These Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls bring sweet and spicy flavors together in a fantastic way. Tender chicken drizzled with hot honey makes each bite a tasty surprise!
Honestly, who can resist warm chicken with a sweet kick? I love throwing in some veggies and rice for a complete meal that feels special without much fuss. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skin-on thighs give flavor and moisture. For a healthier option, use skinless chicken breasts, but remember they need less cooking time.
Honey: This is what brings the sweetness! If you want a healthier alternative, agave nectar or maple syrup can work, but they won’t have the same floral notes.
Hot Sauce: Adjust the heat with your favorite hot sauce. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can use mild salsa instead for flavor without the heat.
Sweet Potatoes: If sweet potatoes aren’t available, regular potatoes or butternut squash are great alternatives. They give a different flavor but still taste delicious.
Quinoa: This is a nice base for the bowl. If you’re avoiding grains, riced cauliflower or lentils can be awesome substitutes.
How Do You Get Crispy Skin on Chicken Thighs?
Getting that crispy skin really elevates your dish! Here’s how you do it:
- Always start with a hot skillet and enough oil. Heating the oil properly helps in achieving that crispy texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Give each piece room to brown without steaming.
- Once you put the chicken in, let it cook without moving it for the first 5-7 minutes. This helps create a great sear.
- Flip the chicken only once it’s golden brown to the point of crispiness, then glaze toward the end of cooking.
By following these steps, you’ll get that delicious bite every time! Enjoy making your Hot Honey Chicken Bowls! 🍽️
Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Veggies:
- 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into sticks and cubes
For the Glaze:
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to heat preference)
For the Quinoa and Greens:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or chicken broth (for cooking quinoa)
- 2 cups arugula or mixed greens
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Dressing (optional but recommended):
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water to thin as needed
Time Needed:
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and around 30-35 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need about 50 minutes from start to finish for these delicious bowls.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the sweet potatoes in a bowl with 1 tbsp of olive oil, a pinch of salt, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are tender and have a nice caramelization.
2. Cook the Quinoa:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. Combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water or broth in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Once done, fluff it with a fork.
3. Prepare the Honey Hot Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and hot sauce. Set this aside for later use.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels and season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Glaze the Chicken:
In the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the honey-hot sauce mixture onto the chicken. Allow it to glaze and caramelize slightly, making the chicken even more delicious!
6. Make the Dressing:
If you want to make the optional dressing, mix the Greek yogurt, lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Thin it with a bit of water to achieve your desired consistency.
7. Assemble the Bowls:
To put everything together, start by spooning some quinoa into a bowl as your base. Add in your roasted sweet potatoes, shredded purple cabbage, and a handful of arugula. Finally, place the glazed chicken on top.
8. Top It Off:
Sprinkle crumbled feta and chopped fresh cilantro over your bowl, then drizzle with the cilantro-lime dressing if you’re using it.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are ready to serve! Enjoy the wonderful blend of sweet, spicy, creamy, and fresh flavors in each bite!
This recipe yields about 4 hearty bowls perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner. Enjoy every delicious mouthful! 😊
FAQ for Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skin-on thighs keep the dish juicy and flavorful, you can also use boneless chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since breasts may cook faster—aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you want to turn up the heat, try using a spicier hot sauce or add some red pepper flakes to the honey mixture. For even more depth, you can incorporate diced jalapeños or serrano peppers when cooking the chicken!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh for a high-protein vegetarian option. You can marinate the tofu in the honey-hot sauce mixture for added flavor beforehand and follow the same cooking instructions.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sweet potatoes in a skillet or microwave, and serve over fresh quinoa. Enjoy your meal again without losing flavor!
