Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowl

The Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowl is a bold and flavorful dish that combines crispy chicken bites coated in a sticky, sweet-and-spicy honey garlic sauce, served over a bed of steamed rice and fresh vegetables. It’s an irresistible fusion of comfort and heat, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet, savory, and spicy all in one bite
• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
• Great for meal prepping and quick weeknight meals
• Fully customizable with vegetables and grains of your choice
• A satisfying takeout-style meal made at home

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
• Cornstarch or flour (for coating)
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic, minced
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar or lemon juice
• Red chili flakes or sriracha (adjust for spice level)
• Cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
• Julienned carrots
• Cucumber slices
• Green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Vegetable oil (for frying or sautéing)

Directions

1. Toss cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until crispy and golden on all sides.
3. In a small bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and chili flakes.
4. Pour sauce over the chicken and simmer until it thickens and coats the chicken evenly.
5. Assemble bowls by adding rice as the base, then top with chicken, carrots, cucumbers, green onions, and sesame seeds.
6. Serve hot, optionally with extra chili sauce on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Use cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version
• Swap honey for maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness
• Add sautéed bell peppers or steamed broccoli for more vegetables
• Serve over noodles or quinoa instead of rice

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store components separately in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat chicken in a skillet or microwave until warmed through; rice can be microwaved or steamed.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, bake coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a medium heat level, but you can reduce or omit the chili for milder flavor.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, store the sauce and chicken separately for the best texture when reheated.

What other vegetables work in this bowl?

Try shredded lettuce, edamame, snap peas, or red cabbage.

Is this gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

Can I use chicken tenders?

Yes, chicken tenders work well and are easy to cube and cook.

What type of rice is best?

Jasmine rice or short-grain white rice gives the best texture.

Can I air fry the chicken?

Yes, cook coated chicken in the air fryer at 390°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes.

Can I freeze it?

Freeze cooked chicken (without vegetables) for up to 2 months.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely, especially if you like extra saucy bowls or want to drizzle some over the rice.

Conclusion

The Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowl offers a perfect balance of sweetness and heat, layered over wholesome rice and crisp vegetables. It’s a versatile, crave-worthy dish that satisfies every time and is simple enough to make on any day of the week.

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