BY

February 19, 2026

Sweet heat meets fresh crunch in these Hot Honey Chicken Bowls with Fresh Corn Salsa. Juicy chicken glazed in sticky hot honey pairs perfectly with crisp corn, lime, and herbs. Every bite tastes balanced, bold, and satisfying.


Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Sweet and spicy flavor balance
  • Fresh, colorful ingredients
  • Great for meal prep
  • Ready in 35 minutes
  • Easy to customize

Preparation and Cooking Time

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

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 ยฝ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt
  • ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
  • ยฝ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • โ…“ cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

For the Fresh Corn Salsa

  • 1 ยฝ cups fresh corn (about 2 ears)
  • ยผ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ยผ cup cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ยผ teaspoon salt

For the Bowls

  • 3 cups cooked rice or quinoa
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Lime wedges for serving

Swap: Use frozen corn if needed. Thaw and pat dry first.


Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Cook chicken 5โ€“6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove and rest.
  4. In the same pan, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, vinegar, and garlic. Simmer 2โ€“3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Slice chicken and toss it in the hot honey sauce.
  6. In a bowl, mix corn, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt to make the fresh corn salsa.
  7. Build Hot Honey Chicken Bowls with Fresh Corn Salsa by adding rice, glazed chicken, corn salsa, and avocado.
  8. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

  • Cilantro lime rice
  • Black beans
  • Grilled zucchini
  • A cold sparkling lime drink

Quick Tips or Variations

  • Grill the chicken instead of pan-cooking.
  • Add diced jalapeรฑo for more heat.
  • Use cauliflower rice for a lighter bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hot honey chicken made of?

It combines cooked chicken with honey, chili flakes or hot sauce, garlic, and vinegar for balance.

How do you make hot honey less spicy?

Reduce the chili flakes or hot sauce. Add more honey or extra lime juice.

Can I use frozen corn for fresh corn salsa?

Yes. Thaw and dry it well before mixing with the other ingredients.

What base works best for chicken bowls?

Rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or mixed greens all work well.

Hot Honey Chicken Bowls with Fresh Corn Salsa deliver bold flavor, bright color, and satisfying texture in one easy meal. Make them for dinner tonight and enjoy sweet heat with every bite.

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  • Author: Laura Jennings
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Hot Honey Chicken Bowls with Fresh Corn Salsa combine sweet heat, juicy chicken, and bright corn salsa in one easy meal.


Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/3 cup honey

1 tbsp hot sauce

1 tsp red pepper flakes

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 garlic cloves minced

1 1/2 cups fresh corn

1/4 cup red onion chopped

1/4 cup cilantro chopped

Juice of 1 lime

3 cups cooked rice

1 avocado sliced


Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt pepper and paprika

2. Heat oil in skillet over medium heat

3. Cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side

4. Remove chicken and rest

5. Combine honey hot sauce flakes vinegar and garlic in pan

6. Simmer 2-3 minutes

7. Slice chicken and coat in sauce

8. Mix corn onion cilantro lime and salt

9. Assemble bowls with rice chicken salsa and avocado

Notes

Adjust heat by reducing chili flakes

Frozen corn works if thawed

Great for meal prep

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

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