Save to Pinterest This Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is a vibrant, nourishing meal that brings together a symphony of flavors and textures. Featuring spiced chicken, caramelized sweet potatoes, and a crisp red cabbage slaw, it is a wholesome dish that satisfies both the palate and the body. Served over fluffy quinoa and finished with a zesty hot honey mustard dressing, it is the perfect fusion of American comfort and healthy living.
Save to Pinterest Whether you are prepping for a healthy week ahead or serving a fresh dinner for the family, this bowl offers a colorful and energizing option. The preparation is straightforward, relying on simple cooking techniques like roasting and searing to bring out the natural sweetness and savory depth of every ingredient.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken: 500 g (1.1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 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), 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, 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). 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 2
- 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 3
- Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 4
- 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 5
- 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 6
- Whisk together the hot honey mustard dressing ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Step 7
- 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
For the best results, ensure the sweet potatoes are diced into uniform pieces to promote even roasting. Allowing the red cabbage slaw to sit for at least 10 minutes is a key step, as the vinegar helps break down the tough fibers of the cabbage, making it more tender and flavorful.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily adapt this bowl to suit your needs. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm, pressed tofu seasoned with the same spice blend. You can also adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the hot sauce quantity in the dressing for a milder or spicier finish.
Serviervorschläge
Serve the bowls immediately while the chicken and potatoes are warm. To add extra freshness, top with sliced avocado or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. For an added crunch, consider sprinkling toasted pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds over the top before drizzling with the honey mustard dressing.
Save to Pinterest This Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is more than just a meal; it is a satisfying experience that combines convenience with high-quality nutrition. Enjoy the vibrant colors and bold flavors of this American Fusion favorite.
Questions & Answers About This Recipe
- → Can I make the components ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast the sweet potatoes, cook the quinoa, and prepare the slaw up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers. Cook the chicken fresh and assemble bowls when ready to serve for best texture.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
The heat primarily comes from the hot sauce in the dressing. Start with half the amount for a milder version, or increase to 1.5 tablespoons for extra kick. You can also add a pinch of cayenne to the chicken seasoning.
- → What protein alternatives work well?
Firm tofu cubes work beautifully as a vegetarian option - press and season them the same way as the chicken. Shrimp also pairs excellently with the honey mustard flavors, cooking in just 3-4 minutes.
- → Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! Brown rice, farro, or bulgur would all work well. Just adjust cooking time according to package instructions. Cauliflower rice is another great low-carb option.
- → How long does the dressing keep?
The hot honey mustard dressing will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks when stored in a sealed jar. Give it a good shake or whisk before using as the oil may separate slightly.
- → What vegetables can I add?
Roasted broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini would complement the flavors perfectly. Fresh avocado slices, cucumber, or cherry tomatoes also make great additions when serving.