These Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are a tasty blend of sweet and spicy! You have juicy chicken, drizzled with flavorful hot honey, over a bed of rice or greens. Yum!
What’s even better? It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner. I love to add fresh veggies for crunch and color. Don’t be surprised if you go back for seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I prefer bone-in, skin-on thighs for their flavor and juiciness. If you want to use chicken breasts instead, just cook them a bit longer; they can dry out more easily.
Sweet Potatoes: These are great roasted till tender and sweet. You can swap them for regular potatoes or even butternut squash if that’s what you have on hand!
Quinoa: Quinoa is a fantastic base because it cooks quickly and adds protein. If you’re not a fan, try brown rice, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Hot Sauce: I love sriracha for its balanced heat. If you want something milder, try a sweet chili sauce, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright flavor, but if you’re not a fan, parsley works well too or you can simply omit it!
How To Roast Sweet Potatoes Perfectly?
Roasting sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness, but it’s important to get it right. Here are some tips:
- Cut your sweet potatoes into even pieces for uniform cooking. Aim for about 1-inch cubes or sticks.
- Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet; this helps them caramelize instead of steam.
- Give them a good toss in oil and seasoning before roasting for maximum flavor.
- Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly. Look for a nice golden color!
How to Make a Flavorful Hot Honey Sauce?
Hot honey is a sweet and spicy drizzle that makes everything better. Here’s how to whip it up:
- Start with a good quality honey; it enhances the overall flavor.
- Add hot sauce gradually to find your desired heat level. A little goes a long way!
- Mix well until combined and taste to adjust. Try it on other dishes like roasted veggies or pizza!
Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into sticks and cubes
For the Base:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and cooked according to package instructions
- 2 cups fresh arugula or mixed greens
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1/2 cup goat cheese or feta, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1-2 tbsp hot sauce (such as sriracha)
For the Cilantro Lime Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (for dressing)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for dressing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus 30-35 minutes for cooking and roasting. You’ll spend the first half making the sweet potatoes and chicken while they roast, then just assemble the bowls and serve. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a baking sheet, toss the sweet potato sticks and cubes with 1 tbsp of olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly. Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway to get that nice caramelization.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, season the chicken thighs generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. In a skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken thighs skin side down for about 5-7 minutes until they are crispy and golden. Flip and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Make Hot Honey Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the honey and hot sauce. Mix well, tasting to adjust the heat level to your preference. Set this aside for drizzling later!
4. Prepare the Cilantro Lime Dressing:
In another small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. This will add a refreshing contrast to your bowls.
5. Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the cooked quinoa evenly between your bowls. Add a handful of arugula and a generous scoop of shredded purple cabbage. Top with roasted sweet potatoes and place one chicken thigh on each bowl. Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the chicken, and sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese and chopped cilantro for that finishing touch!
6. Serve with Cilantro Lime Dressing:
Finally, drizzle some of the cilantro lime yogurt dressing over the greens and cabbage to add a bright and tangy flavor that balances everything beautifully!
7. Enjoy!
Dig in and savor the delightful mix of spicy-sweet chicken, roasted sweetness from the potatoes, fresh greens, and creamy dressing. This meal is not only delicious but also colorful and hearty!
Feel free to customize this recipe—swap out grain bases, use different veggies, or adjust spice levels to suit your taste. Enjoy your cooking!
FAQ for Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can definitely use chicken breasts! Just remember to adjust the cooking time, as they may cook faster than thighs. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they’re cooked through and juicy.
What If I Don’t Have Quinoa?
No worries! You can easily substitute quinoa with any grain you prefer, such as brown rice, couscous, or farro. They will provide a great base for the bowls and each brings its own unique texture!
How Can I Adjust the Heat Level?
If you want it milder, reduce the cayenne pepper in the chicken seasoning or use less hot sauce in the hot honey mixture. You can also add more honey to balance out the heat!
Can I Meal Prep This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can prepare and store all components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the chicken and sweet potatoes, and assemble your bowls fresh!
