Do Share Recipe

Hot Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe – Sweet, Spicy & Easy Dinner

When I first tried making hot honey chicken and rice, I couldn’t believe how simple yet flavorful it turned out. The smoky, spicy chicken paired perfectly with the fluffy rice and tender veggies, while the hot honey sauce added just the right amount of sweetness and heat.

It’s one of those meals that feels fancy without all the fuss. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your family’s preferences. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend recipe, this dish quickly became a favorite in my kitchen!

Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken and Rice Recipe

2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
¼ cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
2 large sweet potatoes (about 20 oz), halved lengthwise and sliced
1 large broccoli head, cut into florets
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 cups water
1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
1 teaspoon chili powder
⅓ cup honey
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Note: This recipe serves 4 people.

Variations to Try

This recipe offers plenty of room for creativity! Here’s how you can tweak it for different tastes or dietary needs:

Gluten-free: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
Vegetarian: Use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken for a plant-based option.
Extra veggies: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or zucchini for added variety.
Less heat: Reduce the amount of sriracha and red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.
Brown rice: Swap white rice for brown rice for a nuttier taste and extra fiber.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Equipment You Need

Baking sheets: For roasting sweet potatoes and broccoli.
Mixing bowls: To prepare the pickled cucumbers and honey sauce.
Large skillet: For searing and cooking the chicken.
Medium saucepan: To cook the rice.
Heatproof jar: To store the pickled cucumbers.
Knife and cutting board: For chopping vegetables and chicken.

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken and Rice?

This dish brings together a medley of bold flavors that complement each other perfectly. Follow these simple steps to create your masterpiece.

Prepare the Pickled Cucumbers

Start by pickling the cucumbers for a refreshing crunch. Slice the cucumbers and place them in a heatproof jar. Combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and enough hot water to submerge the cucumbers.

Allow them to sit while you prepare the rest of the dish, letting the flavors soak in beautifully.

Roast the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread the sliced sweet potatoes and broccoli florets on separate baking sheets. Drizzle each with olive oil, sprinkle garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper.

Toss to coat everything evenly. Roast the broccoli for about 25 minutes until tender-crisp, while the sweet potatoes roast for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown and lightly crispy.

Cook the Rice

While your veggies roast, cook the rice. Bring water, rinsed rice, and a pinch of salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed, and the rice is tender. Allow it to sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff it gently with a fork.

Prep and Cook the Chicken

Season your chicken breasts on both sides with chili powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 8 minutes per side, until the outside is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F. Remove the chicken, set it aside to rest for 5 minutes, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Make the Hot Honey Sauce

Using the same skillet, melt the honey, sriracha, and crushed red pepper flakes over medium heat.

Stir constantly for about 2 minutes, just until the honey becomes warm and infused with spice. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until fully coated.

Assemble the Bowls

Divide the cooked rice evenly across serving bowls. Top the rice with your warm, saucy chicken, roasted vegetables, and pickled cucumbers. Finally, drizzle any leftover hot honey sauce from the skillet over the top for an extra flavorful touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why this dish is a total winner:

Flavor explosion: The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory is irresistible.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level or swap out ingredients to suit your taste.
Healthy ingredients: Loaded with lean protein and nutrient-packed vegetables.
Easy prep: Straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken and Rice?

Serve this dish in large, colorful bowls for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or chopped cilantro for added freshness and color. Pair it with lime wedges on the side if you’d like to add a zesty twist. It’s the perfect option for a dinner party or a cozy family meal!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

Calories: 540
Protein: 40 g
Carbohydrates: 47 g
Fat: 16 g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is great for meal prep or saving leftovers for a later meal.

To make it ahead, prep the veggies, rice, and pickled cucumbers beforehand. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When it’s time to eat, reheat the chicken and veggies in the microwave or on the stovetop, and assemble the bowl as desired. The pickled cucumbers will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks, so they’re a great make-ahead feature.

Unfortunately, freezing isn’t recommended due to the saucy chicken and rice texture changes upon thawing.

Tips for Making the Recipe

From my experience, here are a few ways to make this recipe even better:

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy.
Don’t skip pickling the cucumbers; they add a fantastic crunch and tang.
If you prefer less sweetness, use honey sparingly or adjust it to taste.
Want more heat? Add extra sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.
For evenly cooked veggies, cut them into similar-sized pieces before roasting.

Are Honey and Rice Good for You?

Absolutely! Honey is a natural sweetener packed with antioxidants, while rice provides essential carbohydrates for energy. Paired together, they create a balance of flavors and nutrients.

Just enjoy them in moderation as part of a well-rounded diet, and you’ve got a deliciously wholesome meal that feels indulgent without being over the top. Hot honey chicken and rice is a fantastic reminder of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary.

From the tender chicken and fluffy rice to the vibrant veggies and bold sauce, every bite is packed with flavor. Try this recipe, and you’ll have a new go-to meal for busy nights or when you want to impress your guests!

Ben Carraoli