Spicy Sweet Chicken Bowl Recipe

Craving a delightful meal that balances sweetness with a kick of spice? Look no further than the tantalizing Sweet Spicy Chicken Bowl recipe. This dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, featuring juicy chicken, oven-roasted sweet potatoes, and tangy slaw. Each bite offers a symphony of tastes, making it a comforting yet exciting meal option that will surely satisfy your taste buds.

I stumbled upon this Sweet Spicy Chicken Bowl recipe during a hectic period when elaborate cooking seemed out of reach. To my surprise, this simple yet flavorful dish quickly became a household favorite. With high-quality ingredients like free-range chicken thighs, this recipe takes on a whole new level of deliciousness. The aroma that wafts through the kitchen as it cooks is simply irresistible, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating mealtime.

One of the highlights of this dish is the crispy rice edges that add a delightful crunch and intensity to every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick family dinner or entertaining guests, the inviting scent and rich flavors of this dish will have everyone gathering around the kitchen in anticipation. With a few personal tweaks and time-saving tips, you can easily customize this recipe to suit various preferences and busy schedules, ensuring a hassle-free cooking experience without compromising on taste.

Quick Benefits

• Amazing Flavor Combination: The sweet-spicy combo of juicy chicken, oven-roasted sweet potatoes, and tangy slaw creates a flavor explosion that hits the spot.
• Wholesome and Nourishing: Packed with different textures from soft quinoa to crunchy bits, this meal offers a wholesome and nourishing eating experience.
• Family Favorite: Loved by kids and guests alike, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings people together around the irresistible aroma and taste.
• Adaptable and Time-Saving: Easily adaptable to different preferences and time constraints, with tips for faster preparation and customization to suit individual tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Sweet Chicken Bowl Recipe Recipe

• Amazing Flavor Combination: The sweet and spicy flavors of the chicken, tangy slaw, and roasted sweet potatoes create a delicious and satisfying meal.
• Variety of Textures: From the juicy chicken to the crunchy slaw and the soft quinoa, each bite offers a mix of textures that make the dish interesting to eat.
• Easy and Quick to Prepare: With some prepping ahead of time, you can have this meal ready in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a tasty meal without much effort.
• Customizable: The recipe offers suggestions for tweaks to suit different preferences, such as adjusting the protein amount or omitting salt for those watching their intake.
• Family Favorite: This dish has become a go-to for family dinners and gatherings, loved by both kids and adults for its comforting and flavorful appeal.
• Versatile Sides: The main dish pairs well with a variety of sides, from simple salads to roasted vegetables, allowing you to customize the meal further based on your preferences.
• Tips for Perfect Results: The recipe provides helpful tips to troubleshoot common issues, ensuring that you can achieve consistent and excellent results each time you make the dish.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The enticing aroma and delicious flavors of this dish make it a hit with guests, making it a great option for entertaining or sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients for Spicy Sweet Chicken Bowl Recipe

Chicken

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless & skinless
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sweet Potatoes

• 1 to 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 pound sweet potatoes
• sprinkle of black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• sprinkle of salt, to taste

Quinoa

• 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 cup quinoa
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 cups chicken broth

Coleslaw

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 3 cups red cabbage
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 tablespoon white sugar or honey

Hot Honey Mustard Dressing

• 1/3 cup avocado oil or olive oil
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup yellow or Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Crispy Onions

• 1/2 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• sprinkle of salt, to taste
• vegetable oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Pro Tips for Spicy Sweet Chicken Bowl Recipe

Pro tip #1: For the juiciest and most flavorful chicken thighs, opt for free-range chicken when possible. Look out for sales and stock up, as the quality of the chicken can really elevate the dish.

Pro tip #2: To achieve perfectly cooked rice with crispy edges, ensure you wash the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Use the right liquid-to-rice ratio of 1.5 cups liquid for each cup of rice, and seal the foil tightly during the initial cooking to trap in steam. These steps will result in a delicious and well-textured rice component for your bowl.

Pro tip #3: Save time by prepping ahead – mix all the spices the night before and keep them in a small container on the counter. Pre-chop onions and store them in the fridge. Additionally, keeping minced garlic in the fridge can be a lifesaver on busy nights. These time-saving tips will help you get dinner in the oven in no time after a hectic day.

How to Make Spicy Sweet Chicken Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Fix the dressing

Combine honey, mustard, avocado or olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and red pepper flakes in a blender. Blend until smooth and set aside.

Step 2: Whip up the coleslaw

In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage and carrots. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, sugar (or honey), and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.

Step 3: Bake sweet potatoes

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes. Toss them with avocado oil, salt, pepper, and cornstarch until coated. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Step 4: Make the quinoa

In a pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in quinoa to coat with butter. Pour in chicken broth, salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat, keep covered for an additional 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Step 5: Cook up the chicken

In a bowl, combine chicken thigh pieces with olive oil, salt, chili powder, Italian seasonings, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side until golden and cooked. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before chopping.

Step 6: Fry the onions

Slice a yellow onion into thin rings and soak in buttermilk. In a separate bowl, combine flour and salt. Remove onion rings from buttermilk and coat in flour mixture. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry onion rings until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels before serving.

Step 7: Put together the bowl

Start by layering cooked quinoa as the base. Place roasted sweet potato chunks on one side and sliced chicken next to them. Add coleslaw to the other side of the chicken. Drizzle honey mustard sauce over the chicken and sweet potatoes, then sprinkle with fried onions. Serve and enjoy immediately.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Sweet Spicy Chicken Bowl, storing the leftovers properly is key to maintaining its flavors and textures. To store the finished dish, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator and consume the leftovers within 3-4 days. When reheating, you can use the microwave for a quick meal or reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop for a more flavorful result.

If you have a large batch of the Sweet Spicy Chicken Bowl and want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it for future meals. Portion out the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, making sure to leave some room for expansion. Label the containers with the date and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen meal overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it on the stovetop or in the microwave. This convenient storage method allows you to have a delicious homemade meal ready in no time, perfect for busy days or meal prepping.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version of this Sweet Spicy Chicken Bowl, you can substitute the chicken thighs with tofu or tempeh. Marinate the tofu or tempeh in the same spice mix used for the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking to infuse the flavors. You can also try using chickpeas or lentils as a protein alternative for a plant-based option.

If you’re looking to make this dish gluten-free, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for a crispy coating on the chicken. Additionally, swap the soy sauce in the sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to keep the dish gluten-free. Make sure to check that all your other ingredients, like the chicken broth and mustard, are also gluten-free if needed.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try assembling the Sweet Spicy Chicken Bowl in individual mason jars for a fun and portable meal. Start by layering the quinoa at the bottom, followed by the juicy chicken pieces, oven-roasted sweet potatoes, and tangy slaw. Top it off with a drizzle of the spicy honey sauce and some crunchy toppings like toasted nuts or seeds. This presentation not only looks visually appealing but also allows for easy transportation and storage, making it a great option for picnics or on-the-go lunches.

Another creative idea is to turn the Sweet Spicy Chicken Bowl into a deconstructed taco bar for a fun and interactive dining experience. Set out bowls of the different components like the seasoned chicken, quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and slaw, along with an assortment of toppings such as shredded cheese, avocado slices, diced tomatoes, and cilantro. Let everyone build their own taco bowls by layering their favorite ingredients in a bowl or tortilla. This DIY approach adds a playful element to the meal and allows each person to customize their dish to suit their taste preferences.

FAQs for Spicy Sweet Chicken Bowl Recipe

Question?

What type of chicken is best to use for this recipe?

Question?

How can I make the rice around the edges of the pan slightly crispy?

Question?

How can I make this dish faster on busy nights?

Question?

What are some recommended side dishes to serve with this sweet spicy chicken bowl?

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed making and savoring this delicious Sweet spicy chicken bowl as much as I do. It’s always so rewarding to create a dish that brings joy and satisfaction to those around your table. The versatility of this recipe allows for personal touches and adjustments to suit different preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Remember, cooking is an art, and each time you make this Sweet spicy chicken bowl, it’s a chance to experiment, learn, and perfect your culinary skills. Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and make this dish your own. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out on your culinary journey, this recipe is sure to inspire and delight. Keep spreading the love with good food, and may your kitchen always be filled with the aroma of delicious meals like this Sweet spicy chicken bowl.