour the honey chipotle sauce over the cooked chicken and stir to coat. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Serve immediately over cooked rice with your favorite toppings like cilantro and avocado.
📝 Final Note
This chicken bowl is excellent for meal prep. Just store the chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls Recipe
If you like a bit of a kick with your sweetness, this hot honey chicken bowl is for you. It’s simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, making it a perfect quick meal idea.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Hot Honey Options: You can buy pre-made hot honey or make your own by warming honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce. Adjust the heat to your taste.
- Add Some Veggies: This bowl is great with a side of steamed broccoli, roasted bell peppers, or even a simple fresh salad. It adds color and nutrients.
What You Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup hot honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Optional toppings: green onions, sesame seeds, chopped bell peppers
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 3 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
Step 2: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whisk together the hot honey and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. This creates a balanced sweet and tangy sauce with a kick.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the heat to low and pour the hot honey sauce over the chicken. Stir to coat all the pieces well. Serve the hot honey chicken over cooked rice immediately, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds.
📝 Final Note
You can easily adjust the spiciness of this dish by adding more or less hot sauce to your honey. Feel free to use your favorite hot sauce!