Description
At its core, the Hot Honey Chicken Meatball Bowl is a vibrant, deconstructed main course that takes the globally popular concept of “bowls”—a foundation of grain, topped with protein and vegetables—and infuses it with an electrifying taste. The star of the show is, without a doubt, the chicken meatballs. Unlike traditional beef or pork versions, ground chicken offers a lighter texture and a neutral canvas, allowing the bold seasonings of smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder to shine through beautifully.
Ingredients
Chicken Meatballs
1 lb ground chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
¾ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
Hot Honey Sauce
½ cup honey
2–3 tbsp hot sauce (Frank’s, Cholula, or similar)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
½ tsp chili flakes
Pinch of salt
Bowl Base & Toppings
2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
1 cup roasted broccoli
1 cup roasted sweet potatoes or carrots
Optional toppings:
Sliced green onions
Sesame seeds
Ranch or spicy mayo drizzle
Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, spices, salt, and pepper until just combined.
Roll into 1½-inch meatballs and place on the baking sheet.
Brush or spray lightly with olive oil.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
2. Make the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, vinegar, chili flakes, and salt.
Warm for 2–3 minutes, stirring until smooth (don’t boil).
Remove from heat.
3. Toss the Meatballs
Once baked, brush or toss the meatballs generously with the hot honey sauce.
4. Assemble the Bowls
Add rice to each bowl.
Top with roasted veggies.
Add hot honey meatballs.
Drizzle extra sauce and add toppings as desired.
Tips & Variations
Extra crispy: Pan-sear meatballs for 2–3 minutes after baking.
Low-carb: Swap rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa.
Extra heat: Add cayenne or more hot sauce.
Sweet-spicy balance: Finish with a squeeze of lemon.
Notes
This Hot Honey Chicken Meatball Bowl is easy to customize—try swapping rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice, add roasted veggies like broccoli or sweet potatoes, or drizzle with extra hot honey or ranch for more heat and creaminess. It’s perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day as the flavors soak in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~520 kcal
Keywords: Chicken Meatballs with Hot Honey, Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken Bowls, Hot Honey Chicken Recipe