This Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is the perfect mix of sweet and spicy! Juicy chicken drizzled with hot honey sits on a bed of rice and crisp veggies. It’s quick to make and oh-so-tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are juicy and flavorful. However, you can swap them for chicken breasts if you prefer. Just remember breasts may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them!
Sweet Potatoes: These bring a lovely sweetness to the bowl. If you’re out of sweet potatoes, feel free to use regular potatoes or even some roasted carrots for a similar flavor profile.
Quinoa: It’s a great source of protein and has a nice texture. Don’t have any on hand? Brown rice or farro would work perfectly too!
Hot Honey: This adds a wonderful kick! If you want less heat, try mixing regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Adjust to your heat preference.
Feta Cheese: It gives a nice tang. For a dairy-free option, consider using tofu feta or simply leaving it out for a lighter bowl.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked and Caramelized?
Cooking the chicken evenly and achieving that lovely caramelization is key! Here’s how to nail it:
- First, pat the chicken thighs dry. This helps create a nice sear.
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This will help lock in the juices.
- Cook on medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes on each side. Once they reach 165°F (74°C) inside, they’re done!
- Brush on the hot honey during the last few minutes of cooking. Don’t add it too early; you want it to caramelize without burning!
Trust me, these little steps make a big difference in flavor and texture!
Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Bowl:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into sticks
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or chicken broth (for cooking quinoa)
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 2 cups arugula or mixed greens
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/3 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: dressing (herb yogurt or ranch style), for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 30 minutes to cook. You’ll be enjoying your delicious Hot Honey Chicken Bowls in about 40 minutes total. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a large baking sheet, toss the sweet potato sticks with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and half of the smoked paprika. Spread them out evenly and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until they’re tender and caramelized. Yum!
2. Prepare the Quinoa:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, grab a medium pot. Combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then cover and let it simmer on low for about 15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Once done, fluff the quinoa with a fork and set aside.
3. Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix the remaining olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this flavorful mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure they’re well-coated.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)!
5. Add the Hot Honey:
In the last few minutes of cooking, brush the hot honey generously over the chicken thighs. This will give them a nice glaze and allow them to caramelize beautifully.
6. Assemble Your Bowls:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Divide the cooked quinoa amongst four bowls as the base. Next, arrange the roasted sweet potatoes, shredded cabbage, arugula, and the hot honey chicken on top of the quinoa.
7. Garnish and Serve:
To finish, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped cilantro over each bowl. If you like, drizzle more hot honey and your favorite dressing on top.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your Hot Honey Chicken Bowls warm, and savor the wonderful mix of sweet, spicy, and fresh flavors in every delightful bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times as necessary; for example, shrimp cooks much faster than chicken!
How to Make Hot Honey at Home?
Making hot honey at home is super easy! Simply combine 1 cup of honey with 1-2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Heat it gently over low flame until warm but not boiling. Let it steep for 30 minutes to an hour, then strain and enjoy!
What Can I Substitute for Quinoa?
If you don’t have quinoa, feel free to use brown rice, farro, or even couscous. Each of these options will give you a different texture, but they’ll all work great as a base for the bowl!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, heat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through. Adding a touch of water while reheating can help prevent dryness!
