This Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is a tasty mix of juicy chicken, drizzled with sweet and spicy honey. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal!
You can top it with your favorite veggies or grains, making it easy to customize. Plus, who doesn’t love a little sweetness with their spice? Yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs offer juicy flavor and crispiness. If you prefer, you can use boneless thighs or breasts, but cooking times may vary.
Sweet Potatoes: These are great for their natural sweetness. You could swap them with butternut squash or regular potatoes if you want something different.
Honey: The star ingredient for that sweet kick! You can use agave syrup or maple syrup if you need a vegan option or prefer a different flavor.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust these based on your heat tolerance. For milder spice, use paprika or skip them. If you love heat, consider using fresh jalapeños!
Greens: Arugula or mixed greens gives a nice crunch. Spinach, kale, or even romaine lettuce can be good substitutes based on what you have.
How Do I Get Crispy Chicken Skin?
Getting that crispy skin is all about searing and roasting it right. Here’s the step-by-step to achieve crunchiness:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken skin-side down.
- Don’t move the chicken around while it cooks; let it sit to form a nice crust.
- Using a cast-iron skillet is great because it distributes heat evenly.
- After searing, transfer it to the oven with the honey glaze – the heat will crisp up the skin even more!
What’s the Best Way to Roast Vegetables?
Roasting sweet potatoes brings out their sweetness. Here are some tips for perfect roasted veggies:
- Cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give them space for crispiness.
- Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting to enhance flavor.
- Turn them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
With these tips, you’ll get deliciously crispy chicken and perfectly roasted veggies every time! Enjoy your hot honey chicken bowls!
Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken & Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks or thick fries
For the Bowls:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 2 cups arugula or mixed greens
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish
For the Dressing (optional):
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or dill)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water to thin, as needed
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 30-40 minutes for cooking, including roasting the chicken and sweet potatoes. The entire process is simple, and you can enjoy these delicious bowls in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup easier later.
2. Roast the Sweet Potatoes
In a bowl, toss the sweet potato chunks with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, along with salt and pepper. Spread the chunks out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast them for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they get tender and caramelized on the edges.
3. Season the Chicken
While the sweet potatoes roast, prepare the chicken. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel, then rub them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and coat them evenly with the spice mix.
4. Sear the Chicken
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down, and sear them until the skin is crispy and golden brown, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Give them a flip and cook for another 2 minutes. This step locks in flavor!
5. Make the Hot Honey Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together the honey and crushed red pepper flakes. Pour this delicious honey mixture over the seared chicken thighs, making sure to coat them well.
6. Finish Cooking in the Oven
Now, transfer the entire skillet with chicken to the oven. Roast the chicken for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Prepare the Dressing
While the chicken and sweet potatoes finish roasting, make the optional creamy herb dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. If the dressing is too thick, add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency.
8. Assemble the Bowls
Once everything is cooked, it’s time to assemble the bowls! Start by placing a big scoop of cooked quinoa at the bottom of each bowl. On one side, add a handful of arugula and shredded red cabbage. Then, add the roasted sweet potatoes along with a juicy chicken thigh.
9. Top the Bowls
Drizzle the herb dressing over the greens and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and fresh chopped cilantro or parsley on top.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are ready! Dig in and enjoy the wonderful balance of spicy-sweet hot honey chicken with fresh veggies and creamy goodness. This meal is delicious, filling, and perfect for any night of the week!
FAQ for Easy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as boneless cuts will cook faster—usually about 12-15 minutes in the oven at 425°F (220°C), depending on their thickness.
What Can I Substitute for Sweet Potatoes?
If you’re not a fan of sweet potatoes, you can use regular potatoes, butternut squash, or even roasted carrots. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the vegetable used.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or oven until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist.
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The creamy herb dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken up over time.
