Thereโs just something magical about a meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent at the same timeโand this Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate hits every note. Think juicy, golden chicken with a kick of sweet heat, roasted veggies that taste like comfort in a bowl, and fluffy grains that tie everything together like a warm hug. Itโs the kind of meal that makes you feel like youโre treating yourself, but also totally crushing your goals.
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Trust me, once you make this at home, youโll wonder why you ever paid so much to grab it out. Itโs customizable, crave-worthy, and just so satisfying in all the right ways. Whether youโre meal-prepping for the week or putting together a cozy dinner that still feels fresh and cleanโthis oneโs a game-changer.
Why Youโll Love Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate
Versatile:
This bowl is whatever you need it to beโdinner after a long day, lunch on the go, or even a meal prep superstar. Itโs just as perfect for a quiet night in as it is for serving a group of friends who love good food.
Budget-Friendly:
You probably already have most of these ingredients at home. And making it yourself? Way more cost-effective than ordering out. Delicious doesnโt have to break the bank.
Quick and Easy:
No complicated techniques, just simple steps and bold flavor. Itโs an easy win, even for beginner cooks.
Customizable:
Go wild with toppings! Swap out grains, use your favorite roasted veggies, or add extra proteinโitโs your bowl, your way.
Crowd-Pleasing:
Sweet, spicy, savoryโthis combo is a flavor bomb. Everyone at the table will be going back for seconds (and asking for the recipe).
Ingredients in Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate
Hereโs the beauty of this plateโit layers simple, clean ingredients to create a total flavor explosion. Letโs break it down:
Chicken Thighs or Breasts: The main event! Juicy, seared chicken is tossed in a hot honey glaze for that irresistible sweet-heat combo.
Hot Honey Sauce: A mix of honey and your favorite hot sauce (like Frankโs or Sriracha). Sticky, spicy, and slightly smoky.
Grains (Brown Rice or Quinoa): Nutty, hearty grains are the perfect base to soak up all those flavors.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Soft, caramelized, and naturally sweetโthey balance the heat like a dream.
Roasted Broccoli: A crispy, slightly charred contrast that adds texture and earthiness.
Pickled Onions: Bright and tangy, they cut through the richness and bring a pop of color.
Goat Cheese or Feta: Creamy, tangy cheese crumbles that melt into the hot rice like magic.
Fresh Greens (Spinach or Kale): A bed of greens adds freshness and a little crunch to round out the dish.
Lemon Vinaigrette: Light and zesty to bring it all together without overpowering the other flavors.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Letโs dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment:
Preheat your oven to 425ยฐF for roasting your veggies, and set a skillet on medium-high heat for the chicken.
Roast the Veggies:
Toss sweet potatoes and broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20โ25 minutes until tender and golden.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix honey with hot sauce to taste. Heat gently in a saucepan or microwave until warm and pourable.
Cook the Chicken:
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sear in a skillet until golden and cooked through, then brush or toss with the warm hot honey sauce.
Assemble the Bowl:
Layer your grains first, then pile on the roasted veggies, chicken, greens, pickled onions, and cheese.
Drizzle and Finish:
Top with a generous drizzle of lemon vinaigrette. Add extra hot honey if you like things spicy. Serve warm and enjoy every sweet, spicy, savory bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 520
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate
This bowl is already a one-stop shop, but you can jazz it up even more:
Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado takes it to another level of richness.
Crispy Chickpeas: Add crunch and a protein boost.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness.
Lime Wedges: A little squeeze of citrus brings out all the flavors.
Wrap It Up: Toss it all into a tortilla for a killer wrap version!
Presentation tip? Serve it in a big, shallow bowl so each colorful layer can shine!
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Roast veggies and cook grains in advance to make weeknight dinners effortless.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes to the hot honey for extra heat.
Dietary Adjustments: Swap goat cheese for dairy-free cheese to make it vegan.
Storage Tips: Keep components in separate containers and assemble fresh to avoid sogginess.
Double the Batch: Everything but the greens freezes greatโperfect for make-ahead meals!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
A1: Absolutely! Just shred and toss it in the hot honey sauceโsuper convenient and still delicious.
Q2: What can I substitute for goat cheese?
A2: Feta, blue cheese, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt works beautifully.
Q3: Is there a way to make this vegetarian?
A3: Yes! Swap the chicken for roasted chickpeas or tofu. Still totally satisfying.
Q4: Can I prep this for meal prep?
A4: For sure. Store each component separately and assemble just before eating for best results.
Q5: Can I use white rice or couscous instead of brown rice/quinoa?
A5: Yupโany grain works here! Go with what you love or have on hand.
Q6: How long do leftovers last?
A6: Up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat chicken and veggies separately for best texture.
Q7: Can I make the hot honey sauce less spicy?
A7: Definitelyโjust reduce the hot sauce or use a milder one like sweet chili.
Q8: What if I donโt have lemon vinaigrette?
A8: Use a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Q9: Can I air-fry the chicken?
A9: Yes, it turns out wonderfully crisp! Air fry at 375ยฐF for 15โ18 minutes.
Q10: How do I keep the greens from wilting?
A10: Add them just before serving and avoid mixing them with hot ingredients too early.
Conclusion
This Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate is everything you want in a mealโeasy, nourishing, wildly flavorful, and just plain fun to eat. Whether youโre recreating your favorite takeout at home or making an epic meal prep bowl, this recipe brings the bold vibes and cozy comfort every single time. Give it a try, and trust meโyour taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you.
PrintCopycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen! Featuring blackened chicken, crispy roasted sweet potatoes, fluffy quinoa, tangy cabbage slaw, and a spicy-sweet hot honey dressing, itโs perfect for meal prep or a protein-packed dinner. #HotHoneyChicken #SweetgreenCopycat #HealthyRecipesEasy #HighProteinRecipesDinner #MealPrepBowls #QuinoaBowl #HomemadeRecipes
Ingredients
For the Blackened Chicken:
- 2 pounds chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
For the Quinoa:
- 1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed
- 3 cups broth or water
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 1 pound sweet potatoes (about 2 medium), cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
For the Hot Honey Dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Slaw:
- 3 cups shredded purple cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
- Prepare sweet potatoes: toss cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, onion powder, chili powder, and nutritional yeast. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 35โ40 minutes, tossing halfway.
- Prepare chicken: toss chicken thigh pieces with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chili powder, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and salt. Cook in a hot skillet over medium-high heat until blackened and cooked through.
- Prepare quinoa: combine quinoa and broth (or water) in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- Make hot honey dressing: whisk together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- Make slaw: mix shredded cabbage and carrots with Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, parsley, and salt.
- Assemble bowls: layer quinoa, blackened chicken, and slaw in bowls. Drizzle with hot honey dressing and serve!
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for meal prepโstore each component separately and assemble when ready to eat.
- Adjust spice level by reducing or increasing the red pepper flakes in the dressing.
- Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg