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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 cup hot honey These ingredients come together to create a dish that sings with flavors. The chicken is the star, cooked to juicy perfection. Quinoa adds texture and nutrition. Olive oil helps with cooking, while garlic powder and smoked paprika add depth. Hot honey brings the sweet and spicy kick that makes this bowl unforgettable. - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 avocado, sliced - 1 cup baby spinach or arugula - 2 green onions, chopped Fresh ingredients brighten up the bowl. Cherry tomatoes offer a burst of sweetness. Avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats. Baby spinach or arugula provides a fresh crunch. Lastly, green onions add a lovely hint of onion flavor. - Sesame seeds for garnish - Hot sauce mix for flavor enhancement While optional, sesame seeds give a nice crunch and visual appeal. If you want more heat, feel free to add a hot sauce mix. It’s all about your taste and how spicy you like it! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is key. It helps the chicken sear well and get crispy. Next, season both sides with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Seasoning adds depth and flavor. Without it, your chicken may taste bland. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Now, reduce the heat to low. Pour the hot honey over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Make sure to turn the chicken to coat it evenly in the glaze. While the chicken simmers, prepare your serving bowl. Start with a base of cooked quinoa, then add baby spinach or arugula. This layering creates a colorful and tasty bowl. Next, slice the honey-glazed chicken and place it on top of the quinoa. Add halved cherry tomatoes and sliced avocado. Finally, sprinkle chopped green onions on top. If you like, drizzle any remaining hot honey from the skillet over the entire bowl for extra flavor. - Use a meat thermometer. Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). - To get a golden-brown crust, pat the chicken dry first. Season it well. Searing in hot oil also helps. - Hot honey blends sweet and spicy. Adjust the mix to get the right balance. - You can make hot honey at home. Mix honey with a dash of your favorite hot sauce. - Layer your ingredients neatly. Start with quinoa, then add greens and toppings. - Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. This adds color and flavor. Enjoy the visual appeal! Pro Tips Rest the Chicken: After cooking, let your chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful. Customize the Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of hot honey or mix it with regular honey. You can always add more heat to your liking at the end! Quinoa Variations: Feel free to substitute quinoa with brown rice, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Each grain will give a different texture and flavor. Fresh Toppings: Experiment with different toppings like diced cucumbers, radishes, or a sprinkle of feta cheese to add freshness and complexity to your chicken bowl. {{image_2}} You can easily swap chicken for tofu or tempeh. Both options soak up flavors well. Use firm tofu for the best texture. Cut it into chunks and season like the chicken. For tempeh, steam it first to soften. Cook both in the same way as the chicken. Then, glaze them with hot honey for a sweet and spicy kick. Try using brown rice or couscous instead of quinoa. Both grains have unique flavors and textures. Brown rice adds a nutty taste, while couscous cooks quickly. You can also mix in seasonal vegetables for freshness. Think of bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. These add color and nutrients to your dish. Pair your bowl with sides like roasted veggies or a crisp salad. A light cucumber salad complements the spice well. If you meal prep, divide the bowl into containers. This makes lunch easy and tasty. You can also add a side of hummus or yogurt for dipping. To keep your Hot Honey Chicken Bowl fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the chicken, quinoa, and veggies together or separately for best results. In the fridge, enjoy your meal within three days. For freezing, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer bag. You can freeze the hot honey sauce in a small container. It will stay good for up to three months. Just remember to label your containers with the date! To reheat, the best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the chicken tender and juicy. You can also use the microwave. Heat on medium power in short bursts of 1 minute. Check often to avoid overcooking. If using the microwave, add a splash of water to keep it moist. The chicken lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Quinoa and veggies stay fresh for the same time. If you freeze them, the chicken and sauce last about three months. Watch for signs of spoilage. If the chicken looks gray or smells off, it's best to toss it. For quinoa, look for a sour smell or unusual texture. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety! Hot honey is a mix of honey and heat. It brings sweet and spicy flavors together. You can make it by adding a small amount of hot sauce to honey. You can also infuse honey with chili peppers. This sweet and spicy blend works well on many dishes. Use it on chicken, pizza, or even vegetables. It adds a fun twist and brightens up your meals. Yes, this recipe can be dairy-free! Check your ingredients carefully. Chicken, quinoa, and hot honey are all dairy-free. The only potential dairy comes from any sauces or toppings. If you add cheese, just skip it or use a dairy-free option. This way, everyone can enjoy the hot honey chicken bowl. You can change the spice level easily in this recipe. If you want less heat, use less hot sauce or mix in regular honey. For more heat, add more hot sauce to the honey. You can also use hotter peppers for a kick. Tasting as you go helps to find the right heat for your taste. Enjoy experimenting until you find your perfect balance! This blog post covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for a tasty chicken dish. I shared ways to enhance flavors with hot honey and how to serve everything up nicely. Remember, you can switch out ingredients to match your taste and needs, like trying a vegetarian option. Proper storage and reheating techniques help keep your meal fresh for later. With these insights, you can cook delicious meals and enjoy them again. Happy cooking!

Sweet & Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Bowl

A delicious bowl featuring honey-glazed chicken with quinoa and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.25 cup hot honey
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 piece avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup baby spinach or arugula
  • 2 pieces green onions, chopped
  • optional sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Glaze with Hot Honey: Reduce the heat to low and pour the hot honey over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Allow the chicken to simmer in the honey glaze for an additional 2-3 minutes, turning to coat evenly.
  • Prepare the Bowl: In a large serving bowl, start with a base of cooked quinoa. Add the baby spinach or arugula on top.
  • Layer the Toppings: Slice the honey-glazed chicken and place it over the quinoa. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced avocado.
  • Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top and, if desired, add sesame seeds for an extra crunch. Drizzle any remaining hot honey from the skillet over the entire bowl for added flavor.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through.
Keyword bowl meal, chicken, hot honey, quinoa