Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat)

These Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat) are not just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavors! Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this recipe brings together spicy chicken, hearty quinoa, and vibrant vegetables. The standout feature is the Hot Honey Mustard dressing that ties the entire dish together, offering an irresistible balance of heat and sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just about 50 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and nutrients from colorful veggies.
• Flavorful & Satisfying: A delightful mix of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite.
• Versatile Meal Option: Great for lunch or dinner, and can easily be adapted to your taste preferences.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Makes four servings, ideal for planning ahead or feeding a family.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Sheet: Ensures even cooking of chicken and sweet potatoes while allowing them to caramelize perfectly.
• Mixing Bowls: Essential for marinating chicken and mixing coleslaw without mess.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending the dressing ingredients smoothly and evenly.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 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
– 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
– 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
– 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
– 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
– ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1 cup dry quinoa

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 with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

• Cut the chicken and sweet potatoes into cubes.
• In a mixing bowl, combine chicken with marinade ingredients including spices and olive oil. Toss until coated.
• Place sweet potato cubes on one half of the baking sheet in a single layer. Coat with olive oil, cornstarch, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
• Add seasoned chicken to the other half of the baking sheet. Cook in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes until golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165℉ (75°C).

Step 3: Cook the Quinoa

While the chicken and sweet potatoes roast, cook quinoa according to package instructions.

Step 4: Make Purple Cabbage Coleslaw

• Shred purple cabbage and carrots; set aside.
• In a large bowl, whisk together coleslaw dressing ingredients. Add 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, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until combined.

Step 6: Assemble Bowls

In serving bowls:
* Layer quinoa at the base followed by coleslaw mix.
* Top 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 only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them in various ways to suit your preferences and make them even more delightful.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Chopped cilantro or parsley can brighten the flavors and add a fresh touch to your bowls.

Incorporate Avocado

• Sliced or diced avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats, complementing the dish perfectly.

Serve with Lime Wedges

• A squeeze of fresh lime enhances the flavors and adds a zesty kick that balances the sweetness of the honey.

Use Different Greens

• Swap out purple cabbage for other greens like spinach or kale for a different texture and flavor profile.

Top with Nuts or Seeds

• A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts can provide an extra crunch and elevate the dish’s nutritional value.

Serve with Tortilla Chips

• For a fun twist, serve your bowls alongside crunchy tortilla chips for added texture and enjoyment.

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

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

• Marinate the Chicken: Letting the chicken sit in the spice mixture for at least 30 minutes enhances its flavor.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh produce and high-quality chicken will greatly improve the taste of your dish.

• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on both chicken and sweet potatoes while roasting to avoid overcooking; they should be tender yet firm.

• Customize Your Dressing: Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less hot honey, depending on your spice preference.

• Use Leftovers Wisely: These bowls are perfect for meal prep; store leftovers in airtight containers to enjoy later in the week.

• Experiment with Grains: While quinoa is great, feel free to try brown rice, farro, or couscous for variety in your bowls.

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 great options to consider:

1. Roasted Broccoli

2. Crispy roasted broccoli adds a nutritious crunch that complements the sweet and spicy elements of your bowls.

3. Cucumber Salad

4. A refreshing cucumber salad dressed with vinegar offers a cool contrast to the warm bowl ingredients.

5. Corn Salsa

6. Bright corn salsa brings sweetness and acidity, balancing out the rich flavors of the chicken and sauce.

7. Quinoa Tabbouleh

8. A light tabbouleh made with quinoa serves as a vibrant side that adds freshness through herbs and lemon juice.

9. Garlic Breadsticks

10. Soft garlic breadsticks are perfect for soaking up any leftover hot honey mustard sauce from your bowls!

11. Zucchini Noodles

12. Spiralized zucchini noodles offer a low-carb option that still provides satisfying volume alongside your protein-packed bowl.

13. Mixed Green Salad

14. A simple mixed green salad drizzled with vinaigrette is refreshing and lightens up the meal beautifully.

15. Sweet Potato Fries

16. Crispy sweet potato fries echo the sweet potato cubes in your bowls while providing an extra layer of flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls can be straightforward, but avoiding common mistakes is key to achieving the best flavor and texture.

• Not seasoning properly: Skipping or under-seasoning the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to coat the chicken well with the spice mixture for a flavorful result.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing too much chicken or sweet potatoes on one tray can cause steaming instead of roasting. Give each piece space for even cooking and crispiness.
• Ignoring cooking temperatures: Cooking the chicken at too low a temperature can lead to rubbery meat. Always preheat your oven to 425℉ (220°C) for optimal roasting.
• Forgetting to soak quinoa: Not rinsing or soaking quinoa before cooking can lead to bitterness. Always rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove its natural coating.
• Skipping the coleslaw dressing: Not mixing the coleslaw dressing thoroughly can result in uneven flavors in the salad. Whisk well and combine for a balanced taste.
• Neglecting storage methods: Improper storage can diminish freshness. Use airtight containers and refrigerate leftovers promptly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Ensure all components are cooled before sealing them.

Freezing Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat)

• Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat)

• Oven: Preheat to 350℉ (175℃). Place bowls on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

You can easily substitute chicken with turkey or beef for different flavors while keeping it healthy.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make this recipe vegetarian, replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or tofu marinated in similar spices.

What is hot honey?

Hot honey is honey infused with chili peppers, giving it a sweet and spicy kick that elevates dishes like these bowls.

How do I customize my Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also adjust the spice levels based on your preference.

Can I meal prep these bowls?

Absolutely! These bowls are perfect for meal prep. Just store each component separately until you’re ready to enjoy them.

What should I serve alongside these bowls?

A fresh side salad or steamed veggies would complement these bowls nicely without adding too many extra calories.

Final Thoughts

Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are a delicious option for dinner that balances health and flavor beautifully. With customizable ingredients, you can tweak this dish according to your taste preferences while still enjoying its nutritious benefits. Give it a try; you’ll love how easy it is to prepare!