Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat)

These Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat) are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead. They combine bold flavors with fresh ingredients, creating a balanced and nutritious meal. With spicy chicken, hearty quinoa, and crunchy vegetables, this dish is sure to please everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavors: The combination of spices and the hot honey dressing brings excitement to your meal.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with lean protein, whole grains, and an assortment of veggies for a wholesome dish.
• Quick Preparation: With simple steps and minimal clean-up, you can whip up this meal in under an hour.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great for lunch bowls or dinner; customize with your favorite toppings.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare in advance for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls efficiently, having the right tools is essential. These tools will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons
• Mason jar or small bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Perfect for roasting chicken and sweet potatoes evenly.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for marinating chicken and mixing coleslaw ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Ensures all dressing ingredients combine smoothly for the perfect sauce.
• Mason jar: Ideal for shaking up dressings without the need for extra dishes.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

• 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lb sweet potatoes, cubed (about 2 medium-sized potatoes, 3-4 cups)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp 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)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbsp olive oil mayonnaise (or your favorite mayo)
• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

For the Hot Honey Mustard Sauce

• 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 Additional 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 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 and spray it with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

1. Cut the chicken into cubes and season it in a mixing bowl with garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried thyme, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and olive oil. Toss until coated.
2. Cut sweet potatoes into cubes. Place them on one half of the baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat.
3. Place seasoned chicken on the other half of the baking sheet.

Step 3: Roast in Oven

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

Step 4: Cook Quinoa

While chicken and sweet potatoes are roasting, cook quinoa according to package instructions.

Step 5: Make Purple Cabbage Coleslaw

Shred cabbage and carrots. In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar along with salt and pepper. Add shredded cabbage and carrots; mix well.

Step 6: Whisk Hot Honey Sauce

In a mason jar or small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, hot honey, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, grated or minced garlic with salt and pepper. Whisk until well combined.

Step 7: Assemble Bowls

In each serving bowl, layer quinoa first followed by coleslaw mix topped with roasted chicken and sweet potatoes. Drizzle hot honey mustard sauce over everything before serving!

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

These Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are not just a meal; they are a complete dining experience! You can customize your bowls with various toppings and sides to elevate the flavors even more.

Add Extra Crunch

• Nuts or Seeds: Top your bowl with toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch.
• Crispy Onions: Sprinkle some crispy fried onions for an added layer of texture.

Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds freshness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Green Onions: Sliced green onions provide a mild onion flavor that complements the dish beautifully.

Spicy Kick

• Sriracha: Drizzle some Sriracha on top for those who enjoy an extra spicy kick.
• Hot Sauce: A few drops of your favorite hot sauce can elevate the heat level to your liking.

Flavorful Extras

• Avocado: Add slices of creamy avocado for richness and healthy fats.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side so everyone can add a splash of citrus for brightness.

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

To ensure your Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls turn out delicious every time, keep these handy tips in mind:

• Bold Seasoning: Season your chicken generously with spices. This enhances flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
• Roasting Technique: Make sure to spread sweet potatoes and chicken in a single layer on the baking sheet. This allows for even cooking and crispiness.
• Quinoa Cooking: Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove bitterness. This ensures it has a light, fluffy texture.
• Coleslaw Crispiness: Prepare coleslaw ingredients just before serving to maintain their crunch.
• Hot Honey Balance: Adjust the amount of hot honey based on your spice tolerance. Taste as you go!
• Layering Ingredients: When assembling, layer ingredients rather than mixing them all together. This keeps flavors distinct.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls can make for an even more satisfying meal. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious green veggie that pairs well with the bold flavors.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts bring sweetness and depth, complementing the spicy chicken.
3. Garlic Breadsticks: Serve warm breadsticks brushed with garlic butter alongside for a comforting touch.
4. Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance.
5. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and color, perfect as a palate cleanser.
6. Couscous Salad: Light couscous mixed with herbs and lemon offers another grain option that complements the bowl nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are some common pitfalls when making Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Using the wrong chicken part: Opting for chicken thighs or breasts is crucial for tenderness. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy.
• Skipping marination: Not allowing the chicken to marinate can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to coat it well with spices and oil before baking.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: This can steam the ingredients instead of roasting them. Ensure enough space between chicken and sweet potatoes for even cooking.
• Neglecting quinoa instructions: Cooking quinoa incorrectly can result in a mushy texture. Follow package directions closely for perfect results.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Tasting as you go is key. Don’t forget to adjust salt, pepper, and spices based on your preference.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat)

• Place cooled bowls in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• These bowls can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until everything is warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls a Sweetgreen Copycat?

These bowls replicate Sweetgreen’s signature flavors with spicy chicken, quinoa, and crunchy veggies topped with a hot honey mustard dressing.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken with roasted chickpeas or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version of Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls.

How long does it take to prepare Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls?

The total prep time is around 50 minutes, including 20 minutes of preparation and about 30 minutes of cooking time.

What can I substitute for quinoa?

If you prefer another grain, try brown rice or farro as a great alternative in these Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are not only flavorful but also versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite veggies or grains. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavors that everyone will love!