Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate

If you’re a fan of Sweetgreen, then you’re in for a treat with this homemade version of their Hot Honey Chicken Plate. It’s got everything you love about the original: tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and spicy kick, all piled on top of fresh, crisp veggies. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a wholesome dinner, this dish will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. The best part? You can make it right at home with ingredients that are probably already in your kitchen! Let’s just say, once you try this recipe, there’s no going back to takeout.

Why You’ll Love Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some fresh, healthy flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: You can swap out veggies or grains to make it exactly how you like it. Perfect for any dietary preference or craving!

Budget-Friendly: Fresh, simple ingredients that won’t break the bank—this meal is both delicious and affordable.

Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, you can get this dish on the table in no time.

Customizable: Adjust the level of spice with more or less hot honey, or throw in your favorite toppings like avocado or roasted veggies.

Crowd-Pleasing: This plate has a little bit of everything—crunchy, savory, spicy, and sweet—making it a hit with everyone, from kids to adults.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this vibrant, flavorful dish:

Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy chicken breasts are the star of this plate, grilled or pan-seared to perfection.

Hot Honey Sauce: The magic happens here! A combination of honey, hot sauce, and a little bit of vinegar creates that sweet and spicy glaze.

Mixed Greens: Fresh, crisp mixed greens (like arugula, spinach, or kale) make the base of your plate. They’re light and refreshing, balancing out the richness of the chicken.

Quinoa: Nutty, hearty quinoa serves as the perfect grain base. You can easily swap it for brown rice or couscous if you prefer.

Cucumbers: Cool, crisp cucumber slices add a refreshing crunch to the plate.

Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes bring a burst of flavor.

Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp bite and color to the dish.

Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken and drizzling over the veggies for extra flavor.

Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the flavors of the chicken and veggies.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this fresh and flavorful plate:

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your grill or pan to medium-high heat. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets a nice, golden brown exterior.

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Make sure to rub the seasoning in well for maximum flavor.

Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken on the preheated grill or in the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove from the heat and set aside to rest.

Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and a splash of vinegar. Heat over low heat until everything is well combined and warmed through. Stir occasionally to avoid burning the honey.

Prepare the Quinoa: Cook the quinoa according to package instructions, then fluff with a fork once it’s done.

Assemble the Plate: Start by placing a scoop of quinoa at the base of each plate. Add a handful of mixed greens, followed by cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Slice the rested chicken and arrange it on top of the veggies.

Drizzle the Hot Honey Sauce: Generously drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken. You can also drizzle a little over the veggies if you like that sweet and spicy kick all around.

Finishing Touches: Garnish with any extra toppings you like, such as sliced avocado, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a few extra herbs.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant, sweet, and spicy flavors in every bite!

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 2
Calories per serving: 450

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate

This dish is already well-balanced with protein, healthy fats, and fresh veggies, but you can enhance the experience with some additional sides:

• Serve with a side of roasted sweet potatoes for an extra dose of comfort.
• A tangy yogurt dressing or tahini sauce makes a great complement to the spiciness of the hot honey chicken.
• Add a side of crusty bread or pita for some extra texture.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• If you don’t have quinoa, you can easily swap it for couscous, brown rice, or even farro.
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of hot sauce in the hot honey sauce, or even use a mild hot sauce for a more subtle flavor.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and are even juicier than breasts.
2. What if I don’t like spicy food?
   You can adjust the heat level of the hot honey sauce by reducing the amount of hot sauce or using a milder one.
3. Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time?
   Yes! You can store the hot honey sauce in an airtight container for up to a week. Just reheat before serving.
4. Can I substitute the quinoa for another grain?
   Absolutely! You can use brown rice, couscous, or even farro in place of quinoa.
5. Can I make this recipe vegan?
   Yes! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version.
6. How can I add more veggies to this plate?
   Feel free to add roasted vegetables, like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini, for an extra boost of nutrients.
7. Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-searing?
   Yes! Grilling the chicken will add a nice smoky flavor to the dish.
8. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   You can prep the ingredients in advance, but for the freshest taste, I recommend assembling and serving the plate right before eating.
9. What other toppings can I add?
   Top your plate with sliced avocado, a handful of nuts or seeds, or even some crumbled feta for extra flavor.
10. How do I store leftovers?
    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken may dry out a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!

Conclusion

The Copycat Sweetgreen Hot Honey Chicken Plate is everything you love about a vibrant, satisfying meal: fresh veggies, tender chicken, and a sweet and spicy kick. It’s simple, healthy, and packed with flavor—perfect for any day of the week. Try it once, and it might just become your new go-to meal. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one!

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