Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe

Imagine a bowl overflowing with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and a delightful mix of textures. That’s precisely what you get with the Hot Honey Chicken Bowl, a Sweetgreen copycat that’s bound to satisfy your taste buds. This bowl combines juicy chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, fluffy quinoa, crisp coleslaw, and a tantalizing hot honey mustard dressing for a meal that’s as delicious as it is nourishing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for the Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is like collecting treasures for your dish. Each element, from the vibrant cabbage to the zesty dressing, plays a crucial role in creating the symphony of flavors and textures you’ll love. Let’s explore them!

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe and cook wonderfully on a skillet.
• Sweet Potatoes: Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and provides a lovely, caramelized texture.
• Quinoa: A fluffy base that adds protein and texture to the bowl.
• Red Cabbage: Adds a crisp crunch and a pop of color that brightens the bowl.
• Hot Honey Mustard Dressing: A blend of honey, mustard, and spices that ties the whole dish together beautifully.
• Fried Onions: These are crispy additions that bring a delightful savory crunch.

Variations

The beauty of the Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is its flexibility. You can tweak it to fit whatever you have in your pantry or cater to your dietary needs. Let your creativity and taste preferences take the lead!

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with crispy tofu to make this a delightful vegetarian bowl.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the dressing to control the heat to your preference.
• Grain Alternative: Use brown rice or farro as a substitute for quinoa if you want a different grain experience.

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Craft the Hot Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

Start by blending honey, your choice of oil, mustard, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and salt until they’re flawlessly combined. This vinaigrette boasts a kick that pairs perfectly with the savory elements of the bowl. Set it aside, letting the flavors meld while you focus on the next steps.

Step 2: Assemble the Coleslaw

In a large bowl, bring together shredded red cabbage and vibrant carrots. Mix a creamy dressing with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of sweetness from sugar or honey. Toss the veggies in the dressing and let the mixture chill. The crunchy slaw adds a refreshing balance to the warm bowl.

Step 3: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to a toasty 425°F. Cube the sweet potatoes, coat them in avocado oil, and season with salt, pepper, and cornstarch. Roast them until they’re tender yet slightly crisp on the outside. They’ll melt in your mouth with every bite.

Step 4: Prepare the Quinoa

Melt butter in a pot, add garlic, and let it cook until fragrant. Toss in the quinoa to let it toast slightly, then add chicken broth and a pinch of salt. Cook it to perfection, and once done, fluff the quinoa with a fork for a fluffy texture that forms the backdrop for your bowl creations.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Season chicken thighs with an array of spices, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cook them on a skillet with a hint of olive oil until they reach golden brown perfection. Let the chicken rest, then slice them into tender, juicy pieces ready to crown your bowl.

Step 6: Fry the Onions

Thinly slice a yellow onion and soak the slices in buttermilk. Coat each slice in flour and fry until they turn a beautiful golden brown. These will add a delightful crunch to your dish.

Step 7: Assemble Your Bowl

With all components ready, layer your bowl starting with fluffy quinoa. Nestle roasted sweet potatoes on one side, arrange chicken slices, and add a fresh scoop of coleslaw. Drizzle with the prepared vinaigrette, and finish with fried onions. It’s time to dive in and enjoy your homemade Hot Honey Chicken Bowl!

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Bowl

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions makes a beautiful garnish, enhancing the presentation as well as adding a fresh burst of flavor. These simple additions can make your Hot Honey Chicken Bowl even more enticing.

Side Dishes

The Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is a meal on its own, but it pairs spectacularly with steamed greens or a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. These additions bring a contrast in taste and texture, completing your meal delightfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun and elegant touch, consider serving your bowls in deep, rustic dishes. Layer each ingredient separately for a visually appealing presentation, or let your guests assemble their own bowls from a DIY station filled with each of the vibrant components.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover components in airtight containers, keeping them separate to maintain their textures. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, each element will still taste fresh and delicious.

Freezing

While the chicken and sweet potatoes freeze well, it’s best to keep quinoa, coleslaw, and dressing fresh. Wrap the chicken and sweet potatoes tightly before freezing for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat chicken and sweet potatoes in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through. The quinoa can be gently reheated in a skillet or microwave. Assemble your bowl and drizzle with fresh dressing for a taste like the first time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If there’s one dish that will brighten up your dining experience, it’s the Hot Honey Chicken Bowl. From the first to the last bite, it’s a blend of warming spices, sweet honey, and savory notes that you’ll crave again and again. Give it a try, and let your taste buds fall in love!

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