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Hot Honey Chicken Bowls

A delightful and protein-packed dish featuring crispy chicken thighs, fresh coleslaw, and a sweet-hot honey drizzle, perfect for nutritious weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lb chicken thighs Tender and juicy cuts that stay moist.
  • 0.5 cup buttermilk Helps in tenderizing the chicken and adding flavor.
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs Provides a crispy coating.
  • 0.25 cup whole wheat flour Adds body to the coating; can substitute all-purpose flour if preferred.
  • 1 tablespoon paprika Adds depth of flavor and color.
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning Introduces an aromatic herb blend.
  • Cooking spray oil Ensures the chicken crisps up well.
For the Sauce and Assembly
  • 0.5 cup honey The sweet component that balances the heat.
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha Adds a delightful spice kick.
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise Creaminess that complements the rest of the ingredients.
  • 3 cups cooked rice Serves as a hearty base for the bowl.
  • 3 cups coleslaw Provides freshness and texture.
  • Sweet pickles A tangy addition that brightens the dish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces, buttermilk, and salt into a large bowl and mix to combine. Set aside for 20 minutes (or up to 8 hours) to marinate.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  3. Prepare the Coating: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a shallow bowl, add the panko, flour, paprika, and Italian seasoning, mixing well.
Cooking
  1. Dredge the Chicken: Coat chicken pieces in the panko mixture, ensuring every piece is well-covered.
  2. Bake the Chicken: Transfer breaded chicken to the prepared baking sheet. Spray the tops with cooking oil. Bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Make the Hot Honey: Mix honey and Sriracha in a small bowl. Mix mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons of hot honey for a dipping sauce.
  4. Finish the Chicken: Once baked, brush the tops with remaining hot honey.
Assembly
  1. In each serving bowl, layer the cooked rice, coleslaw, sweet pickles, and hot honey chicken. Drizzle with the hot honey mayo.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate chicken for at least 20 minutes but up to 8 hours. Leftover chicken can be used in salads or wraps. Customize coleslaw with favorite vegetables.