Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate Recipe

If you are dreaming of a vibrant, flavorful meal that hits all the right notes, let me introduce you to the Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate. This dish is a delightful medley of smoky blackened chicken, sweet and tender roasted sweet potatoes, fluffy quinoa, and a tangy, crunchy slaw, all brought together by a luscious hot honey dressing that is both sweet and spicy. It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for seconds, and it’s surprisingly easy to make right at home. Trust me, once you try this Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate, it will become your go-to comfort meal that feels both nourishing and exciting every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s wonderful about the Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate is how simple but essential each ingredient is. Every item contributes its own magic—from the juicy chicken packed with aromatic spices to the sweet potatoes that add a caramelized sweetness and the fresh slaw bringing a refreshing crunch. These ingredients work harmoniously to create a dish that is as nutritious as it is delicious.

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and tender, perfect for absorbing bold spices without drying out.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and dressing, it adds richness and helps meld flavors together.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Infuses the chicken with a subtle tangy sweetness that deepens the taste.
• Chili Powder: Delivers a smoky warmth crucial for that blackened chicken flavor.
• Ground Black Pepper: Enhances the spices with a sharp, earthy kick.
• Cumin: Adds a nutty, slightly spicy undertone that complements the chili powder beautifully.
• Coriander: Brightens the overall spice mix with delicate citrus notes.
• Kosher Salt: Vital for seasoning to bring out the natural flavors across the dish.
• Quinoa: A fluffy, protein-packed grain base that soaks up all the delicious juices.
• Broth or Water: For cooking quinoa, broth adds extra flavor but water works just as well.
• Sweet Potatoes: Roasted to crispy, caramelized perfection with a savory spice blend.
• Onion Powder: Adds subtle savory depth to the sweet potatoes.
• Nutritional Yeast: Brings a buttery, cheesy note while keeping it plant-based.
• Honey: The star ingredient of the hot honey dressing, balancing heat with sweet richness.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tang and complexity to the dressing and slaw.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides bright acidity for both the dressing and slaw.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Brings the heat that makes the hot honey truly sizzle.
• Purple Cabbage: Crunchy and colorful, perfect for a refreshing slaw.
• Shredded Carrots: Adds sweetness and texture contrast to the slaw.
• Greek Yogurt: Creates a creamy base for the slaw with a tangy punch.
• Lime Juice: Brightens the slaw with a fresh, citrus zing.
• Fresh Parsley: A fragrant herb that finishes the slaw with garden freshness.

How to Make Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate

Step 1: Roast Sweet Potatoes to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Dice your sweet potatoes into evenly sized cubes so they cook uniformly, then toss them with olive oil, onion powder, chili powder, and nutritional yeast. Spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet to ensure crispiness and roast for about 35 to 40 minutes. Don’t forget to toss them halfway through roasting—this little step ensures each bite is perfectly caramelized and tender.

Step 2: Blacken the Chicken with Bold Spices

While your sweet potatoes are roasting, it’s time to prepare the chicken. Cut your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and mix them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chili powder, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and kosher salt. Heat a large skillet to medium-high and cook the chicken until it’s beautifully blackened and cooked through. This spice-rubbed chicken is juicy and bursting with flavor, the hallmark of the Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate.

Step 3: Cook and Fluff the Quinoa

Quinoa is the perfect fluffy grain to anchor this dish. Rinse it well to remove any bitterness, then combine with broth or water in a saucepan. Bring it to a gentle boil, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork to lighten it up, creating the perfect bed for your chicken and veggies.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Hot Honey Dressing

In a bowl or measuring cup, combine olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, and kosher salt. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is shiny and well-emulsified. This is the sauce that rounds everything out by adding a sweet heat kick that brings the entire plate to life.

Step 5: Toss Up a Bright and Creamy Slaw

Grab a large bowl and add shredded purple cabbage and carrots. Stir in Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, fresh lime juice, chopped parsley, and kosher salt. Toss everything together so the slaw is creamy, tangy, and fresh with just the right amount of crunch—truly a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken.

Step 6: Assemble Your Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate

To serve, start with a generous scoop of fluffy quinoa as your base. Layer on the blackened chicken, then add a vibrant pile of the creamy slaw. Drizzle the hot honey dressing over everything and watch your meal transform into a colorful, flavor-packed feast that looks as amazing as it tastes.

How to Serve Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or even some sliced green onions on top to add a fresh herbal note and a pop of green color. A few extra red pepper flakes can boost the heat if you’re a spice lover, making this dish as fiery as you like. A wedge of lime on the side is the perfect way for everyone to brighten their plate with a fresh squeeze anytime.

Side Dishes

This dish is a powerhouse on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or garlic roasted green beans. A chilled cucumber salad or pickled vegetables also make a wonderful cooling pairing that balances the richness of the chicken and dressing beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the components deconstructed—let everyone build their own bowl with quinoa, chicken, sweet potatoes, and slaw on the side. You can also pile everything over a bed of mixed greens or swap quinoa for cauliflower rice to suit various dietary preferences. Using vibrant bowls or rustic wooden plates adds to the visual appeal, making your Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate look restaurant-worthy at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keep the hot honey dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent sogginess in the slaw and sweet potatoes. This makes it easy to grab a healthy, flavorful meal any day of the week.

Freezing

While the blackened chicken and sweet potatoes freeze well, the slaw and dressing do not. If you plan to freeze, divide your meal into portions and freeze the cooked chicken and sweet potatoes in freezer-safe containers. You can thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding freshly made slaw and dressing for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat your chicken and sweet potatoes gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to retain their crispiness and moisture. Avoid microwaving if you can, as this may cause the chicken to dry out. Add fresh slaw and drizzle with the reserved hot honey dressing just before serving for that just-made freshness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts; however, thighs remain juicier and are better at holding the bold rub without drying out. If you use breasts, be careful not to overcook to maintain tenderness.

Is there a substitute for nutritional yeast in the sweet potatoes?

If you don’t have nutritional yeast, you can omit it or use a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese for a similar savory, cheesy note—just keep in mind that Parmesan adds dairy to the dish.

How spicy is the hot honey dressing? Can I make it milder?

The hot honey dressing has a pleasant medium heat level from the crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer milder, simply reduce the amount or omit the pepper flakes altogether; the honey still provides plenty of sweetness and flavor.

Can I prepare any parts of this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! The quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and blackened chicken can all be cooked ahead and stored separately. Just prepare the slaw and dressing fresh for the best texture and flavor on the day you plan to serve.

Is this dish gluten-free and suitable for meal prep?

This Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate is naturally gluten-free, especially if you use gluten-free broth and Dijon mustard. It’s a fantastic option for meal prep since it stores well and reheats beautifully throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Making the Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate at home is a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal bursting with bold, vibrant flavors and plenty of nourishing ingredients. It’s a dish that balances spicy, sweet, smoky, and fresh elements so effortlessly, inviting you to experiment with garnishes and sides. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes a cherished staple in your kitchen, perfect for sharing with friends and family on any day you want a special but approachable meal.

Print