restaurant Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast), trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 3/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp hot sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat preferred)
• 1 lemon lemon zest + lemon juice
• 1 small clove fresh garlic, finely grated
• 3 cups cooked rice or cooked quinoa
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 medium red onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

list_alt Instructions

1. 1
   Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425F and line a large sheet pan - high heat drives off moisture and builds browning, which is the key to a high protein chicken bowl that tastes roasted, not steamed.
2. 2
   Step 2: Toss broccoli, bell pepper, and red onion with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread in a single layer - spacing prevents steaming and helps vegetables caramelize for meal prep protein recipes that stay flavorful.
3. 3
   Step 3: Season chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, rubbing well - even seasoning guarantees every bite of the hot honey chicken bowl tastes bold and balanced.
4. 4
   Step 4: Roast vegetables for 10 minutes first - this head start creates crisp-tender edges so the bowl has crunch and supports balanced lunch bowl ideas instead of soft, watery vegetables.
5. 5
   Step 5: Add chicken to the pan (or a second pan) and roast 14 to 16 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned - roasting hot builds flavor so this cottage cheese dinner recipe tastes restaurant-style.
6. 6
   Step 6: Whisk honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar until glossy - the vinegar keeps the hot honey glaze bright so the hot honey flavor trend tastes sweet-spicy, not sticky and heavy.
7. 7
   Step 7: Brush chicken with hot honey glaze and roast 3 to 4 minutes more until lacquered - late glazing caramelizes lightly without burning, which is critical for a consistent hot honey chicken bowl.
8. 8
   Step 8: Blend cottage cheese with lemon zest, lemon juice, grated garlic, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy - whipping transforms it into a savory base for savory cottage cheese meals and a cohesive cottage cheese dinner recipe.
9. 9
   Step 9: Portion rice or quinoa into bowls, spread whipped cottage cheese on top or underneath, then add roasted vegetables - layered assembly keeps textures distinct for healthy, balanced lunch bowl ideas.
10. 10
    Step 10: Slice or cube glazed chicken and place on top, then drizzle extra hot honey if desired - finishing on top preserves the glossy glaze and reinforces the hot honey chicken bowl identity.
11. 11
    Step 11: Finish with chopped herbs and a final squeeze of lemon - fresh herbs brighten the bowl so this high protein chicken bowl stays lively even after chilling for meal prep protein recipes.