These Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are a delicious mix of tender chicken, spicy honey sauce, and fresh veggies. They come together quickly for a meal that’s both sweet and a little spicy!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that combines heat with sweetness? I serve these bowls over rice or quinoa for a filling dinner. Trust me, you’ll want to make it again! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless thighs are my go-to for juiciness, but you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. Just reduce cooking time since breasts cook faster!
Sweet Potatoes: These add a natural sweetness and are excellent for roasting. If you want, try using butternut squash or regular potatoes for a different flavor.
Quinoa: Quinoa is packed with protein and cooks quickly. If you don’t have it, brown rice or couscous make good, quick alternatives!
Hot Sauce: Sriracha works great, but feel free to use your favorite hot sauce. If you’re looking for less heat, try a mild chili sauce or even BBQ sauce for a different twist.
Creamy Dressing: This is optional but adds a nice tang. You can swap Greek yogurt for sour cream or vegan yogurt to make it dairy-free!
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked and Juicy?
Cooking chicken thighs perfectly can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll nail it! The key is to cook them over medium-high heat to get a nice browning. Here’s how:
- Start by seasoning chicken thighs generously with salt and spices.
- Heat your skillet with oil. Once hot, add thighs without crowding them—this helps them brown better.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes on one side before flipping, aiming for a nice golden brown.
- Check for doneness: the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices inside!
How Can You Roast Sweet Potatoes for the Best Flavor?
Roasting sweet potatoes can bring out their sweetness and create a lovely caramelized edge. Follow these tips:
- Cut the sweet potatoes into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of spices like paprika.
- Spread them on a baking sheet without overcrowding to help them roast instead of steam.
- Roast at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until they are tender and golden!
This simple method enhances their natural flavor and adds a delightful texture to your bowl!
Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Bowl:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on spice preference)
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into sticks or cubes
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or chicken broth (for cooking quinoa)
- 2 cups arugula or baby greens
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Sriracha or your preferred brand)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
For the Creamy Dressing (optional):
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as cilantro and parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and another 30-35 minutes of cooking time. So, you’re looking at about 50 minutes in total. It’s a quick and simple way to whip up a satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Quinoa:
In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. Fluff it with a fork before serving.
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
While the quinoa is cooking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato sticks or cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through until they are tender and nicely caramelized.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. While the oil heats up, season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and browned. When done, remove from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
4. Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk it together and adjust the heat and sweetness to your taste preferences.
5. Slice or Serve Chicken Whole:
After the chicken has rested, slice it against the grain or serve it whole. Drizzle your hot honey sauce over the chicken to add that sweet and spicy kick!
6. Make the Creamy Dressing (optional):
If you’re using the creamy dressing, mix together the Greek yogurt, lime juice, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. If the dressing is too thick, thin it out with a teaspoon or two of water until it’s the desired consistency.
7. Assemble the Bowls:
In serving bowls, layer in the cooked quinoa as the base, followed by a generous handful of arugula, a scoop of shredded purple cabbage, and the roasted sweet potatoes. Top it all off with the sliced or whole chicken. Finish with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkling of fresh parsley or cilantro. Add the creamy dressing on top, if desired.
8. Serve:
Enjoy your Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls warm! Feel free to mix the ingredients together as you eat to make the delicious blend of sweet, spicy, fresh, and creamy flavors come alive.
This recipe serves about 4 people and is a wholesome, colorful, and delightful dish that everyone will love!
FAQ for Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can! Chicken breasts are a great alternative. Just be sure to reduce the cooking time slightly, as they cook faster than thighs. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
What If I Don’t Have Quinoa?
No problem! You can substitute quinoa with brown rice, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Adjust the cooking times accordingly to match your chosen grain.
How Can I Adjust the Heat Level in the Hot Honey Sauce?
If you prefer a milder sauce, simply use less hot sauce or try a mild chili sauce instead. To kick up the spice, add more hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture!
Can I Make This Meal Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken and sweet potatoes a day ahead. Just store them in the fridge, then reheat before serving. The quinoa can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the components gently in the microwave or on the stove to maintain the flavors and textures!
