Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe (Sweetgreen Copycat)

Healthy hot honey chicken bowl recipe I knew I had to make one of my own after trying the Sweetgreen version. It had that perfect balance: spicy, sweet, crunchy, fresh. But I also knew I could recreate it in a way that felt lighter, cleaner, and better for my family’s weekly meals.

This homemade version has everything I loved in the original tender chicken, caramelized sweet potatoes, crisp cabbage slaw, and that fiery honey mustard sauce. But it’s built with everyday ingredients, baked instead of fried, and packed with real nutrition. It’s also gluten-free and easy to prep in advance.

If you’re into bold flavor combinations like this Healthy hot honey chicken bowl recipe, my hot honey chicken rice bowl might be another one you’ll love it’s spicier, rice-based, and just as comforting.

Why I Created This Healthy Bowl

Recreating comfort food with a clean twist

I’m always looking for meals that feel like comfort food but still leave me feeling light and energized. This healthy hot honey chicken bowl recipe checks every box: it’s quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and flexible enough to adapt to what I have on hand.

I bake the chicken and sweet potatoes on one sheet pan to keep things simple. While that roasts, I cook the quinoa and prep the slaw. Every part is packed with flavor, and that hot honey dressing pulls everything together in one crave-worthy bite.

My go-to for meal prep and family dinners

This Healthy hot honey chicken bowl recipe has become a favorite around here. It’s one of those recipes I come back to again and again especially when I want something nourishing that doesn’t take hours. I love laying out all the parts and letting everyone build their own bowl.

And if you’re into experimenting with flavor, keep an eye out for my Baja hot honey chicken bowl that one’s coming soon with a smoky-southwest twist.

Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe (Sweetgreen Copycat)

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• Author: Mouny
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 bowls
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A bold and balanced healthy hot honey chicken bowl recipe made with quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, spiced chicken, and a creamy cabbage slaw. Perfect for meal prep and packed with nourishing ingredients.

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Ingredients

1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 lb sweet potatoes, cubed

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp cornstarch

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

3 cups shredded purple cabbage

1.5 cups shredded carrots

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 tbsp olive oil mayo

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp hot honey

1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard

2 tbsp lime juice

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp hot honey

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp kosher salt

Dash of black pepper

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 cup dry quinoa

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cube chicken and sweet potatoes. Toss chicken in spices and olive oil.

3. Season sweet potatoes with oil, spices, and cornstarch. Spread both on baking sheet.

4. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and chicken reaches 165°F.

5. Cook quinoa according to package directions using broth for added flavor.

6. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayo, lime juice, vinegar, honey, mustard, and spices for the slaw dressing. Add shredded cabbage and carrots.

7. Whisk together hot honey mustard dressing in a mason jar or small bowl.

8. Assemble bowls with quinoa, chicken, sweet potatoes, slaw, and a drizzle of dressing.

Notes

Prep components ahead to simplify weeknight meals.

Store dressing separately to keep slaw and bowl fresh.

Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for variation.

Keep slaw crunchy by storing in a sealed container.

Great for lunch meal prep and clean dinners.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Comfort in a Bowl
• Method: Oven
• Cuisine: American

What You Need to Make This Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe

The best part about this healthy hot honey chicken bowl recipe is how balanced and simple it is. Every ingredient has a purpose bringing either flavor, texture, or nourishment to the bowl. Most of it you probably already have on hand.

Key ingredients (and a few smart upgrades)

Here’s what you’ll need for the base:

• Chicken thighs or breasts – I usually go with thighs for flavor and juiciness, but breasts work great if you want it even leaner.
• Sweet potatoes – Roasted until crispy on the outside and soft inside. Tossed in paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of cornstarch for that golden edge.
• Quinoa – I cook mine in broth for extra flavor. It’s gluten-free, filling, and reheats perfectly for leftovers.
• Purple cabbage & carrots – Shredded and tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt slaw with lime and honey.
• Hot honey mustard dressing – Made with Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and just enough heat to balance the sweetness.

I based this on the Sweetgreen hot honey chicken bowl but made it a little lighter and more customizable. This version uses no refined sugars or heavy sauces, and it’s entirely gluten-free.

If you’re craving more heat and depth, this healthy hot honey chicken bowl recipe is perfect for layering bold flavor with fresh texture.

Easy substitutions and tips

This recipe works beautifully with swaps. Here are a few I’ve tried:

• No quinoa? Use brown rice, farro, or cauliflower rice.
• Vegetarian? Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or chickpeas, tossed in the same seasoning.
• Dairy-free? Use a vegan mayo and leave out the Greek yogurt in the slaw.

If you’re a fan of savory crunch, my crispy chicken roasted sweet potato bowl is another favorite with similar textures and hearty flavors.

This healthy hot honey chicken bowl recipe is incredibly forgiving. You can prep it all ahead, mix and match ingredients, and it still tastes amazing every time.

How to Make This Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe

This healthy hot honey chicken bowl recipe is just as easy as it is flavorful. You’ll love how everything cooks at the same time while the rest of the ingredients come together. It’s a meal prep dream, especially for busy weeks.

Step-by-step instructions for flavor and ease

1. Prep the chicken and sweet potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425℉ (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and give it a quick spray. Cut your chicken and sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes.

In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil and all the spices garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a touch of cayenne. You want every piece well coated.

On the same sheet pan, toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Spread them out on one half, and place the seasoned chicken on the other side. Bake everything for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

2. While that bakes, make the quinoa and slaw
Quinoa is quick and easy just follow the package instructions, but use broth instead of water if you want more depth. I usually get it started right after putting the sheet pan in the oven.

While that simmers, mix up your slaw dressing in a large bowl: Greek yogurt, mayo, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, Dijon, hot honey, and a few simple spices. Then toss in your shredded cabbage and carrots until everything’s coated.

Make-ahead tips and storage notes

This healthy hot honey chicken bowl recipe was made with meal prep in mind. Here’s how I make it even easier:

• Make the quinoa ahead – Store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Prep the slaw separately – It keeps well and stays crunchy in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Double the dressing – Trust me, you’ll want extra. It’s good on wraps, salads, or grilled veggies too.

If you’re planning for the week, assemble bowls in individual containers and keep the dressing on the side. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the chicken and potatoes and drizzle the hot honey mustard on top. It’s fast, flavorful, and keeps your lunches anything but boring.

Why This Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe Works

This bowl hits that perfect balance nourishing, colorful, and full of bold flavor. It fits just about every diet goal I’ve had over the years without ever feeling like a “healthy” compromise.

Nutritional balance in every bite

This healthy hot honey chicken bowl recipe is naturally gluten-free, high in lean protein, and packed with fiber and antioxidants thanks to the sweet potatoes and cabbage. The quinoa adds a plant-based protein boost and helps keep you full longer.

Unlike a lot of fast-casual bowls, this version keeps added sugar and oil in check. The hot honey mustard gives you bold flavor with better-for-you ingredients. And using Greek yogurt in the slaw gives it a creamy texture with more protein and less fat.

If you’re tracking macros or following a balanced eating plan, this bowl fits in beautifully whether it’s lunch, dinner, or even post-workout fuel.

Make it your own: swaps, add-ons, and serving ideas

One of the reasons I love this healthy hot honey chicken bowl recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few fun ways I’ve changed it up:

• Add greens: Layer it over arugula or spinach for even more texture and nutrition.
• Use another protein: Grilled shrimp or tofu works beautifully with the hot honey mustard.
• Spice it up: Add sliced jalapeños or double the red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Coming soon, I’ll be sharing a baja hot honey chicken bowl a smoky, southwest-inspired variation that brings even more boldness to the table.

And if you’re in the mood for hearty comfort, don’t miss my crispy chicken roasted sweet potato bowl another reader favorite for good reason.

Final Thoughts on the Healthy Hot Honey Chicken Bowl Recipe

There’s a reason this healthy hot honey chicken bowl recipe is on repeat in my kitchen. It’s quick enough for weeknights, tasty enough for guests, and simple enough to prep ahead for busy weeks. Every component works together, but it also holds up beautifully when you want to change things up.

When meals are this satisfying, clean eating doesn’t feel like a chore it feels like comfort food, made smarter.

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