This Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is a quick and tasty meal! Juicy chicken is cooked until golden, then drizzled with sweet and spicy hot honey. Yum!
I love how simple this recipe is—just cook the chicken, add rice and veggies, and you’re all set. Perfect for busy nights when you still want something delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add great flavor and tenderness. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts for a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook them.
Hot Honey: This is a key ingredient for that sweet and spicy kick. If you can’t find hot honey, mix regular honey with some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your liking.
Sweet Potatoes: They lend natural sweetness and nutrients. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or even carrots would work well. Just adjust cooking times as needed!
Quinoa: It serves as a great base for the bowl. If you want a different grain, try brown rice or farro. Each adds its own unique flavor and texture.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds saltiness and creaminess. If you’re not a fan, try goat cheese or skip it for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Glaze on the Chicken?
Glazing the chicken with hot honey gives it a delicious finish. To get it just right, follow these steps:
- Cook your chicken in a skillet until it’s golden brown, which usually takes about 5-6 minutes per side.
- In the last minute, reduce heat to medium-low and drizzle hot honey on top.
- Let it cook for another minute, allowing the honey to caramelize and create a nice glaze.
Keep an eye on it; too high heat can cause the honey to burn. A beautiful sheen and flavor will take your chicken bowl to the next level!
Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Bowl:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (can substitute chicken breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade by mixing honey with chili flakes or hot sauce)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into fries or cubes
- 2 cups arugula or mixed greens
- 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped for garnish
For the Dressing (optional):
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water as needed for thinning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and around 30 minutes for cooking, making it a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a weeknight when you want something quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Take the sweet potato pieces and toss them in a bowl with a splash of olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re tender and slightly crispy.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, season the chicken thighs with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they are fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
3. Glaze the Chicken:
In the last minute of cooking, drizzle the hot honey over the chicken thighs. Allow it to glaze and caramelize slightly, which adds a delicious flavor!
4. Make the Herb Dressing (Optional):
If you want to add the herb dressing, combine Greek yogurt, parsley, cilantro, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix it well and add water little by little until you reach a drizzle-friendly consistency.
5. Assemble Your Bowls:
Now it’s time to gather everything! Start with a base of cooked quinoa in each bowl. Top it with the roasted sweet potatoes, a handful of arugula or mixed greens, and shredded red cabbage. Finally, place the glazed chicken thighs on top of the veggies.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finish by sprinkling crumbled feta cheese and some chopped parsley or cilantro over the top. Drizzle the herb yogurt dressing if using, and your delicious hot honey chicken bowls are ready to enjoy!
These bowls are not only flavorful and hearty but also filled with a variety of textures and colors that make for a satisfying meal. Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. Once thawed, follow the cooking instructions as directed.
What Can I Substitute for Hot Honey?
If you can’t find hot honey, you can make your own by mixing regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce. Adjust the spiciness to your preference for the perfect sweet and spicy glaze!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken bowls in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain moisture.
Can I Make This Bowl Vegan?
Absolutely! To make a vegan version, simply replace the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, and use maple syrup mixed with chili flakes for the ‘hot honey.’ Swap out the feta cheese for a dairy-free alternative or omit it altogether for a lighter bowl!
