Hot Honey Chicken Bowl

This Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is a vibrant and nourishing meal that perfectly balances spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors. Featuring golden roasted sweet potatoes, fluffy quinoa, and a crunchy red cabbage slaw, this high-protein and gluten-free dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

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Whether you are looking for a restaurant-quality meal prep option or a satisfying weeknight dinner, this bowl delivers on every front. The combination of warm roasted ingredients and a chilled, zesty slaw makes for a complex and satisfying American fusion experience.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 500 g 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
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Quinoa: 200 g quinoa (rinsed), 480 ml water, 1/2 tsp salt
• Red Cabbage Slaw: 200 g shredded red cabbage, 1 medium carrot (julienned), 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp honey, salt and pepper to taste
• Hot Honey Mustard Dressing: 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp hot sauce (Sriracha or favorite), 1.5 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Oven Preparation

Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).

Step 2: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

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: Cook the Quinoa

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: Season the Chicken

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

Step 5: Sear the Protein

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: Mix the Slaw

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: Prepare the Dressing

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

Step 8: Assemble and Serve

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 make the preparation seamless, ensure you have a baking sheet, large skillet, and a saucepan with a lid ready. Using a whisk for the dressing and a sharp knife for the carrots will ensure the best texture and consistency.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with tofu. You can also customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of hot sauce in the dressing to make it milder or spicier depending on your preference.

Serviervorschläge

Serve the bowls with sliced avocado or chopped fresh herbs for added freshness. For an extra layer of crunch, top the dish with toasted pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds.

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This Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is a complete, flavorful meal that brings excitement to healthy eating. Enjoy the balance of warmth and crunch in every bite!

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

Yes, this bowl meal preps beautifully. Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain freshness.

→ What protein alternatives work well?

Shrimp, steak strips, or baked tofu make excellent substitutes. Adjust cooking times accordingly—shrimp needs just 3-4 minutes, while tofu benefits from 15-20 minutes of roasting.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Reduce hot sauce to 1 teaspoon for mild flavor, or increase to 2 tablespoons for extra heat. The honey balances the spice beautifully, so you can go spicier than you might expect.

→ Can I use different grains?

Brown rice, farro, or cauliflower rice work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times according to package directions. Cauliflower rice needs only 5-6 minutes to steam.

→ What vegetables can I substitute?

Roasted butternut squash, bell peppers, or broccoli replace sweet potatoes well. For the slaw, try shredded Brussels sprouts or kale massaged with vinegar.

→ Is the dressing make-ahead friendly?

Absolutely! Whisk all dressing ingredients and store in a jar for up to 2 weeks. The vinegar helps preserve it, and flavors actually meld and improve over time.