This Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is inspired by Sweetgreen’s popular dish and delivers the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. It features juicy, well-seasoned chicken, crispy roasted sweet potatoes, fluffy quinoa, tangy coleslaw, and a hot honey mustard dressing. Topped with crispy fried onions, this wholesome and flavorful meal is packed with textures and nutrients, making it a satisfying and nutritious dinner option.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon lemon pepper
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt

For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes:

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon avocado oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the Quinoa:

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Creamy Tangy Coleslaw:

1 cup shredded red cabbage
½ cup shredded carrots
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon white sugar or honey
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Hot Honey Mustard Dressing:

¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons yellow or Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon avocado oil
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Crispy Fried Onions (Optional):

1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
½ cup buttermilk
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
Oil for frying

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:

In a bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, black pepper, and salt.
Rub the seasoning mixture onto the chicken, making sure to coat evenly.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 7-8 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
Remove from heat and let it rest before slicing.

Roast the Sweet Potatoes:

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Toss the diced sweet potatoes with avocado oil, salt, pepper, and cornstarch.
Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy on the outside and soft inside.

Cook the Quinoa:

In a pot, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Add the rinsed quinoa and toast for another minute.
Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.

Prepare the Coleslaw:

In a mixing bowl, combine red cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar or honey, salt, and black pepper.
Mix well, cover, and refrigerate while preparing the other components.

Make the Hot Honey Mustard Dressing:

In a blender, combine honey, mustard, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, avocado oil, and salt.
Blend until smooth and emulsified.

Fry the Crispy Onions (Optional):

Soak the sliced onions in buttermilk for 15 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix flour and salt.
Dredge the onions in the flour mixture.
Heat oil in a pan and fry the onions until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Assemble the Bowl:

Start with a base of quinoa.
Add roasted sweet potatoes to one side.
Place sliced chicken next to the sweet potatoes.
Add a scoop of coleslaw on the opposite side.
Drizzle hot honey mustard dressing over the chicken and potatoes.
Top with crispy fried onions for extra crunch.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approx. 4 Servings)

Calories: 550 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 7g

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Chicken Bowl

This powerful combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats makes this bowl a nutrient-dense option for lunch or dinner. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Incredibly Flavorful – The hot honey mustard dressing ties everything together, balancing sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
Rich in Nutrients – Packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich quinoa, and antioxidant-filled sweet potatoes.
Balanced Texture – From the crispy roasted sweet potatoes to the creamy coleslaw, every bite is exciting and satisfying.
Meal Prep Friendly – Make all the components ahead of time and assemble quickly for an easy, grab-and-go meal.
Customizable – Easily swap ingredients, adjust the spice level, or make it vegetarian.

What Makes This Dish So Special?

Unlike traditional grain bowls, this dish stands out because of its bold, layered flavors and textural contrast. Each ingredient plays an important role:

Spiced, Juicy Chicken – Marinated in a smoky, well-balanced spice blend, then seared to lock in moisture.
Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Coated in cornstarch for extra crispiness while maintaining a creamy interior.
Fluffy, Garlic-Infused Quinoa – Adds a nutty, protein-rich base to the dish.
Tangy, Creamy Coleslaw – A refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy components.
Hot Honey Mustard Dressing – A perfect fusion of sweet honey, zesty mustard, and spicy red pepper flakes.
Crispy Fried Onions – A crunchy topping that adds a restaurant-quality finishing touch.

The Secret to Juicy, Flavorful Chicken

For perfectly cooked and seasoned chicken, follow these key tips:

Use Chicken Thighs for Maximum Juiciness – Thighs have more natural fat, making them tender and flavorful. If using chicken breasts, cook them carefully to avoid dryness.
Season Generously – The blend of chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
Let the Chicken Rest – After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing to lock in juices.

How to Achieve Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Roasting sweet potatoes correctly makes all the difference in texture. Here’s how to get crispy, caramelized sweet potatoes:

Dice Evenly – Cutting sweet potatoes into uniform cubes helps them cook evenly and consistently.
Use Cornstarch for Extra Crispiness – A light coating of cornstarch creates a golden crust on the outside.
Spread in a Single Layer – Avoid crowding the pan, so each piece gets proper airflow and crisp edges.
Flip Halfway Through – Roasting at 400°F and flipping once ensures an even golden-brown finish.

Why Quinoa Is the Perfect Base

Quinoa is a superfood grain that adds protein, fiber, and a nutty flavor to this dish. Here’s why it’s a great choice:

High in Plant-Based Protein – Provides all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein.
Light and Fluffy Texture – When cooked properly, quinoa is soft yet slightly chewy, making it an ideal base.
Naturally Gluten-Free – A great option for those following gluten-free diets.
Absorbs Flavor Well – Cooking it in chicken broth with garlic infuses extra depth and richness.

Hot Honey Mustard Dressing: The Star of the Dish

The hot honey mustard dressing is what brings all the elements together, adding a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy. Here’s why it works so well:

Sweetness from Honey – Offsets the spicy kick and adds depth to the dressing.
Tanginess from Mustard and Vinegar – Brightens up the flavors and enhances the overall contrast in the dish.
Spicy Heat from Red Pepper Flakes – Adds just the right amount of kick without overpowering the meal.
Smooth Texture from Avocado Oil – Helps the dressing emulsify into a silky consistency.

Adding the Perfect Crunch: Crispy Fried Onions

If you want to elevate this dish, adding crispy fried onions provides a crunchy texture and an extra layer of flavor. Here’s how they enhance the bowl:

Golden and Crispy – Lightly battered and fried to golden perfection.
Slightly Sweet – The natural sweetness of onions complements the spicy and tangy elements of the dish.
Adds a Gourmet Touch – A restaurant-quality finishing touch that takes the dish to the next level.

How to Store and Meal Prep This Dish

This Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is great for meal prep, as each component stores well:

Refrigeration: Store all elements separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm the chicken and sweet potatoes in a skillet or oven at 350°F until heated through. Microwave the quinoa and coleslaw cold or room temperature.
Dressing Storage: Keep the hot honey mustard dressing refrigerated, and shake well before serving.

How to Customize This Bowl

This bowl is versatile and can be customized to fit your taste preferences:

Make It Spicier – Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the dressing.
Swap the Protein – Use shrimp, tofu, salmon, or chickpeas instead of chicken.
Change the Base – Swap quinoa for brown rice, cauliflower rice, or farro.
Make It Vegan – Replace chicken with grilled tempeh or tofu, and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Try Different Toppings – Avocado, pumpkin seeds, or feta cheese would be delicious additions.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What makes this Hot Honey Chicken Bowl better than other grain bowls?

A Unique Hot Honey Dressing – The sweet and spicy dressing brings all the elements together.
A Balanced Combination of Flavors and Textures – Crispy sweet potatoes, juicy chicken, fluffy quinoa, and crunchy coleslaw make each bite exciting.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Weeknight Dinners – Quick to make, easy to store, and reheats beautifully.
Customizable for Any Diet – Whether you want it spicy, vegetarian, or extra protein-packed, you can adjust it easily.

Conclusion

The Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is a perfectly balanced, flavor-packed meal that is both wholesome and indulgent. With spiced chicken, crispy sweet potatoes, fluffy quinoa, crunchy coleslaw, and a hot honey mustard dressing, this dish excites the taste buds and keeps you full and satisfied.

Whether you’re meal prepping, making a quick weeknight dinner, or serving a healthy dish to guests, this bowl is a must-try. The sweet, spicy, and tangy combination makes it stand out from other grain bowls, delivering both comfort and nutrition in every bite.

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Hot Honey Chicken Bowl (Sweetgreen Copycat)