Save Bring a burst of color and nutrition to your dinner table with this Hot Honey Chicken Bowl. This dish perfectly balances the warmth of spiced chicken and caramelized sweet potatoes with the crunch of a fresh red cabbage slaw, all tied together by a zesty hot honey mustard dressing.
Save This bowl is not only visually stunning but also incredibly practical for a busy week. The combination of lean protein, fiber-dense vegetables, and fluffy quinoa makes it a satisfying meal that keeps you energized for hours.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 500 g chicken breasts or thighs (bite-sized), 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 (diced), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Quinoa: 200 g quinoa, 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
- Hot Honey Mustard Dressing: 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp hot sauce, 1.5 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper
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
Make sure to spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they caramelize properly rather than steaming. Rinsing the quinoa under cold water before cooking is essential to remove any natural bitter coating.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu cubes or chickpeas. You can also easily adjust the heat level of the dressing by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce used.
Serviervorschläge
Enhance the bowl's texture by adding toasted pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds on top. For added freshness, serve with sliced avocado or a handful of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
Save The Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Enjoy the harmony of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors in every nutritious bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make the components ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and slaw up to 3 days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers and assemble when ready to serve. Make the dressing fresh or store separately for up to a week.
- → What protein alternatives work well?
Firm tofu cubes, tempeh, or even chickpeas make excellent vegetarian substitutes. For other meat options, try sliced steak, shrimp, or ground turkey with the same spice blend.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Reduce the hot sauce in the dressing to 1 teaspoon for milder flavor, or increase to 2 tablespoons for extra heat. You can also omit the smoked paprika from the chicken seasoning for a more subtle profile.
- → Can I use different grains?
Absolutely. Brown rice, farro, couscous, or even cauliflower rice work beautifully. Adjust cooking times accordingly and ensure grains are fully cooked before assembling.
- → What other vegetables can I add?
Roasted broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts complement the flavors well. Fresh additions like avocado slices, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or edamame also work great.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Perfect for meal prep. Portion components into separate containers and store for up to 4 days. Keep dressing separate and drizzle just before eating to maintain optimal texture.