Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat)

These Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat) are the perfect solution for a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Packed with spicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a sweet honey mustard dressing, these bowls are great for meal prep or a family dinner. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or looking for a nutritious meal option, this recipe has something for everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare – With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have these bowls ready in no time.
• Flavorful Ingredients – The combination of spices and the hot honey mustard dressing elevates the dish with bold flavors.
• Versatile – Customize your bowl with different vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand.
• Meal Prep Friendly – Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy healthy lunches throughout the week.
• Nutritious – Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this dish supports a healthy lifestyle.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather these essential tools before you start. Having the right equipment simplifies the process and helps you achieve great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Mason jar (or small bowl)
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet – Allows for even cooking of chicken and sweet potatoes while providing ample space.
• Mixing bowls – Essential for marinating chicken and mixing coleslaw ingredients thoroughly.
• Whisk – Perfect for combining dressing ingredients quickly without lumps.

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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: Prep the Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Preheat the oven to 425℉ (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it with cooking spray. Cut the chicken and sweet potatoes into cubes. In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine chicken with marinade ingredients including spices and olive oil.
2. Toss until coated.

Step 2: Roast Everything Together

On one half of the baking sheet:
1. Add sweet potato cubes in a single layer.
2. Coat them in olive oil, cornstarch, salt, pepper, smoked paprika & garlic powder.
On the other half:
3. Place seasoned chicken in an even layer.
4. Roast everything for 25-30 minutes until chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165℉ (75°C).

Step 3: Cook the Quinoa

While roasting:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.

Step 4: Make the Purple Cabbage Coleslaw

Shred cabbage and carrots then set aside. In a large bowl:
1. Combine coleslaw dressing ingredients.
2. Whisk well to combine.
3. Add shredded cabbage and carrots; mix thoroughly.

Step 5: Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce

In a mason jar or small bowl:
1. Whisk together Dijon mustard, hot honey, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, grated or minced garlic along with salt + pepper.

Step 6: Assemble Your Bowls

In bowls:
1. Layer cooked quinoa at the bottom.
2. Add coleslaw mix on top.
3. Top with roasted chicken & sweet potatoes.
4. Drizzle hot honey mustard sauce over everything!

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 serve them in a variety of ways to suit your taste or occasion.

For a Family Dinner

• Serve the bowls family-style by placing all ingredients on the table, allowing everyone to customize their own bowl with chicken, quinoa, and coleslaw.

Meal Prep for the Week

• Prepare individual servings in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go meals during the week. Just store the hot honey sauce separately to keep everything fresh.

As a Lunch Option

• Pack these bowls for lunch at work or school. They stay fresh and flavorful, making them a satisfying midday meal.

With Extra Toppings

• Enhance your bowls with toppings like sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, or toasted nuts for added flavor and texture.

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

To elevate your Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls, consider these helpful tips:

• Choose Quality Chicken: Use fresh, high-quality chicken thighs or breasts for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Marinate Longer: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance its flavor.
• Roast Sweet Potatoes Well: Make sure sweet potatoes are evenly coated with seasoning. This ensures they roast perfectly caramelized and crispy.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer more heat, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes in the recipe.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables in your coleslaw mix. This adds crunch and vibrancy to your dish.
• Store Sauce Separately: Keep the hot honey sauce separate until serving to prevent sogginess 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:

1. Steamed Broccoli: A simple yet nutritious side that adds a bright color and complements the flavors of the bowl.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in olive oil and seasoning, these crispy bites provide a delightful contrast.
3. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, vinegar, and herbs can balance out the spiciness of the hot honey sauce.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and parsley works well as an additional protein source.
5. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness that pairs nicely with spicy dishes.
6. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter can be a comforting addition to your meal.
7. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad offers a sweet contrast that lightens up the meal.
8. Mixed Green Salad: A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides freshness that complements all elements of the bowl.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold Seasoning Choices: Using too little seasoning can make your chicken bland. Ensure you coat the chicken evenly with all spices for maximum flavor.
• Bold Sweet Potato Preparation: Not cubing sweet potatoes evenly can lead to inconsistent cooking. Cut them into uniform pieces for even roasting.
• Bold Quinoa Cooking: Failing to rinse quinoa before cooking can result in a bitter taste. Always rinse it under cold water to enhance its flavor.
• Bold Sauce Mixing: Over-mixing the hot honey sauce can cause it to separate. Mix just until combined for a smooth dressing.
• Bold Bowl Assembly: Layering ingredients incorrectly may affect taste and texture. Start with quinoa, then add chicken and veggies for the best experience.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers.
• Can be kept for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat)

• Freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe containers.
• Best enjoyed within 2-3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls (Sweetgreen Copycat)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes) on medium power, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

These bowls feature spicy chicken, quinoa, sweet potatoes, and purple cabbage coleslaw, all topped with a flavorful hot honey mustard dressing.

Can I customize the ingredients in Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls?

Absolutely! You can swap out vegetables or use different proteins like turkey or beef based on your preferences.

How do I make these bowls gluten-free?

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

How long do Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls last?

They last up to 3-4 days in the fridge and up to 2-3 months if frozen properly.

Final Thoughts

These Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any night of the week. With options to customize ingredients based on your preference, they’re perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy meal that’s packed with flavor. Give this recipe a try and delight in every bite!