Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat)

These Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat) are a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re prepping a nutritious weeknight dinner or looking for a meal prep option, these bowls deliver on taste and health. The combination of spicy chicken, hearty quinoa, and vibrant coleslaw creates an enjoyable experience that energizes your day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Fusion: Each ingredient complements the others, resulting in a satisfying mix of spicy, sweet, and savory notes.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal cooking time, this dish is beginner-friendly and quick to make.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for preparing ahead of time; enjoy delicious meals throughout the week without extra effort.
• Nutrient-Dense: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from vegetables and quinoa, these bowls support a balanced diet.
• Customizable: Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the necessary tools before starting. This will save you time and ensure everything runs efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Mason jar or small bowl for sauces
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting chicken and sweet potatoes evenly while allowing excess moisture to escape.
• Mixing Bowls: Useful for combining marinades and dressings thoroughly, ensuring even flavor distribution.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth consistency in dressings and sauces by blending ingredients seamlessly.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

These Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are a Sweetgreen Copycat recipe you can make right at home! It’s a flavorful meal and healthy dinner idea with the perfect balance of crunchy texture & bold flavor. Spicy chicken is mixed with quinoa, sweet potatoes, and purple cabbage coleslaw all topped with a Hot Honey Mustard dressing!

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast)
• 1 tsp each garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried thyme
• ½ tsp each onion powder, dried oregano, black pepper, kosher salt
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

For the Sweet Potatoes

• 1 lb sweet potatoes, cubed (about 2 medium sized potatoes, 3-4 cups)
• ½ tsp each smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

For the Purple Cabbage Coleslaw

• 3 cups shredded purple cabbage
• 1.5 cups shredded carrots (~2 large carrots)

For the Dressing

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbsp olive oil mayonnaise (or your favorite mayo)
• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tbsp hot honey (or regular honey)
• ½ Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 Tbsp lime juice (1 small lime)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt (more to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Hot Honey Sauce

• 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp hot honey
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (add more if you like it spicier)
• ¼ tsp kosher salt
• dash black pepper

For the Quinoa

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup quinoa, dry

How to Make Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425℉ (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

1. Cut the chicken into cubes.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken with spices and olive oil. Toss until fully coated.
3. Add cubed sweet potatoes to one half of the baking sheet in a single layer. Coat them with olive oil, cornstarch, salt, pepper, smoked paprika & garlic powder.
4. Place seasoned chicken on the other side of the baking sheet.

Step 3: Roast Everything Together

Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉ (75°C).

Step 4: Cook the Quinoa

While roasting, cook quinoa following package instructions in salted water.

Step 5: Make the Purple Cabbage Coleslaw

Shred cabbage and carrots. In a large bowl:
1. Whisk together coleslaw dressing ingredients until well combined.
2. Add cabbage and carrots; mix well.

Step 6: Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce

In either a mason jar or small bowl:
1. Combine Dijon mustard, hot honey, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, grated or minced garlic.
2. Season with salt & pepper; whisk until blended.

Step 7: Assemble Bowls

In serving bowls:
1. Layer quinoa as the base.
2. Top with roasted sweet potatoes and chicken.
3. Add purple cabbage coleslaw on top.
4. Drizzle hot honey sauce over everything!

Enjoy your deliciously Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls!

How to Serve Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat)

These Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro or Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top for added flavor and a pop of color.

Include Extra Crunch

• Chopped Nuts: Add some toasted almonds or walnuts for an extra crunchy texture that complements the bowl beautifully.

Incorporate Avocado

• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices provide healthy fats and enhance the dish’s overall richness.

Serve with Lime Wedges

• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before eating brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty kick.

Pair with a Side Salad

• Simple Green Salad: A light side salad made with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette pairs well for added freshness.

Use Different Bases

• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, swap out quinoa for cauliflower rice while still maintaining that satisfying texture.

How to Perfect Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat)

To ensure your Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls turn out perfectly every time, consider these tips:

• Bold Seasoning: Don’t skimp on seasoning the chicken and sweet potatoes. The more flavor, the better the dish will be!

• Cook at High Heat: Roasting at 425℉ ensures crispy sweet potatoes and juicy chicken. It locks in moisture while giving a nice golden color.

• Rinse Quinoa: Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove any bitterness. This step enhances the overall flavor of your dish.

• Make Dressing Ahead: Prepare the hot honey mustard sauce in advance. Letting it sit enhances its flavors, making it even more delicious when served.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes depending on your heat preference.

• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store each component separately in airtight containers. This keeps everything fresh longer and maintains textures.

Best Side Dishes for Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat)

Pairing side dishes with your Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest, then roast until tender and slightly crispy.

2. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with cucumber, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the bowls well.

3. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries seasoned with paprika offer a crunchy contrast to the soft textures in your bowls.

4. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus drizzled with balsamic glaze adds an elegant touch alongside your chicken bowls.

5. Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini tossed in olive oil and garlic make for a healthy low-carb option that pairs nicely with all ingredients.

6. Corn Salad: A colorful corn salad with diced bell peppers and cilantro brings sweetness that balances the spicy chicken flavors.

7. Steamed Green Beans: Simply steamed green beans seasoned with salt and pepper add freshness without overwhelming other flavors.

8. Cucumber Slaw: A light slaw made from cucumbers dressed in apple cider vinegar offers a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with warm ingredients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls, avoid these common missteps to ensure a delicious result.

• Bold spice measurements: Overestimating spice amounts can lead to overpowering flavors. Always measure carefully for a balanced taste.
• Bold skipping the marination: Failing to allow the chicken to marinate can result in blandness. Marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor.
• Bold neglecting quinoa cooking time: Cooking quinoa too short can leave it crunchy, while overcooking turns it mushy. Follow package instructions for perfect texture.
• Bold overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing too many ingredients on one baking sheet may cause uneven cooking. Use separate sheets or space out items properly.
• Bold ignoring ingredient freshness: Using wilted vegetables or stale spices can impact overall taste. Always choose fresh and high-quality ingredients.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

Freezing Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat)

• For longer storage, freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe containers.
• These can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls.

Can I use other proteins in Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat)?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey, beef, or lamb according to your preference.

What sides pair well with Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls?

These bowls go great with roasted vegetables or a simple side salad for added nutrition.

How can I customize my Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls?

Feel free to add different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also switch the type of grain used, such as brown rice or farro.

Are Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses quinoa and does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.

Final Thoughts

These Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are not only easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing you to customize them based on your taste preferences. With their balance of flavors and textures, they make an excellent meal option for any day of the week. Give them a try and enjoy experimenting with your favorite veggies!