A sweet and spicy chicken bowl with hot honey sauce, greens, and fresh toppings, a healthier and satisfying meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is a vibrant, flavorful, and healthy meal that brings together spicy and sweet flavors with a satisfying crunch. This bowl is inspired by the popular Sweetgreen dish, featuring tender chicken coated in hot honey sauce paired with fresh greens, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or meal prep, and it’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh ingredients. Whether you’re craving something spicy or looking for a wholesome, balanced meal, this recipe has you covered.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp hot honey
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken in olive oil over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Drizzle hot honey over the cooked chicken and let it coat evenly.
- Assemble the bowl with a base of mixed greens, followed by sliced cucumber, avocado, and hot honey chicken.
- Serve with your favorite dressing or a simple vinaigrette.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings
Variations
- Add Grains: For extra fiber and carbs, add quinoa, farro, or rice to the bowl.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the heat by adding sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha.
- Vegan Version: Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based option.
- Extra Veggies: Add roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for more color and nutrients.
- Cheese: Sprinkle some crumbled feta, goat cheese, or shredded cheese for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or a skillet over low heat. For best results, keep the toppings separate to preserve freshness.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work great in this recipe! They’ll add extra flavor and tenderness.
2. Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?
If you don’t have hot honey, you can mix regular honey with a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to add heat to the sauce.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and chop the veggies ahead of time. Just assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat.
4. How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, it should no longer be pink in the center and the juices should run clear.
5. Can I add a different dressing?
Absolutely! A simple vinaigrette, ranch dressing, or even tahini would complement this bowl nicely.
6. Can I make this a low-carb meal?
Yes! Skip the grains and focus on the chicken, greens, and veggies to make it a low-carb, high-protein meal.
7. How can I add more crunch to the bowl?
Toss in some roasted chickpeas, nuts, or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for an added crunch.
8. Can I make the hot honey from scratch?
Yes, you can make hot honey by combining regular honey with chili flakes or hot sauce. Heat it gently on the stove and stir until mixed.
9. How can I make the chicken more flavorful?
Marinate the chicken in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for an hour before cooking for extra flavor.
10. Can I use a different type of protein?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp, steak, or even plant-based protein like tempeh or seitan.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Chicken Bowl is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and fresh flavors, making it an easy and satisfying meal for any occasion. The combination of juicy chicken, tangy hot honey sauce, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber creates a delicious bowl that’s light yet filling. It’s a healthier alternative to fast food or takeout and is easily customizable to suit your preferences. Enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired meal as a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep option!
Print
Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
Satisfy your cravings with the Hot Honey Chicken Bowl, a vibrant, sweet and spicy dish packed with flavor! Inspired by the popular Sweetgreen bowl, this healthy and balanced meal combines tender chicken coated in hot honey sauce with fresh greens, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, it’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh ingredients, making it an easy, wholesome meal for any occasion.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp hot honey
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked through.
- Drizzle Hot Honey: Once the chicken is cooked, drizzle the hot honey over it, allowing it to coat the chicken evenly.
- Assemble the Bowl: Start with a base of mixed greens in each bowl. Top with sliced cucumber, avocado, and the hot honey chicken.
- Serve: Add your favorite dressing or a simple vinaigrette for extra flavor and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add Grains: For more substance, include quinoa, farro, or rice in your bowl.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or drizzle sriracha for an extra spicy kick.
- Vegan Version: Swap the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based option.
- Extra Veggies: Include roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for more flavor and nutrients.
- Cheese: Sprinkle feta, goat cheese, or shredded cheese for a creamy, flavorful touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Salad
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired / Healthy
- Diet: Gluten Free
