Hot Honey Chicken Bowl

This Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is a vibrant and nourishing main dish that brings together a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. Featuring high-protein spiced chicken, caramelized roasted sweet potatoes, and a refreshing red cabbage slaw over a bed of fluffy quinoa, it is a wholesome meal that is both gluten-free and incredibly satisfying.

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Preparing this bowl is an engaging experience that fills your kitchen with the aroma of roasting vegetables and toasted spices. Each element is crafted to provide a contrast in texture, from the crunch of the julienned carrots and cabbage to the tender, spiced chicken pieces.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 500 g (1.1 lb) 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
• For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes:
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 500 g)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• For the Quinoa:
• 200 g (1 cup) quinoa, rinsed
• 480 ml (2 cups) water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• For the Red Cabbage Slaw:
• 200 g (2 cups) shredded red cabbage
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Hot Honey Mustard Dressing:
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (such as Sriracha or your favorite)
• 1.5 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).

Step 2

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

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

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

Step 5

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

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

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

Step 8

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

Adjust the hot sauce quantity in the dressing for a milder or spicier finish. Be sure to check your hot sauce and mustard labels for potential allergens or gluten traces to ensure the dish remains safe for your dietary needs.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian version, you can easily substitute the chicken with firm tofu cubes. Simply press the tofu to remove excess moisture and toss it in the same spice blend before pan-searing until crispy.

Serviervorschläge

For extra crunch, add toasted pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds on top. This bowl also pairs beautifully with sliced avocado or a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like cilantro for added freshness.

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This Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is a versatile and colorful meal that is sure to brighten up your dinner table. Enjoy the fusion of textures and the delightful heat of the dressing in every nutritious bite.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

Absolutely. Each component stores well separately for 4-5 days. Keep the dressing aside until serving to maintain the crunch of the cabbage slaw. Reheat the chicken and sweet potatoes gently, or enjoy them at room temperature.

→ What protein alternatives work well?

Firm tofu cubes, tempeh, or even chickpeas make excellent vegetarian substitutes. Marinate and cook them similarly with the same spice blend for consistent flavor throughout the bowl.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

Start with less hot sauce in the dressing and taste as you go. For extra heat without changing the flavor profile, add a pinch of cayenne to the chicken seasoning or serve with sliced jalapeños.

→ Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?

Brown rice, farro, wheat berries, or even cauliflower rice work beautifully. Adjust cooking times accordingly and ensure your grain is fluffy and seasoned before assembling.

→ What vegetables can I substitute?

Roasted butternut squash, bell peppers, or zucchini work well in place of sweet potatoes. For the slaw, try broccoli slaw, kale massaged with vinegar, or sliced radishes for different crunch and flavor profiles.

→ Is the dressing suitable for other dishes?

This versatile hot honey mustard dressing pairs beautifully with grilled salmon, roasted vegetables, or as a dip for raw veggies. It keeps refrigerated for up to two weeks in an airtight container.