These Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, served over fluffy rice and crunchy veggies. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using skin-on, boneless thighs for their rich flavor and tenderness. If you prefer lighter meat, you can easily switch to chicken breasts, but keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent them from drying out.
Hot Honey: Hot honey adds a delightful sweet and spicy kick. If you don’t have any, just warm up regular honey with some red chili flakes. You can adjust the heat to your liking!
Sweet Potatoes: They bring a natural sweetness and a nice texture. If you’re in the mood for a change, you can substitute them with regular potatoes or even carrots for a different flavor.
Quinoa: A great grain for protein. For a quick swap, you could use brown rice or farro instead. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Feta Cheese: It adds creaminess and tang. If you want a dairy-free option, try using crumbled tofu or nutritional yeast for a cheese-like flavor.
How Can I Roast Sweet Potatoes to Get Them Just Right?
Roasting sweet potatoes can be tricky, but with the right steps, you’ll get them perfectly tender with crispy edges. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). The high heat helps them caramelize.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking.
- Toss them in olive oil, salt, and your spices. Don’t skimp on oil; it helps with crispiness.
- Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Overlapping can lead to sogginess.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway to promote even browning.
With these tips, your sweet potatoes will be a delicious addition to your bowls!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Chicken Thighs for Juiciness?
Cooking chicken thighs can be straightforward, but to keep them juicy and flavorful, follow these tips:
- Pat them dry and season generously with salt and pepper. This helps create a nice crust.
- Use medium-high heat for searing. This gives you a golden, crispy exterior.
- Don’t rush it! Cook for 5-7 minutes each side until they are cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Finish with hot honey. This adds a sweet glaze that enhances flavor and keeps them moist.
Following these steps will give you perfectly cooked chicken thighs every time!
Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bowls:
- 2 large chicken thighs (boneless, skin-on preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/3 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into sticks or cubes
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth (for cooking quinoa)
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 2 cups mixed greens (arugula or baby spinach)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Green Dressing (optional):
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or vegan yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water, to thin as needed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30-35 minutes to cook, making a total of about 50 minutes. It’s a perfect option for a weeknight dinner when you want something delicious and filling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Quinoa:
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water (or broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Once finished, remove from heat and fluff it with a fork.
2. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, toss the sweet potato sticks with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are tender and slightly crispy.
3. Season and Cook the Chicken:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper if you like it spicy. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s cooked through and has a nice golden color.
4. Add Hot Honey Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium-low and drizzle the hot honey over the chicken in the skillet. Flip the chicken to coat it with the sauce, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until it becomes syrupy and sticky. Remove the skillet from heat.
5. Make the Creamy Green Dressing (Optional):
In a blender, combine Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, and add a tablespoon or two of water if you need it thinner.
6. Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the cooked quinoa among bowls. Top each bowl with roasted sweet potatoes, hot honey chicken thighs, shredded red cabbage, and mixed greens. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley on top. You can drizzle creamy green dressing or your favorite dressing over the bowls.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your easy hot honey chicken bowls while they’re warm. Enjoy the delightful mix of sweet, spicy, fresh, and creamy flavors in every bite!
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Notes:
- Hot Honey: Make your own by gently warming honey with a pinch of red chili flakes or buy it pre-made!
- Feel free to add extra veggies like sliced avocado, cucumber, or roasted carrots for more color and nutrition.
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs for a lighter option; just avoid overcooking to keep them juicy.
This recipe creates a vibrant, delicious bowl that’s perfect for dinner or meal prep. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. Just be careful not to overcook them, as breasts can dry out. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for perfect juiciness!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the quinoa moist.
What Can I Substitute for Quinoa?
If you don’t have quinoa on hand, you can easily substitute it with brown rice, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Keep in mind that cooking times will vary, so adjust accordingly!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and cook the chicken in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble the bowls just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
