Description
This Hot Honey Chicken Quinoa Bowl is a healthy and flavorful meal balancing sweet, spicy, and savory notes. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant vegetables for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 200 g (1 cup) Quinoa, rinsed: Rinsing removes bitterness and provides a complete protein.
- 480 ml (2 cups) Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth: Infuses quinoa with savory flavor.
- 300 g (10 oz) Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein, sliced into strips.
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) Olive Oil: For searing chicken.
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) Honey: Adds sweetness and creates a glaze.
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) Hot Chili Sauce: Provides spice; halal-certified.
- 5 ml (1 tsp) Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances sweetness and heat.
- 2.5 ml (½ tsp) Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth.
- 1.25 ml (¼ tsp) Garlic Powder: Subtle garlic flavor.
- 1.25 ml (¼ tsp) Onion Powder: Foundational savory flavor.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: Enhances flavors.
- 1 Large Carrot, julienned: Adds crunch and sweetness.
- ½ Red Bell Pepper, thinly sliced: Provides color and crispness.
- ½ Cucumber, diced: Offers a refreshing bite.
- 30 g (2 tbsp) Toasted Sesame Seeds: Nutty flavor and texture.
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) Fresh Cilantro, chopped: Bright, herbaceous garnish.
- 1 Lime, cut into wedges: Adds acidity.
- 1 Avocado, sliced (optional): Creamy richness.
Instructions
- Rinse Quinoa: Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water.
- Cook Quinoa: Combine quinoa and broth; boil, then simmer covered for 15 minutes.
- Rest & Fluff Quinoa: Let quinoa rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized strips.
- Make Glaze: Whisk together honey, chili sauce, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Sear chicken strips in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through.
- Glaze Chicken: Pour glaze over chicken and cook for 1-2 minutes, coating evenly.
- Prepare Vegetables: Julienne carrot, slice bell pepper, and dice cucumber; season lightly.
- Assemble Bowl: Spoon quinoa into a bowl, top with chicken, and arrange vegetables around.
- Garnish & Serve: Add avocado (optional), drizzle with glaze, sprinkle with sesame seeds and cilantro, and serve with lime.
Notes
For a quicker meal, cook quinoa and prep vegetables ahead of time. Adjust chili sauce amount to control the heat level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg