This Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is a fun and tasty dish! It features juicy chicken pieces drizzled with sweet and spicy hot honey, served over fluffy rice and fresh veggies!
Honestly, who can resist that sweet and spicy combo? I love making this for dinner because it’s quick and totally fills me up without any fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs bring more flavor than chicken breasts. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute with skinless chicken breasts, but cooking time may change.
Sweet Potatoes: These add natural sweetness and go great with the heat. You can swap them for regular potatoes or even butternut squash, just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Quinoa: This fluffy grain is a great base for the bowl. If you’re not a fan, brown rice or couscous can serve as excellent alternatives.
Hot Honey Sauce: Honey provides sweetness and the hot sauce adds a kick. If you want to skip the heat, maple syrup is a delicious sweet alternative. Just mix in some cayenne or paprika for spice.
Feta Cheese: This cheese gives a nice tang. You could replace it with goat cheese or omit it entirely for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken to perfection means monitoring its doneness. Here are some steps to get it right:
- Start by seasoning the chicken well. This enhances overall flavor throughout.
- Cook on medium-high heat with skin-side down first; this helps create a crispy exterior.
- Use a meat thermometer to check if it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking for at least 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
Following these tips will ensure your chicken is juicy and flavorful every time! Enjoy making your hot honey chicken bowls!
Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Veggies:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into sticks/cubes
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or chicken broth (for quinoa)
- 2 cups arugula or mixed greens
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce or red pepper flakes (adjust heat to preference)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and around 30-40 minutes for cooking, including roasting the sweet potatoes and cooking the chicken. So total, you’re looking at about 50-55 minutes from start to serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Quinoa:
Begin by rinsing quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, then cover and simmer for about 15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and set it aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare Sweet Potatoes:
While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the sweet potatoes. Toss the sweet potato sticks with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika in a large bowl. Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are tender and caramelized.
3. Season and Cook Chicken:
Mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl. Rub the chicken thighs all over with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and then coat them with the spice mixture. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and place the chicken skin-side down in the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, set the chicken aside to rest.
4. Make Hot Honey Sauce:
In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce or red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Warm the mixture over low heat, stirring regularly, until it thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Remove it from heat and set it aside.
5. Prepare Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. If the dressing is too thick, thin it out with a teaspoon of water until it’s the desired consistency for drizzling.
6. Assemble Bowls:
To serve, divide the cooked quinoa among bowls. Top each bowl with roasted sweet potatoes, shredded red cabbage, and arugula (or your choice of greens). Place a chicken thigh on top of the veggies and drizzle generously with the hot honey sauce. Follow up with a drizzle of the cilantro lime dressing, and finish with crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs.
7. Serve:
Dig in and enjoy your vibrant, flavorful hot honey chicken bowls while they’re warm! This dish is sure to impress anyone at your table.
This recipe combines smoky, spicy chicken with sweet roasted sweet potatoes and fresh, crisp veggies, all tied together by the spicy-sweet honey sauce and a tangy herb dressing. It’s perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal!
FAQ for Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Thighs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs! Just ensure they are fully thawed in the refrigerator overnight before seasoning and cooking. For a quicker thaw, place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about an hour.
What Can I Substitute for Quinoa?
If you’re not a quinoa fan, you can easily substitute it with brown rice, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Adjust the cooking times based on your chosen grain; for rice or couscous, follow package instructions.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave each bowl gently, or warm on the stove over low heat, so everything heats evenly without drying out.
Can I Make This Meal Spicier?
Absolutely! To up the heat, add more hot sauce to the hot honey sauce or mix in additional red pepper flakes. You can also serve with sliced fresh jalapeños or drizzle chili oil right before serving for an extra kick.
