This Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is a tasty mix of spicy and sweet! Juicy chicken is cooked to perfection and tossed in a delightful hot honey sauce. Yum!
I love how the heat from the sauce and the sweetness balance each other. Serve it over rice or greens for a quick dinner that feels special. Who knew healthy could taste so good? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skin-on thighs are perfect for this dish since they remain juicy when cooked. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out faster.
Sweet Potatoes: These add a naturally sweet flavor and vibrant color. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or even carrots are great substitutes!
Quinoa: This nutty grain is a fantastic base. If quinoa isn’t available, brown rice or farro work well too, offering a hearty texture.
Hot Honey Sauce: You can make it your own! Use agave syrup or maple syrup for honey substitutes. Adjust the heat with different hot sauces to suit your taste.
Cabbage: Purple cabbage adds crunch and color. Feel free to swap it for green cabbage or even chopped kale if you like!
How Do You Get the Chicken Skin Crispy?
Cooking chicken thighs skin-side down is key for crispy skin. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot skillet and a bit of oil. This helps to sear the skin quickly.
- Don’t flip the chicken for the first 5-7 minutes; let it brown well. A spatula can help you gently lift it to check, but keep it down!
- Flip and cook until the chicken is fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s 165°F (74°C) inside.
This technique locks in flavor and creates that delightful crispiness that makes the chicken so tasty!
Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into sticks and cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, adjust to taste)
For the Bowl:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup fresh arugula or mixed greens
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as sriracha), adjust for heat preference
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
For the Creamy Cilantro Dressing (optional):
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water to thin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 15 minutes for preparation and about 35-40 minutes for cooking, including roasting the sweet potatoes and cooking the chicken. You’ll be enjoying your delicious meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Take your peeled and chopped sweet potatoes and toss them in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Spread the sweet potatoes out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are tender and have lovely golden edges.
2. Season the Chicken:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. This will give your chicken a flavorful kick!
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and nicely browned. Flip the chicken and continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove from heat.
4. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until well mixed. This sauce will be the star of your dish!
5. Toss Chicken with Sauce:
Now, drizzle the hot honey sauce over the cooked chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated. Set them aside to let the flavors meld.
6. Make the Creamy Cilantro Dressing (optional):
In another small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water, a teaspoon at a time, until you get your desired consistency.
7. Assemble the Bowls:
To serve, divide your cooked quinoa among bowls. Top each bowl with fresh arugula (or mixed greens), shredded purple cabbage, roasted sweet potatoes, and a hot honey chicken thigh.
8. Garnish:
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped cilantro over each bowl for extra flavor and presentation. If you made the creamy cilantro dressing, drizzle some on top too!
9. Serve:
Enjoy your warm bowls, and don’t forget to drizzle extra hot honey sauce or dressing on top as you like!
This dish beautifully combines the smokiness of the chicken, the sweetness of the honey, hearty roasted sweet potatoes, and fresh crunchy veggies, making for a colorful, nutritious, and utterly delicious meal!
FAQ for Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless chicken breasts for thighs, but keep in mind they may cook a bit faster and can dry out more easily. Be sure to keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid overcooking!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop to maintain the chicken’s juiciness and the sweet potatoes’ texture.
What Can I Substitute for Quinoa?
If you don’t have quinoa, feel free to use brown rice, farro, or even couscous for a different texture. Adjusting the cooking time may be necessary based on the grain you choose!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! To amp up the heat, increase the amount of hot sauce in the hot honey sauce or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the chicken and sweet potatoes before cooking. Adjust it to your heat preference!
