These Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are a tasty twist on dinner! With juicy chicken drizzled in sweet and spicy honey sauce, every bite is packed with flavor.
It’s like a party in a bowl! I love making this dish when I need something quick, and I can toss in my favorite veggies too. Easy, fun, and so good! 🍯🐔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken breasts work too, but they can dry out more easily. Just be careful not to overcook them!
Hot Sauce: My go-to hot sauce is sriracha, but you can use any hot sauce you love. If you want less heat, try adding a small amount of chili powder instead. For a milder flavor, sweet chili sauce is a nice option too!
Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a sweet and earthy flavor. You could swap them for regular potatoes, carrots, or even butternut squash if you’re in the mood for something different. Just adjust cooking times as needed!
Quinoa: Quinoa is a great base for this bowl, but rice (white or brown) could be used instead. If you’re going grain-free, cauliflower rice is a fantastic substitute!
How Do I Get the Chicken Skin Crispy and Delicious?
Getting that lovely crispy skin on your chicken is all about searing. Here’s how I do it:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps create that crispy texture. A drop of water should sizzle immediately!
- Give the chicken enough space in the pan. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not searing.
- Don’t move the chicken around too much. Let it sear for 4-5 minutes before flipping.
The hot honey glaze adds flavor and an extra touch of caramelization at the end, making the chicken even more delicious!
Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1-2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
For the Base and Toppings:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 2 cups arugula or mixed greens
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
For the Dressing (optional):
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 25-30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at about 45-50 minutes to get your tasty Hot Honey Chicken Bowls ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, toss the sweet potato chunks with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder until well coated. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes or until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This simple seasoning really boosts the flavor of the chicken!
3. Make the Hot Honey Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix the honey and hot sauce together to create a sweet and spicy glaze. You can adjust how much hot sauce you use based on your spice preference!
4. Sear the Chicken:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs to the pan. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
5. Add the Glaze:
During the last minute of cooking, generously brush the chicken with the hot honey glaze and let it caramelize slightly in the skillet, creating a delicious coating.
6. Cook the Quinoa:
If you haven’t pre-cooked the quinoa, prepare it now according to package instructions. This usually takes about 15 minutes, so you may want to start it right after you put the sweet potatoes in the oven.
7. Make the Dressing (Optional):
If you’d like to add a dressing, whisk together the Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
8. Assemble the Bowls:
Once everything is ready, it’s time to build your bowls! Start by dividing the quinoa into bowls, then add a handful of arugula, some shredded red cabbage, roasted sweet potatoes, and the seared chicken thighs.
9. Add Toppings:
If you made the dressing, drizzle it over the top. Finish with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley to add a burst of freshness.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are ready to enjoy! Serve immediately and dig into the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness, you can substitute chicken breasts. Just be mindful to avoid overcooking them, as they can dry out more easily.
What If I Don’t Have Quinoa on Hand?
No worries! You can easily swap quinoa for rice (brown or white), couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Adjust cooking times depending on the grain you choose.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
The spice level in the hot honey glaze can be adjusted by modifying the amount of hot sauce you use. If you prefer it milder, try using less hot sauce or you can replace it with a sweet chili sauce for a gentler heat.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and chicken ahead of time. Simply store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven or microwave, and assemble your bowls!
