Name: Honey Soy Chicken Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups brown rice; 2 radishes, thinly sliced; 1 avocado, diced; 1 spring onion, sliced; 1 tsp sesame seeds; Sriracha or Japanese mayonnaise, for drizzling; 2 cloves garlic, crushed; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp olive oil; 600 g boneless chicken thighs; 6 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp runny honey; 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce; 1 tbsp cornflour; ¼ cup water (optional, for thinning the sauce)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 4 reviews

If you are searching for a meal that bursts with flavor, comfort, and vibrant colors, the Honey Soy Chicken Bowls Recipe is your answer. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken glazed in a luscious honey soy sauce, complemented by nutty brown rice, fresh radishes, creamy avocado, and a few crunchy and spicy accents. It’s a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and tangy notes that come together effortlessly in one satisfying bowl. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two main sections on a white marbled surface: on the left, a clear glass container holds four raw chicken thighs with pale pink skin layered neatly on top of each other, showing smooth and glossy textures. On the right, a wooden cutting board displays a clear glass bowl filled with dark brown sauce and a small metal whisk resting inside. Next to the bowl, there is a small white bowl with light tan sesame seeds, and sliced radishes with white centers and bright pink edges arranged in a small pile. Below the radishes, there are small chunks of light green avocado and a halved avocado with dark green skin and a large brown seed. In front of the avocado pieces are chopped green onions with light and dark green round slices. The overall setup is clean and organized. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Honey Soy Chicken Bowls Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each add something special to the dish—whether it’s texture, flavor, or color. Gather these essentials to create a balanced and delicious meal that delights the senses.

Brown rice (1 ½ cups): A hearty base with a nutty flavor that holds up beautifully under sauces and toppings.
Radishes (2, thinly sliced): Provide a refreshing crunch and a pop of bright color to brighten up your bowl.
Avocado (1, diced): Adds creamy richness and a buttery texture that contrasts the crispy chicken.
Spring onion (1, sliced): Offers a mild onion punch and a sprinkle of green vibrancy.
Sesame seeds (1 tsp): Give a subtle nuttiness and a delicate crunch on top.
Sriracha or Japanese mayonnaise: Perfect for drizzling to add heat or creaminess, tailored to your taste.
Garlic (2 cloves, crushed): Essential for infusing the chicken marinade with a warm, aromatic kick.
Soy sauce (6 tbsp total): The salty and umami backbone of both the marinade and the sauce that dresses your chicken.
Olive oil (1 tsp): Helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly and ensures a nice sear while cooking.
Boneless chicken thighs (600 g): Tender and juicy, these hold flavors well and stay moist through cooking.
Runny honey (2 tbsp): Sweetens the sauce naturally, balancing the salty soy perfectly.
Sweet chilli sauce (2 tbsp): Adds a hint of sweetness with just enough heat to keep things exciting.
Cornflour (1 tbsp): Thickens the sauce so each piece of chicken is beautifully glazed.
Water (¼ cup): Adjusts the sauce consistency to your liking for drizzling over the bowl.

How to Make Honey Soy Chicken Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by cooking the brown rice according to the package instructions, either in a rice cooker or on the stovetop. This forms the wholesome base of your bowls and gives you plenty of time to prepare the chicken and sauce.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a container, combine crushed garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil to create a simple yet flavorful marinade. Take your boneless chicken thighs and gently flatten them between two sheets of baking paper using a mallet or rolling pin—this helps them cook evenly and absorb more marinade. Coat each piece in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 15 minutes to let the flavors penetrate.

Step 3: Prepare the Honey Soy Sauce

While the chicken marinates, mix together the honey, soy sauce, and sweet chilli sauce in a small bowl. This sweet and savory blend will turn into a luscious glaze to coat the chicken later.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large frying pan and cook the marinated chicken thighs for about 5 minutes on each side until thoroughly cooked and holding a beautiful golden color. Remove them from the pan and allow them to rest, which helps keep their juices locked in for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Step 5: Make the Honey Soy Glaze

Add your prepared honey soy sauce mixture to the pan with the chicken juices left behind. Stir and cook the sauce until it starts bubbling and thickening slightly. Then return the chicken to the pan, coating each piece generously in the glaze. If it gets too thick, thin it out with a bit of water for perfect drizzling consistency.

Step 6: Assemble Your Bowls

Arrange a generous serving of brown rice at the bottom of each bowl. Top with thinly sliced radishes and diced avocado for fresh texture and color. Slice the glazed chicken thighs into thin, tender pieces and layer them on top. Finally, spoon over any remaining honey soy sauce from the pan to keep every bite juicy and flavorful.

How to Serve Honey Soy Chicken Bowls Recipe

Two white bowls are placed on a white marbled surface with a light gray patterned cloth and two forks nearby. Each bowl has four parts: at the bottom, there is light brown rice; on one side, bright green avocado chunks; next to the avocado, thin red and white radish slices; and on the other side, dark brown grilled chicken pieces with a shiny glaze. The chicken is topped with two sauces, one creamy white and the other bright orange, drizzled in lines. White sesame seeds and small green onion slices are sprinkled over the chicken. In the background, a small white bowl holds white sesame seeds. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle sliced spring onions and a teaspoon of sesame seeds over the top for both an appealing look and extra bursts of flavor. A drizzle of sriracha or Japanese mayonnaise adds a creamy or spicy finishing touch, depending on your mood.

Side Dishes

This dish is already a colorful and filling meal, but pairing it with a simple side salad of cucumber and carrot ribbons or steamed greens like bok choy can provide an extra fresh crunch. Pickled vegetables also complement the sweet and savory notes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Honey Soy Chicken Bowls Recipe in edible bowls made from crispy wonton wrappers or lettuce cups. Alternatively, layer the ingredients in a mason jar for a portable and visually stunning lunch option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The rice will absorb the sauce and flavors overnight, making the meal even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the rice for up to 2 months. This allows you to reheat only what you need without compromising texture. Avoid freezing the avocado and fresh toppings; add those fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Top with fresh radishes and avocado after reheating for maximum freshness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs stay juicier and more tender, breasts can work well too—just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?

Yes! Tofu or tempeh makes a wonderful substitute for chicken when marinated and cooked the same way, absorbing all those delicious honey soy flavors.

How spicy is this dish?

The base Honey Soy Chicken Bowls Recipe is mildly sweet and savory, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more sriracha or spicy chilli sauce according to your preference.

Can I prepare components of this recipe in advance?

Definitely. You can cook the rice, marinate the chicken, and even prepare the sauce a day ahead. Just keep fresh items like avocado and radishes until right before serving.

What other grains can I use instead of brown rice?

Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even white jasmine rice all pair nicely with the honey soy flavors and make versatile bases depending on your dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly satisfying about the combination of flavors, textures, and colors that come together in the Honey Soy Chicken Bowls Recipe. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that feels both comforting and exciting. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it a regular part of your meal rotation—your taste buds will thank you!