There’s something undeniably satisfying about discovering a recipe that awakens all your senses. Picture this: the sizzling sound of chicken thighs browning on the stovetop, the sweet aroma of honey mingling with a hint of chili, and the colorful crunch of fresh coleslaw beckoning you from the fridge. I found myself in the heat of a busy week, craving something vibrant and packed with flavor, when I stumbled upon the inspiration for this Hot Honey Chicken Bowl – a delightful Sweet Green copycat!
This dish not only satisfies your hunger but also transforms your dinner into an occasion worth celebrating. With perfectly roasted sweet potatoes and a creamy, tangy slaw that adds a refreshing crunch, it’s a balance of wholesome ingredients that brings joy to the table. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an easy choice for weeknight dinners. Grab your apron and let’s get ready to indulge in deliciousness that feels comforting yet feels more exciting than your usual fast-food fix!
Why love this Hot Honey Chicken Bowl?
Flavor Explosion: The combination of spicy honey glaze and flavorful chicken thighs creates an irresistible taste sensation.
Colorful Crunch: A vibrant coleslaw and roasted sweet potatoes add both nutrition and visual appeal, making your plate pop.
Simplicity: The straightforward steps and easy-to-find ingredients allow you to whip this dish up without hassle.
Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe gets your family together for a delightful meal that’s ready in no time.
Crowd-Pleasing: Serve it to guests and watch them rave about this delicious, homemade alternative to fast food!
Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Ingredients
For the Chicken
• 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless & skinless – these are perfect for achieving juicy, tender bites that soak up flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – helps with browning the chicken for that irresistible crispy finish.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder – adds a delightful kick that complements the sweetness of the honey.
• 1 teaspoon salt – necessary for enhancing all the flavors in this Hot Honey Chicken Bowl.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – brings an aromatic blend that adds an extra layer of flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – infuses a subtle smokiness that elevates the dish.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – provides depth and a savory note to the chicken’s flavor profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – pairs well with garlic, rounding out the seasoning mix.
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper – offers a zesty twist that brightens the dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – spice it up just enough to keep your taste buds intrigued.
For the Sweet Potatoes
• 1 pound sweet potatoes – these provide natural sweetness and a nutritious base for your bowl.
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil – a healthy fat that aids in roasting, resulting in crispy edges.
• sprinkle of salt, to taste – essential for enhancing the natural sweet flavor of the potatoes.
• sprinkle of black pepper, to taste – adds a hint of warmth that balances the sweetness.
• 1 to 2 tablespoons cornstarch – ensures the sweet potatoes become perfectly crispy when roasted.
For the Coleslaw
• 3 cups red cabbage – vibrant and crunchy, it adds color and nutrients to your bowl.
• 1 cup shredded carrots – offers a touch of sweetness and enhances the crunch factor.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise – creates a creamy base for the coleslaw dressing.
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard – contributes a tangy bite that brightens the flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste – adjusts the seasoning, bringing the slaw together.
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – gives the slaw a refreshing tang that cuts through the creaminess.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – enhances the overall flavor profile of the coleslaw.
• 1 tablespoon white sugar or honey – balances the acidity in the dressing, making it irresistibly tasty.
For the Quinoa
• 1 cup quinoa – a nutritious, protein-packed base that complements the other ingredients nicely.
• 2 cups chicken broth – infuses the quinoa with flavor, making it more delicious than plain water.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – seasons the quinoa and enhances its nutty flavor.
For Cooking
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter – adds richness to the garlic sauté, enhancing your quinoa.
• 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic – brings intense flavor that enriches the overall dish.
• 1/2 large yellow onion, thinly sliced – sweetens and deepens the flavor when sautéed.
• 1/2 cup buttermilk – adds a tangy element to the dish; great for marinades if you choose!
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – can be used for creating a crispy coating if desired.
• vegetable oil, for frying – necessary for achieving a lovely, golden crisp on any fried components.
Get ready to experience a delightful mix of flavors and textures in your homemade Hot Honey Chicken Bowl!
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
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Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the honey, avocado or olive oil, mustard, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and salt. Blend until smooth and well combined, then set aside to enjoy later!
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Prepare the Slaw: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded red cabbage and carrots. This colorful combo is the perfect crunch factor for your bowl.
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Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, salt, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and sugar or honey. Pour this creamy dressing over the cabbage and carrots, and toss to coat thoroughly. Chill for at least 15 minutes.
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Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Toss them with avocado oil, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
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Cook the Quinoa: In a pot, melt butter over medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in quinoa until coated, then add chicken broth and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Leave covered for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
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Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, season the chicken thighs with olive oil, chili powder, salt, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, and black pepper. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the seasoned chicken.
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
Fridge: Store leftover Hot Honey Chicken Bowl in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Be sure to separate the components for optimal freshness.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the cooked chicken and sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat the chicken and sweet potatoes in the oven at 350°F until heated through. The coleslaw is best enjoyed fresh, so prepare it as needed.
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the Hot Honey Chicken Bowl at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain food safety.
Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Hot Honey Chicken Bowl and craft a version that suits your tastes and dietary needs!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute buttermilk with almond or coconut milk for a creamy texture without the dairy.
This keeps your dish light while maintaining that deliciously smooth consistency. -
Sweet Potato Alternatives: Swap out sweet potatoes for cauliflower or butternut squash for a lower-carb option.
Both vegetables can be seasoned similarly and bring a delightful twist to the bowl. -
Grain Change-Up: Replace quinoa with farro or bulgur for a heartier base.
These grains offer a nutty flavor and different texture that complement the chicken beautifully. -
Heat Levels: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the honey blend for that extra kick!
Tailor the spice level to your preference and discover a whole new flavor dimension. -
Veggie Boost: Incorporate bell peppers, corn, or even zucchini into your slaw for added nutrition and color.
A vibrant medley increases the crunch and freshness while making each bite exciting. -
Protein Variation: Try substituting chicken thighs with salmon or tofu for a different protein source.
Both options soak up the honey sauce wonderfully, offering a new flavor experience. -
Herb Infusion: Sprinkle fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley over your bowl just before serving.
This brings a fresh, aromatic note that enhances the entire dish, making it pop. -
Nutty Finish: Top your bowl with toasted nuts or seeds—like almonds or pumpkin seeds—for a satisfying crunch.
This twist adds texture while boosting the nutritional value of your meal.
Make Ahead Options
These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the coleslaw and sauce up to 24 hours in advance; simply keep the slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its crunch. The roasted sweet potatoes can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days—just reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving to keep them crispy. For the chicken, season and marinate it up to 3 days ahead for maximum flavor. When ready to eat, quickly sauté the chicken and reheat the quinoa for fresh and delicious results that will make your meal feel special!
Expert Tips for Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
Marinate Well: Let the chicken thighs marinate for at least 30 minutes. This infuses the Hot Honey Chicken Bowl with richer flavors and ensures juicy meat.
Crispy Sweet Potatoes: Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet; give the sweet potatoes enough space to roast evenly and achieve that perfect crispiness.
Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: Always fluff quinoa gently after it’s cooked. This keeps the grains light and airy, preventing them from becoming mushy in your bowl.
Adjust the Spice: Feel free to modify the amount of chili powder and red pepper flakes based on your tolerance for heat; balance is key for the perfect Hot Honey Chicken Bowl.
Chill the Slaw: Let the dressed slaw chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving. This enhances the flavors and makes it even more refreshing!
What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken Bowl?
The perfect sides can elevate your Hot Honey Chicken Bowl into a full, delightful feast!
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth texture complements the crispy chicken and adds a comforting element to your meal.
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green florets add a nutritious crunch and a pop of color, balancing the flavors brilliantly.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Warm, buttery breadsticks provide a delightful contrast to the spices, perfect for dipping into the honey sauce.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slightly bitter, crisp edges enhance the sweetness of the bowl, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing, tangy salad brightens your plate, offering a lightness that harmonizes beautifully with the richness of the chicken.
- Lemonade or Iced Tea: Quench your thirst with a refreshing drink; both enhance the dish with their zesty, bright flavors.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Cap off your meal with a delightful dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth, bringing joy to family and guests alike.
- Apple Crisp: Serve this warm, spiced dessert with vanilla ice cream for a cozy ending, echoing the sweet elements of your bowl.
Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Look for sweet potatoes that are firm, without any dark spots or soft areas. The best ones are smooth-skinned and free from blemishes. If you see any wrinkles or dark spots all over, it’s a sign they might be past their prime.
How should I store leftover Hot Honey Chicken Bowl?
To store your delicious leftovers, place the components in airtight containers. The chicken, sweet potatoes, and quinoa can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, while the coleslaw is best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal crunch. If you want to keep everything for longer, make sure to separate the components!
Can I freeze the cooked chicken and sweet potatoes?
Very much so! To freeze your Hot Honey Chicken Bowl, ensure the chicken and sweet potatoes are completely cooled. Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bags, separating servings if you prefer. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
What should I do if my chicken is dry after cooking?
No worries, it happens! If you find your chicken has turned out dry, consider slathering on some extra sauce after cooking or try serving it with a splash of broth or gravy. You can also try marinating the chicken next time for better moisture retention. Just remember to let it soak up those flavors for at least 30 minutes for the best results!
Is this Hot Honey Chicken Bowl safe for my dog?
I recommend avoiding feeding this dish to dogs, especially ingredients like garlic and onions, as they can be toxic to them. If you’d like to share a tender piece of chicken with them, just ensure it’s plain and cooked without any seasonings.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can absolutely make your Hot Honey Chicken Bowl gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in any cooking processes. Also, ensure the sauces and other packaged goods are certified gluten-free, just to be safe. Enjoy your flavorful meal with peace of mind!
Hot Honey Chicken Bowl – Sweet Green Copycat Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a blender, combine the honey, avocado or olive oil, mustard, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and salt. Blend until smooth and well combined, then set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded red cabbage and carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, salt, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and sugar or honey. Pour this over the cabbage and carrots, and toss to coat. Chill for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes. Toss them with avocado oil, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- In a pot, melt butter over medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Stir in quinoa until coated, add chicken broth and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Leave covered for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Season the chicken thighs with olive oil, chili powder, salt, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken.