Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat)

These Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat) are a delicious and nutritious option for lunch or dinner. Packed with spicy chicken, quinoa, and vibrant vegetables, this dish offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a casual dinner party, these bowls are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes only 20 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: Enjoy the bold flavors from the spices and the hot honey mustard dressing that brings everything together.
• Healthy Ingredients: Featuring lean chicken, sweet potatoes, and fresh veggies, this dish is packed with nutrients.
• Versatile Meal Option: Customize your bowls with your favorite toppings or substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These bowls store well in the fridge, making them great for lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this recipe, gather your essential tools to make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: This is essential for roasting chicken and sweet potatoes evenly.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Mixing bowls: Ideal for marinating chicken and mixing coleslaw ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining dressings without clumps.

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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 and spray it with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

1. Cut the chicken and sweet potatoes into cubes.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken with marinade ingredients including spices and olive oil. Toss until coated.
3. Place sweet potato cubes on one half of the baking sheet in a single layer. Coat them in olive oil, cornstarch, salt, pepper, smoked paprika & garlic powder.
4. Add seasoned chicken on the other side of the baking sheet.
5. Roast in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165℉ (75°C).

Step 3: Cook Quinoa

While chicken and sweet potatoes roast:
– Cook quinoa according to package instructions.

Step 4: Make Purple Cabbage Coleslaw

1. Shred cabbage and carrots; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together coleslaw dressing ingredients.
3. Add shredded cabbage and carrots; mix well.

Step 5: Prepare Hot Honey Sauce

In a mason jar or small bowl:
– Whisk together Dijon mustard, hot honey, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, grated garlic (if using), salt + pepper.

Step 6: Assemble Bowls

In serving bowls:
– Layer quinoa first followed by coleslaw mixture then add roasted chicken & sweet potatoes on top.
– Drizzle hot honey mustard sauce over everything!

Enjoy your Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls!

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

These Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are versatile and can be customized based on your taste preferences. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Add Extra Crunch

• Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped almonds on top for added texture and nutty flavor.
• Croutons: Include crispy croutons made from whole grain bread for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the tender chicken.

Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro: Garnish your bowl with freshly chopped cilantro to add a burst of freshness.
• Green Onions: Thinly sliced green onions can provide a mild onion flavor and vibrant color to your dish.

Avocado Slices

• Creamy Avocado: Adding slices of ripe avocado introduces a creamy element that complements the spiciness of the hot honey sauce.

Serve with Lime Wedges

• Zesty Flavor Boost: Place lime wedges on the side so diners can squeeze fresh juice over their bowls for an extra zing.

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

To make these Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls truly shine, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Seasonings: Use fresh spices whenever possible for more vibrant flavors in your chicken and sweet potatoes.
• Cook Until Crispy: Ensure the chicken is cooked until golden brown for a satisfying texture that enhances flavor.
• Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken earlier in the day or overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
• Use Leftovers Wisely: These bowls are great for meal prep; enjoy leftovers for lunch with added greens or grains.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls can elevate the meal. Consider these delightful options.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious green element that complements the main dish.
2. Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus roasted with garlic provides a savory, satisfying contrast.
3. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon dressing offers additional textures and flavors.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled to perfection pairs well with the spicy elements of the bowl.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts seasoned with balsamic glaze bring depth and richness to your meal.
6. Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad dressed in vinaigrette adds freshness and balances out the richness of the hot honey sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your cooking experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Neglecting the Marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken properly can result in bland flavor. Make sure to coat the chicken well with spices and olive oil before cooking.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165℉ (75°C).
• Ignoring Quinoa Cooking Instructions: Not following the quinoa package instructions may lead to mushy or undercooked grains. Always rinse and measure water accurately.
• Skipping the Coleslaw: Omitting the cabbage and carrot slaw means missing out on crunch and freshness. Prepare this component for a balanced texture.
• Forgetting About Serving Sauce: Skipping the hot honey mustard sauce can make your bowls less exciting. Drizzle generously over all ingredients for enhanced flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in airtight containers.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat)

• Freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe containers.
• Best used within 2-3 months.

Reheating Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat)

• Oven: Preheat to 350℉ (175℃) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a pan, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a quick FAQ section addressing common queries about Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat).

What ingredients are in Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat)?

The bowls include chicken, sweet potatoes, quinoa, purple cabbage, carrots, and a flavorful hot honey mustard dressing.

How can I customize my Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls?

Feel free to add different vegetables like bell peppers or kale. You can also substitute chicken with turkey or beef based on your preference.

Can I make these bowls vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian option.

How spicy is the hot honey sauce?

The spice level can be adjusted by adding more or less cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes according to your taste.

How do I store leftover Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

These Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are not only delicious but also highly customizable. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or meal prep option, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Experiment with various veggies or proteins to suit your taste!