Hot Honey Chicken & Orzo Bowl with Roasted Zucchini
This bowl has everything: juicy pan-seared chicken tossed in a sweet-spicy hot honey glaze, tender orzo cooked in broth for extra flavor, and perfectly roasted zucchini. Finished with fresh herbs and lemon, it’s a warm, comforting Mediterranean-style bowl with a modern twist.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings:4 bowls
Ingredients
For the Chicken
500g boneless chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-size pieces)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
Hot Honey Sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp chili flakes
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp soy sauce or a pinch of salt
1 tsp olive oil
For the Orzo
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt, to taste
Roasted Zucchini
2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp black pepper
Optional toppings
Feta cheese
Fresh parsley or basil
Lemon wedges
Instructions
1. Roast the Zucchini
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss zucchini with olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano.
Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Cook the Orzo
Heat olive oil in a pot. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
Add orzo; toast lightly for 1 minute.
Pour in broth, add salt, and bring to boil.
Reduce heat and cook until orzo is tender (8–10 minutes).
Fluff with a fork and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
In a small bowl, mix hot honey sauce ingredients.
Reduce heat, pour the hot honey mixture over the chicken, and coat for 1–2 minutes until sticky and glossy.
4. Assemble the Bowl
Add a scoop of warm orzo to your bowl.
Add roasted zucchini.
Spoon the hot honey chicken on top.
Garnish with feta, herbs, or extra lemon if desired.
Tips
Non-spicy version: Skip chili flakes and add ½ tsp Dijon mustard to honey.
Extra Mediterranean flavor: Add cherry tomatoes, olives, or roasted bell peppers.
Protein swap: Works great with shrimp or chickpeas too.
Meal prep: Stays fresh in the fridge for 3 days.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Carbs: 48 g
Fat: 16 g
Fiber: 4 g