Meal prepping has become a significant trend for those looking to save money and ensure they have healthy, delicious meals throughout the week.
One of my favorite dishes to prep is Hot Honey Chicken Bowls, inspired by a meal my husband always orders at Sweetgreen.
However, we’re trying to cut down on eating out, so we’re making these at home instead and saving money while doing it!
Ingredients
To make six large servings of Hot Honey Chicken Bowls, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups quinoa
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or tofu for a vegetarian option)
- 3 large sweet potatoes
- 1/2 head of red cabbage
- 2 large carrots
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Spices for blackened chicken: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper
- (Optional) Crispy shallots
Introduction
Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are a perfect blend of flavors and textures, combining the spiciness of hot honey sauce, the crunchiness of slaw, and the heartiness of quinoa and blackened chicken.
This dish not only satisfies the taste buds but is also incredibly nutritious.
The combination of protein, healthy fats, and fiber will keep you full and energized.
Plus, making these bowls at home is significantly cheaper than buying them from a restaurant.
One store-bought serving is about $15, but by meal prepping, you can make six servings for around $6.50 each.
1. Cooking the Quinoa
Start by rinsing 2 cups of quinoa under cold water.
This step is essential to remove the natural coating, called saponin, which can make the quinoa taste bitter.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 4 cups of water.
Add a pinch of salt, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
After that, fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains.
2. Preparing the Chicken (or Tofu)
For the chicken, combine the following spices in a small bowl: 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then coat them with the spice mixture.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil.
Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice blackened crust.
If you’re using tofu, press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into cubes.
Toss the cubes in the same spice mixture and cook them in the skillet until crispy on all sides.
3. Roasting the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, then toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and starting to caramelize around the edges.
Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
4. Making the Slaw
Thinly slice half a head of red cabbage and shred 2 large carrots. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage and carrots with 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and a pinch of salt.
Toss everything together and let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
This slaw adds a nice crunch and acidity to balance the richness of the chicken and sweet potatoes.
5. Preparing the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon hot sauce.
Adjust the proportions to taste, depending on how spicy you like it.
This sauce is the key to adding that extra kick to the bowls.
6. Assembling the Bowls
Now comes the fun part: assembling your Hot Honey Chicken Bowls.
Start with a generous scoop of quinoa as the base.
Top with slices of blackened chicken (or tofu), a portion of roasted sweet potatoes, and a handful of slaw.
Drizzle the hot honey sauce over everything.
For an extra crunch, you can top with crispy shallots, which are optional but highly recommended.
Storage Tips
These bowls are perfect for meal prep.
Once assembled, let everything cool to room temperature before sealing them in your storage containers.
Vacuum seal storage containers are ideal for keeping food super fresh.
If you plan to store the components separately, make sure each is in an airtight container.
The bowls will keep well in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Final Thoughts
Making Hot Honey Chicken Bowls at home is a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal while saving money.
Meal prepping not only helps you control what goes into your food but also ensures you have a nutritious meal ready to go any day of the week.
The combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors in these bowls is truly irresistible, and the fact that they stay fresh and delicious for days makes them a must-try recipe.
Try out this recipe and see how easy and rewarding it is to create your favorite takeout meals at home.
Not only will you enjoy the process, but you’ll also appreciate the savings and the ability to customize the dish to your liking.
Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or someone who just loves good food, these Hot Honey Chicken Bowls are sure to become a staple in your meal prep routine.
Remember, the key to successful meal prepping is to make it enjoyable.
Set aside a few hours on a Sunday, play your favorite music, and create these delicious bowls.
Your future self will thank you for the effort, and your taste buds will delight in the flavors all week long.
Happy cooking!