If you’re craving a vibrant, flavor-packed dinner that’s as colorful as it is delicious, this Sheet Pan Hot Honey Chicken and Veggie Glow Bowls Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight staple. Imagine succulent, perfectly spiced bone-in chicken thighs roasted alongside sweet potatoes and carrots, all drizzled with a luscious hot honey glaze that adds just the right kick. Toss in fluffy quinoa, fresh baby arugula, shredded red cabbage, and a tangy, spicy green feta sauce, and you have a bowl that not only looks incredible but is bursting with layers of taste and texture. It’s simple to make, satisfying in every bite, and leaves you glowing with happiness, promise!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish right means zooming in on fresh, straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the spices that coat the chicken and veggies to the vibrant greens and feta that elevate the bowls, every element is essential to create a well-balanced, irresistible meal.
- Bone-in chicken thighs (2 pounds): These add juicy flavor and crispy skin that can’t be beaten.
- Carrots (3 large): Their natural sweetness softens while roasting, complementing the spices perfectly.
- Sweet potato (1 medium-large): Cubed for tender, slightly caramelized bites with a warm orange hue.
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps everything roast evenly and adds a subtle richness.
- Sweet paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a gentle smoky warmth to the seasoning blend.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): A must for savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): For an earthy herbal note that marries beautifully with chicken.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Packs just enough punch to amp up the dish’s excitement.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the vibrant tastes.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat that rounds out the seasoning.
- Quinoa (1 cup): Light, fluffy, and a fantastic base for soaking up all the flavors.
- Filtered water or chicken broth (2 cups): To cook the quinoa perfectly tender.
- Baby arugula (4 cups): Peppery greens that brighten the bowl’s freshness.
- Shredded red cabbage (2 to 3 cups): Crunchy and colorful for a beautiful contrast.
- Lemon zest: Adds zing and freshness when sprinkled on top.
- Hot honey (3 tablespoons): The star drizzle that brings sweet heat and sticky goodness.
- Feta cheese (1 to 2 ounces): Crumbled for a creamy, tangy bite.
- Fresh parsley and cilantro: Chopped for herbal brightness and color.
- Spicy green feta sauce: Optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of spicy creaminess.
How to Make Sheet Pan Hot Honey Chicken and Veggie Glow Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper to keep clean-up easy. In a big bowl, toss together the bone-in chicken thighs, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Drizzle everything with olive oil, then sprinkle the paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, chili powder, kosher salt, and fresh black pepper. Use your hands to mix and coat evenly – this step is where the magic of flavor really begins.
Step 2: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the chicken and veggies on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure chicken pieces aren’t touching the vegetables, with the skin side up for crispy roasting. Pop this into the oven for 30 minutes, stirring the veggies halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F to be safely cooked, and if you love crispy skin like me, finish it off under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, but keep a close eye so nothing burns!
Step 3: Cook the Quinoa
While your chicken and veggies are baking, place the quinoa, water (or chicken broth for extra flavor), and salt in a medium pot. Bring it to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook gently for 15 minutes, then fluff with a fork and keep covered for another 5 to 10 minutes to steam and stay warm. This fluffy quinoa will be the perfect fluff base for your glow bowl.
Step 4: Build Your Glow Bowls
Grab your shallow bowls and add about half a heaping cup of quinoa to one side. On the other side, pile on the peppery baby arugula and shredded red cabbage. Drizzle those greens lightly with spicy green feta sauce if you like a bit of creamy heat. Next, top the quinoa with the roasted chicken and scatter a generous portion of the roasted veggies around. Drizzle each piece of chicken with two teaspoons of the sweet and spicy hot honey for that signature glaze that makes this dish exceptional.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle the bowls with crumbled feta, fresh lemon zest, and chopped parsley and cilantro for a fresh, bright finish. Serve with extra spicy green feta sauce on the side to dip or drizzle—each bite will be a delightful balance of smoky, sweet, spicy, and fresh flavors.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Hot Honey Chicken and Veggie Glow Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowls even more, fresh herbs like chopped parsley and cilantro add a lively green touch that enhances both flavor and presentation. Lemon zest is a simple addition that provides a subtle zing to brighten the dish. Crumbled feta gives that creamy, salty contrast, balancing the sweet heat of the hot honey beautifully.
Side Dishes
While this dish is perfectly filling on its own, you can add a crisp cucumber salad or a light yogurt cucumber raita to cool the palate and add refreshing crunch. Or serve alongside warm flatbreads or pita for scooping up bites and making it feel even more communal and cozy.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond just bowls! You can layer the components in mason jars for portable lunches or serve them family-style on a large platter, letting everyone build their own glow bowls. For a more casual vibe, use large lettuce leaves as wraps for handheld bites packed with chicken, quinoa, veggies, and that irresistible hot honey drizzle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the hot honey sauce separate whenever possible to preserve its texture and sweetness. This way, your glow bowls will taste almost as fresh as the day you made them!
Freezing
If you want to make this recipe ahead in bulk, the roasted chicken and veggies freeze beautifully. Place them in freezer-safe containers or bags, and they can keep for up to 3 months. Quinoa freezes well too, though the texture may soften slightly upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and vegetables in a 350 degrees F oven to bring back crispiness in the skin, about 15 to 20 minutes. The quinoa warms well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water. Add fresh greens and drizzle with hot honey just before serving to maintain that vibrant, fresh finish.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! While bone-in thighs offer more flavor and crispiness, boneless skinless thighs can also work well and speed up cooking time slightly. Just watch the cooking time closely so they don’t dry out.
Is this recipe very spicy? Can I adjust the heat?
The hot honey adds a gentle sweet heat rather than overpowering spice. You can easily control the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili powder in the seasoning and how much hot honey you drizzle. It’s all about your personal preference.
What can I substitute for quinoa?
Great alternatives include cooked orzo, pearl couscous, or brown rice. Each adds a slightly different texture but maintains the wholesome, grain base of the bowl.
What is spicy green feta sauce?
It’s a creamy, tangy sauce made from feta blended with herbs and a kick of heat, either from jalapeños or a hot sauce. It adds richness and an exciting flavor boost, but if you prefer, you can leave it out or swap it for Greek yogurt mixed with lemon and herbs.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the chicken with thick slices of roasted tofu or chickpea nuggets, and keep the same veggies and seasonings. The hot honey drizzle and feta will still give you that crave-worthy flavor punch.
Final Thoughts
There truly is something special about this Sheet Pan Hot Honey Chicken and Veggie Glow Bowls Recipe—it’s a one-pan wonder that delivers a rainbow of taste, texture, and nutrition every time. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to a beautiful homemade dinner, this recipe will light up your kitchen and leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. So go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new go-to comfort food that feels exciting and wholesome all at once.
Print
Sheet Pan Hot Honey Chicken and Veggie Glow Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Sheet Pan Hot Honey Chicken and Veggie Glow Bowl combines tender, crispy bone-in chicken thighs with roasted carrots and sweet potatoes, served over fluffy quinoa with fresh baby arugula, shredded red cabbage, and a spicy green feta sauce. A drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey finishes the dish, creating a vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the chicken and veggies:
- 2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs (4 large bone-in chicken thighs)
- 3 large carrots, cut in half lengthwise and then cut into 2 inch segments/chunks
- 1 medium to large sweet potato, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the quinoa:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups filtered water or chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
For serving:
- 4 cups baby arugula
- 2 to 3 cups finely shredded red cabbage
- Lemon zest, for garnish
- 3 tablespoons hot honey (such as Mike’s Hot Honey), for drizzling
- 1 to 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh chopped parsley and cilantro, for garnish
- Spicy Green Feta Sauce, for drizzling and serving on the side
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare the chicken and vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the bone-in chicken thighs, cut carrots, and diced sweet potato. Drizzle with the extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle sweet paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, chili powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the mixture. Toss well using clean hands to ensure that the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the spices and oil.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Spread the chicken and vegetables out evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the chicken pieces are skin side up and that they are not touching the vegetables to allow proper roasting and crisping. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the chicken and veggies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Stir the vegetables halfway through the baking time to promote even roasting. Bake until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you desire extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Cook the quinoa: While the chicken and vegetables are baking, rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a medium pot, combine quinoa, filtered water or chicken broth, and kosher salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, fluff the quinoa with a fork, then cover it again and let it steam for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to stay warm and fully absorb moisture.
- Assemble the bowls: To serve, spoon about half a heaping cup of cooked quinoa onto one side of each shallow bowl. On the other side, add approximately 1 cup of baby arugula and ½ cup of shredded red cabbage. Lightly drizzle the greens with some spicy green feta sauce if desired.
- Add chicken and veggies: Top the quinoa portion with one piece of chicken and about one-quarter of the roasted vegetables. Drizzle each piece of chicken with roughly 2 teaspoons of hot honey, and garnish with crumbled feta cheese, a sprinkle of lemon zest, and fresh chopped parsley and cilantro.
- Serve: Serve the bowls with extra spicy green feta sauce on the side for additional dipping or drizzling to enhance the flavors. Enjoy a balanced bite of protein, veggies, and grains with every spoonful.
Notes
- You can substitute quinoa with cooked orzo, pearl couscous, or brown rice based on your preference.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs may be used as an alternative, but bone-in thighs provide a more flavorful and crispy skin.
- Watch the chicken carefully when broiling to avoid burning the skin during the final crisping step.
- Use chicken broth instead of water for cooking quinoa to boost flavor further.
- This recipe can be prepped in advance with all ingredients ready to roast or cook for convenient meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
