Hot Honey Chicken Bowl

The Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is a vibrant and nourishing meal that perfectly captures the essence of American fusion cooking. By combining spiced, golden-brown chicken with caramelized sweet potatoes and a zesty red cabbage slaw, this bowl offers a delightful balance of sweet, heat, and crunch. Resting on a bed of fluffy quinoa and finished with a tangy hot honey mustard dressing, it is a high-protein, gluten-free dish that satisfies every craving.

Save to Pinterest

This recipe is as versatile as it is flavorful, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or healthy lunches. The hot honey mustard dressing is the star of the show, pulling the earthy quinoa and roasted vegetables together into a cohesive, restaurant-quality meal at home.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken: 500 g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper
• For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 500 g); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper
• For the Quinoa: 200 g (1 cup) quinoa, rinsed; 480 ml (2 cups) water; 1/2 tsp salt
• For the Red Cabbage Slaw: 200 g (2 cups) shredded red cabbage; 1 medium carrot, julienned; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp honey; Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Hot Honey Mustard Dressing: 3 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp hot sauce (such as Sriracha or your favorite); 1.5 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).

Step 2

Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and tender.

Step 3

While sweet potatoes roast, cook the quinoa: Bring water and salt to a boil, add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Step 4

Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 5

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 6

For the slaw, combine shredded cabbage, carrot, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss and let sit for at least 10 minutes to soften.

Step 7

Whisk together the hot honey mustard dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 8

To assemble, divide quinoa among four bowls. Top with roasted sweet potatoes, chicken, and red cabbage slaw. Drizzle generously with hot honey mustard dressing. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure even roasting, make sure the sweet potato cubes are roughly the same size. Using a large skillet for the chicken allows for better searing, which locks in the juices and flavor.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu. You can also easily adjust the spiciness of the dish by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce in the dressing.

Serviervorschläge

Garnish the bowls with chopped fresh herbs or sliced avocado for added creaminess. For an extra crunch, sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds over the top before serving.

Save to Pinterest

This Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is a masterclass in balancing textures and tastes. Whether you are serving it for a family dinner or prepping it for the week ahead, it remains a fresh and flavorful choice that never feels repetitive.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make the hot honey mustard dressing less spicy?

Absolutely. Simply reduce the amount of hot sauce to suit your preference, or substitute with a milder variety like mild chili sauce. You can also increase the honey slightly to balance the heat.

→ What can I substitute for quinoa?

Brown rice, farro, or cauliflower rice work well as alternatives. For a grain-free option, use additional roasted vegetables or serve over mixed greens.

→ How long does this keep in the refrigerator?

Stored in airtight containers, the components stay fresh for 3-4 days. Keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain the best texture.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless thighs work beautifully and add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

→ Is this suitable for meal prep?

Perfectly suited. Prepare all components in advance and store them separately. Assemble bowls when ready to eat, adding the dressing right before serving.

→ How can I add more vegetables to this bowl?

Consider adding roasted bell peppers, sautéed kale, sliced avocado, or cucumber. The bowl structure easily accommodates additional vegetables without disrupting the flavor balance.